The RSPCA has received recognition for its workplace learning initiatives, securing third place in two categories at this year’s Learning at Work Week Impact Awards.
The animal welfare charity was commended in the categories of Inspiring a Lifelong Learning Culture and Supporting Business and Organisational Goals, celebrating its efforts to advance staff and volunteer development through its “Learning at Work” programme.
Learning at Work Week, which occurs every May, saw the RSPCA hold a variety of sessions for its teams focused on professional development, coaching, and inclusivity. These sessions included workshops on wellbeing, resilience, women’s midlife health issues, menopause, and neurodiversity. Additionally, training in Makaton communication and an insight session on working within the RSPCA Operations Teams provided broader learning opportunities, enabling participants to gain a better understanding of various aspects of animal welfare and staff support.
Recognition in Organisational and Cultural Development
James Nelson, the RSPCA’s Learning and Development Advisor and Learning at Work Week Coordinator, expressed appreciation for the awards, noting the alignment with the organisation’s 200th anniversary. He stated, “As we mark our 200th anniversary this year, we are delighted that our efforts to help our teams develop and grow their skills have been recognised and rewarded. The whole week was a big team effort with a broad spectrum of our RSPCA family joining in to make it such a success.”
Nelson highlighted that these initiatives support the RSPCA’s mission to create a compassionate workplace environment where wellbeing and inclusivity are prioritised. “The RSPCA wants to see a world where every animal is respected and treated with kindness and compassion, and this extends to every staff member, branch, and volunteer too,” he said. Nelson added that these efforts help foster a culture of inclusivity and belonging within the organisation.
Popular Sessions and Positive Feedback
The virtual sessions attracted considerable interest, with over 780 staff members pre-booking. Making the sessions accessible from any location allowed more people across the RSPCA to participate. Following the event, 97% of attendees rated the sessions highly, awarding them a four or five out of five.
Julia Wright, National Director at the Campaign for Learning and a judge for the awards, praised the RSPCA’s initiative, saying, “We were very impressed by the RSPCA’s Learning at Work Week campaign. Learning at Work Week is all about promoting the importance and benefits of lifelong learning.” Wright noted the importance of fostering continuous learning and skill development within organisations to meet evolving service and care standards.
