Understanding Recruitment Group’s Training Programme Wins Princess Royal Training Award

When I joined the Understanding Recruitment Group back in 2019, I walked into a company brimming with talent, but I quickly realised a significant gap. Without a structured training programme, the development of new graduates was inconsistent, and this was placing additional demand on managers’ time. Our managers were stretched, guiding new recruits with varied recruitment experience, leading to different training standards. It was clear to me that our team needed a formal, consistent, and comprehensive training framework that would provide every new hire the same opportunity to thrive. The goal was simple but ambitious: create a structured, adaptive programme that would not only support our growth but actively contribute to it.

Our In-House Talent Programme was the answer to this challenge. Today, I’m incredibly proud to say that this programme, which has been years in the making, has earned us the prestigious Princess Royal Training Award, a remarkable recognition that underscores our commitment to sustained development and the positive impact it has on our company’s growth. This award reflects not only the strength of our programme but also the dedication of every individual at Understanding Recruitment who has been part of this journey.

Building a Path for Success

The In-House Talent Programme is structured to accommodate recruits from all backgrounds, especially those entirely new to recruitment. We designed this programme to focus on fundamental recruitment skills, specifically on the candidate side of recruitment. Our training includes sourcing, qualifying candidates, discussing job roles, managing the interview process, and guiding candidates to successful offers. It’s an intensive programme, beginning with two weeks of foundational training followed by additional dedicated sessions at three and six weeks. The journey doesn’t stop there; our new recruiters continue to receive ongoing coaching throughout their first year, ensuring they have the support needed to develop into confident, effective consultants.

One significant evolution of our programme was the addition of a dedicated coaching role. Nicola, who now leads 1-to-1 and small group training, tailors sessions to each recruit's specific needs. Her role has been transformative, helping us provide a more personalised approach and embedding learning at a deeper level. Feedback from both new hires and experienced consultants has been invaluable in continuously refining our programme. We take on board the challenges they face daily, adapting our content to ensure we’re addressing the most relevant issues and evolving alongside the recruitment landscape.

A Testimony to Success

The success stories within Understanding Recruitment are the best testimony to the programme’s effectiveness. Over the past year, we’ve celebrated a record 27 promotions across the company, a clear demonstration of the programme's impact. Our consultants are reaching promotion milestones faster than ever, setting record times for closing deals and achieving impressive results early in their careers. 

Daniel Nightingale, one of our principal consultants, highlights this by saying, “I know that when I hire a new recruit, they are in the very best hands as soon as they walk through the door. Training is mapped from day one, with interactive sessions bringing consultants up to the required level in record time.”

Anna Heneghan,  Head of our Machine Learning & AI Recruitment added: "When I started as a trainee at Understanding Recruitment 5+ years ago, I was totally new to recruitment. At the time, the onboarding process lacked any real structure or consistency. The training was mainly learning as you went, and having a few dotted training sessions around your first week or so. Since then, the programme has completely evolved alongside the L&D team and as a Manager, I can really see the benefits to my trainees. The Trainee Programme provides regular training sessions for the first 8 weeks and we even have a dedicated desk coach who supports new trainees for their first 12 months. Alongside this, you are supported as a Manager and are given the opportunity to have 1-on-1s with the team and feedback sessions. The training is now completely consistent, which means that everyone benefits from the best possible start with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful. The work that L & D have done to completely transform the onboarding process has had an enormous impact on the business. I only wish I could re-join now!"

To earn the Princess Royal Training Award, we went through an extensive process involving the submission of data, testimonials, and interviews with representatives from City and Guilds and the Princess Royal Training Trust. They scrutinised every aspect of our programme, from our mission to our performance metrics, seeking to understand the real impact of our training. We were thrilled to have several of our team members, including trainees and managers, present during these discussions to offer first-hand accounts of the programme’s transformative power. Their stories, along with the results, are what truly brought our application to life.

Sam McBroom, Company Director summarised the success of the programme by saying "Our Training Programme has been instrumental to the growth and in turn, success of the business. 85% of the sales team have joined as a trainee and progressed internally. We're seeing trainees get u and running so much faster because of the programme; they're billing record amounts in their first year and the fastest first promotion record has been broken multiple times in the last few years. The combination of theory and in-depth practical learnings (roleplays, calls, on desk coaching) from the training team are what we are built on."

A Future of Growth and Development

The Princess Royal Training Award is more than just a badge of honour; it’s a testament to our values and commitment to excellence. At Understanding Recruitment, we believe in helping each of our consultants become “the very best they can be,” and this award affirms our commitment to that vision. Our mission is to provide ongoing support to every employee, from their first day onwards, creating an environment where growth is encouraged, challenges are addressed, and achievements are celebrated.

As we look ahead, the journey is far from over. This award has motivated us to reach new heights in training and development. We hope to expand our accredited programmes, extending our training success across other areas of the company. Our sights are set on building a brighter, more innovative future where every employee has the tools and support to achieve their full potential.

Understanding Recruitment Group is committed to a culture of continual learning and growth. This award is only the beginning of what we envision for the future of our training programmes. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain dedicated to creating a work environment where every employee can excel and advance, knowing they are supported every step of the way. The future of Understanding Recruitment is indeed bright, and I am excited to see what we will accomplish next.

Ready to Grow with an Employee-Owned Company? Understanding Recruitment Group is expanding across all levels and brands, with opportunities for career advancement and relocation support from the UK to the US. If you’re looking to be part of an employee-owned company committed to your development, get in touch with us today!