Helping people enrich their lives through learning is the mission of The Skills Network – and its own employees' development is just as important.

The Skills Network team has grown from 35 people at its inception in 2009 to more than 100 people today as the business has evolved into one of the most successful providers of online learning solutions in the UK. A record 30,000 people gained nationally recognised qualifications in one year and overall, The Skills Network has helped a total of 195,000 people to improve their job prospects through award-winning courses using innovative technology.

The team not only offers distance learning for individuals but works with colleges, local authorities and training providers, as well as employers across a wide range of sectors. Offering high-quality and affordable paper-based and online learning materials, The Skills Network has collaborated with more than 4,000 organisations to provide workplace development schemes.

The business has headquarters in Selby, North Yorkshire, and opened a London office in 2017. Senior leaders are working to develop a post-pandemic blended model of home and office working. Good communication was vital over the past year to keep team members connected through a monthly company update and regular HR and Wellbeing newsletters. The Employee of the Month award has been effective to strengthen engagement and the winner's reward has been increased from half a day to a full day's holiday in 2021.