Our members are the most important part of our organisation, so we're proud to be recognised for making sure our staff give them service they deserve.

Earlier this summer, City and Guilds group awarded the Medical Defence Union (MDU) with two Princess Royal Training awards. The awards were made for the MDU's membership development and medico-legal assistant training programmes. We previously won awards in 2017 and 2018, and are the first medical defence organisation to achieve two awards in the same year.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr Sarah Jarvis, MDU medico-legal adviser, said:

"We are absolutely thrilled that our training programme for medico-legal assistants has been recognised with the Princess Royal Training (PRTA) award. We are one of only 46 organisations who received the award and one of only two organisations to achieve an awards double. We are also the only medical defence organisation to be given this accolade.

"The healthcare professionals we help with issues such as patient complaints, General Medical Council investigations, coroners' inquests and criminal cases, are invariably under great strain and are often very concerned about what has happened. It's vital that our team are fully trained in providing the round-the-clock guidance and support to doctors on the frontline. During 2020 we responded to over 35,000 requests for assistance or advice from our medical and dental members."

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Craig Johnson, MDU membership learning and development manager, said:

"I am extremely proud of everyone in our membership services team and am delighted that we have won an award in recognition of their ongoing learning and development. Maintaining the right levels of knowledge and competency is of great importance to us in ensuring that our members receive an efficient and quality service. This is the foundation of all that we do and underlines our member focused ethos.

"Throughout the pandemic, when delivering an efficient service was paramount, our team answered more than 116,000 calls with over 83% answered within 20 seconds. In addition, we answered 100% of the 107,000 items of member correspondence within five days of receipt. Our induction programme, ongoing coaching and skills development path facilitate high levels of knowledge and skill, meaning many of our team develop long term careers across the organisation."

Kirstie Donnelly MBE, chief executive of the City & Guilds Group, said:

"The last 18 months have caused disruption to the way most organisations operate which has led to major changes for all of us in how we live and work. Despite these challenges, it's fantastic to see so many organisations' continued commitment to training and development as well as the positive and life changing impact learning can have on people."

Find out more at princessroyaltrainingawards.com.

This page was correct at publication on 01/11/2021. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.