A standard of excellence for organisations that put people first: Applications open for the Princess Royal Training Awards

What does outstanding workplace training really look like? In 2026, organisations across the UK and Ireland are once again invited to answer that question by applying for the Princess Royal Training Awards, a nationally respected benchmark for excellence in workforce development.

Endorsed by HRH The Princess Royal, a long-standing champion of skills and lifelong learning, the Awards recognise organisations that invest in their people, creating confident, capable workforces that drive lasting impact.

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Designed for organisations of every shape and size

Since their launch in 2016, the Awards have celebrated training programmes from employers across all sectors, from household names to organisations quietly doing extraordinary work. The Awards are entirely free from start to finish, and the standard is consistent regardless of size or sector.

Interest in the Awards continues to grow. In 2025, a record 57 training programmes achieved recognition, reflecting both the rising quality or workplace learning and the increasing value that organisations place on developing their people. New this year, the Awards also recognise international training programmes delivered by UK- and Ireland-based organisations, widening their reach and influence.

Support that sets applicants up for success

The Princess Royal Training Awards stand out for the high level of support they offer. Every organisation that applies gains access to a range of support options, including practical workshops, one-to-one guidance, informal ‘tea and chat’ sessions, detailed Assessor feedback and a new Applicant Coaching offer. As one previous recipient commented:

 “These awards are so different to other awards out there and when we realised that, we really leaned into the process…unlike other awards, there are so many opportunities to ask for feedback. Nobody else does that and I think through that process, you are able to dig a little deeper.”

 Together, this support helps applicants refine their applications and promote continuous improvement in their programmes, whether or not they ultimately achieve the Award.

Proven impact in the retail sector

Retail organisations continue to demonstrate how high-quality learning can transform performance. Recent recipients awarded at the 2025 ceremony illustrate the range of impact that training can deliver.

Costa Coffee rebuilt barista confidence and brand connection through its Core Coffee Programme, reaching 1,400 colleagues post-pandemic. The results included stronger customer scores, higher advocacy and a significant reduction in voluntary turnover.

Domino’s, working in close partnership with franchisees, created a bespoke Leadership Development Programme to support new managers. The programme improved operational efficiency, lifted customer satisfaction and is now being expanded through a dedicated Manager Academy.

These stories sit alongside those of previous recipients, including Specsavers, Cox London, John Lewis & Partners, Pets At Home, River Island, Waitrose and many others, all united by a commitment to outstanding training and development.

More than an Award: A lasting community

Organisations that achieve the standard join a community of over 700 learning and training leaders, offering opportunities for peer learning, connections and collaboration. Recipients also consistently report higher employee engagement, stronger wellbeing outcomes and a clearer ability to demonstrate the social value of skilled, supported workforces. One recipient explained what the Award meant for them:

“For us, it is recognition that we have met a high standard, a quality standard; it’s a prestigious Award and it’s an excellent benchmark for us and others as well. And going through the process has also been extremely valuable. It encouraged us to reflect upon what we do well, where we have been, where we are at now and where we can go moving forwards.”

Apply for the 2026 Awards

If your organisation runs a training programme that has made a real difference to your people and your organisation, the Princess Royal Training Awards offer a powerful opportunity to gain recognition and raise your profile. The Awards are now open, until 20 March 2026. Apply now or find out more.