What The Workforce Development Trust does

The Workforce Development Trust is a UK-registered charity (no. 1143246) headquartered in Bristol that operates as the parent of a group of five sector-specialist brands: Skills for Health, Skills for Justice, People 1st International (Sector Skills Councils), and SFJ Awards and iCQ Awards (two Ofqual-regulated awarding organisations). The Trust provides end-to-end workforce development solutions — workforce planning, bespoke learning design, regulated qualifications, End-Point Assessment for apprenticeships, National Occupational Standards (4,000+ NOS across 50+ frameworks), research and evaluation, and awards programmes — targeting UK public sector buyers (NHS, police, MoJ, Cabinet Office, LRFs, devolved governments) and selected private sector verticals including hospitality, retail and tourism. It also engages in international development work, notably with the Inter-American Development Bank.

The organisation's underlying technology stack includes the NOS Finder web-based standards portal, LearnSpace eLearning platforms for threat awareness training, and the proprietary Scenario Informed Resilience Assessment (SIRA), which combines immersive scenario exercises with AI-adapted content. Core credentials include 450+ regulated qualifications, EPA services for 45+ apprenticeship standards, the only NaCTSO-endorsed Level 3 Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness qualification, the Core Skills Training Framework (covering 1.19M NHS workers across 94% of Trusts), and ISO27001 certification across the group.

Revenue is generated through four primary streams: regulated qualification and End-Point Assessment fees via SFJ Awards and iCQ Awards (recurring registrations, assessment and certification charges); training and learning solutions including the CTPSaP, WorldHost and threat awareness eLearning programmes (professional services); fee-for-service research and evaluation engagements for public sector bodies and international organisations; and licensing of National Occupational Standards and frameworks. GTM is hybrid: direct enterprise sales to public sector bodies and large employers, supplemented by self-serve enrolment through LearnSpace portals, sector events and webinars, thought leadership content, and the Our Health Heroes awards programme. Pricing is predominantly quote-based for enterprise engagements, with group booking discounts for CTPSaP and a £10,000 iCQ Future Stars grant programme.

Name

The Workforce Development Trust

Legal name

The Workforce Development Trust Ltd

Website

https://wdtrust.org.uk

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Workforce Development Trust is a UK national skills charity that delivers end-to-end workforce development — including regulated qualifications, apprenticeship End-Point Assessment, National Occupational Standards, AI-powered threat awareness eLearning, and the SIRA resilience assessment — across health, justice, policing, resilience, hospitality and tourism sectors for public sector buyers and employers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development and Training Services

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Awarding Organizations & Credentialing Bodies (Certificates/Diplomas) (EDADAFAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Assessment, Certification & Qualifications Frameworks (BPADAKAL), Continuing Education (CE/CPD) & Provider Accreditation Bodies (EDADACAF), Skilled Trades, Safety & Compliance Certification Prep (OSHA, HAZMAT, welding, electrical, HVAC) (EDANAIAM), Workplace Compliance & Professional Responsibility (Ethics, Harassment Prevention, Safety Basics) (EDAAAKAK)

Keywords

• Workforce development services
• Regulated qualifications
• Apprenticeship end-point assessment
• National occupational standards
• Workforce training solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Bristol

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Qualification and Apprenticeship Assessment Services: Revenue is generated through SFJ Awards and iCQ Awards, two Ofqual-regulated awarding organisations within the group. These organisations develop and assess over 450 regulated qualifications and deliver End-Point Assessment (EPA) services for 45+ apprenticeship standards. Revenue comes from qualification registration fees, assessment fees, and certification charges paid by training providers, employers and apprentices.
2. Training and Learning Solutions: Revenue generated from delivery of bespoke learning solutions, face-to-face training, eLearning programmes and professional development services to public and private sector organisations. Includes threat awareness eLearning subscriptions, Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness (CTPSaP), and WorldHost customer service programmes.
3. Research and Evaluation Services: Fee-for-service research and evaluation engagements for public sector bodies, academic institutions, and employers. Projects include workforce research, programme evaluation, labour market analysis, and impact assessment work commissioned by organisations including NHS, Ministry of Justice, UK Research and Innovation, Inter-American Development Bank, and the Youth Justice Board.
4. Standards and Framework Licensing: As a government-licensed national standards body, the Trust generates revenue through licensing of National Occupational Standards (NOS) and capability frameworks. It has shaped 4,000+ NOS across multiple sectors and maintains frameworks used by employers, professional bodies, and education providers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Workforce Development Trust is a UK national skills charity offering end-to-end workforce development solutions, including workforce planning, training programmes, regulated qualifications, apprenticeships, and End-Point Assessment services. Through its sub-brands (Skills for Health, Skills for Justice, SFJ Awards, People 1st International, iCQ Awards), it delivers 450+ regulated qualifications, 45+ apprenticeship standards, National Occupational Standards, AI-powered threat awareness eLearning, and bespoke learning solutions across health, justice, resilience, hospitality, retail and tourism sectors. It also provides fee-for-service research and evaluation, and licenses 4,000+ National Occupational Standards.

Product overview

The Workforce Development Trust is a UK national skills charity operating as an umbrella organisation with five specialist sub-brands: Skills for Health (health sector), Skills for Justice (justice and protective services), People 1st International (hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism), SFJ Awards, and iCQ Awards (both awarding organisations). The organisation provides end-to-end workplace development solutions including over 450 regulated qualifications, 45+ apprenticeship End-Point Assessment services, AI-powered threat awareness eLearning programmes, the Scenario Informed Resilience Assessment (SIRA), National Occupational Standards tools, bespoke learning solutions, and research and evaluation services. The group supports sectors including health and social care, justice, protective services, security, retail, hospitality, travel, and tourism, delivering large-scale national and international programmes such as London 2012 Olympics training.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Threat Awareness eLearning AI-powered, scenario-led online learning modules delivering threat awareness training for healthcare, retail, hospitality, events, property and facilities sectors. Approximately 20-minute role-specific modules with certificate on completion, designed for busy schedules and shift patterns.
• Scenario Informed Resilience Assessment (SIRA) Proprietary first-of-its-kind assessment combining immersive scenario-based planning exercises with AI-adapted content to evaluate organisational preparedness for adverse events. Provides resilience scores and prioritised actionable recommendations, delivered jointly with the Resilience Advisors Network.
• Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness (CTPSaP) Ofqual-regulated Level 3 qualification and the only one of its type endorsed by Counter-Terrorism Policing and NaCTSO. Provides practical risk assessment skills, preparedness planning, and understanding of Martyn's Law requirements for protective security roles. Delivered via Skills for Justice Training.
• National Occupational Standards (NOS) Finder Interactive online tool enabling users to explore, search and filter National Occupational Standards by industry or specific competences. Provides access to 4,000+ employer-led standards across multiple sectors for workforce planning and standards reference.
• Bespoke Learning Solutions Tailored workforce development programmes designed in partnership with organisations, including custom eLearning development, in-person facilitated learning, and blended learning pathways aligned to workforce frameworks and strategic priorities.
• WorldHost Customer Service Training Globally recognised customer service training programmes developed by People 1st International, including WorldHost Business Recognition for organisations. Previously used to train over 70,000 delegates for London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and 2022 Commonwealth Games.
• Research and Evaluation Services Independent research and evaluation services generating robust evidence to shape effective services, workforce strategies, policies and programmes. Includes workforce research, programme evaluation, stakeholder insight, and impact analysis commissioned by public sector bodies, academic institutions, and international organisations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1.19 million health workers across 94% of NHS Trusts supported by the Core Skills Training Framework
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers20 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Belu WaterminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2026Natalie Campbell MBE, incoming chair of The Workforce Development Trust, currently serves as co-chief executive of Belu Water. This connection reflects the Trust's board-level relationships with social enterprises and ethical businesses. Belu Water has previously increased donations to WaterAid to £6.1 million under Campbell's leadership.
• Counter-Terrorism Policing / National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSkills for Justice, through SFJ Awards, developed the Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness (CTPSaP) in collaboration with NaCTSO and Counter-Terrorism Policing. The qualification is the only one of its type officially endorsed by both bodies. Skills for Justice Training delivers the qualification as an approved training provider. This is a flagship partnership driving Martyn's Law preparedness across UK public-facing sectors.
• UK Resilience AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe National Occupational Standards for Resilience and Emergencies were developed by The Workforce Development Trust in partnership with the UK Resilience Academy. The partnership engaged over 375 industry experts and resilience professionals across all four UK nations. The UKRA is expanding these NOS and is cited as endorsing their use across public, private and voluntary sectors. Hamish Cormack, Head of UKRA, publicly endorsed the NOS as a significant step forward for UK-wide resilience.
• National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Workforce Development Trust (via Skills for Justice) is working in partnership with the NPCC on a Strategic Workforce Planning Pilot with four police forces. The partnership focuses on developing and testing practical workforce planning methodologies, engaging stakeholders to understand workforce pressures, analysing workforce data, and building a community of practice. Aims to create a more coherent national approach to workforce planning across UK policing.
• Skills FederationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSkills Federation and The Workforce Development Trust have launched a joint project commissioned by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) on behalf of the NOS Governance Group to explore the role and potential of pan-sector National Occupational Standards. The project maps existing standards across five thematic areas (business/administration, leadership/management, digital, learning/development, customer service) and involves consultation with stakeholders across the UK skills system.
• Skills Development Scotland (SDS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSDS commissioned The Workforce Development Trust and Skills Federation for the pan-sector NOS project on behalf of the NOS Governance Group. SDS is a key national skills body in Scotland, and this commission reflects the Trust's role as a trusted standards-setting partner for government.
• NHS EnglandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership through Skills for Health, the UK Sector Skills Council for Health. Worked with NHS England on the Non-custodial Career and Competence Framework via the Health and Justice Inclusive Workforce Programme. Core Skills Training Framework covers 94% of NHS Trusts. NHS England is also a supporter of Skills for Health's Our Health Heroes Awards.
• Cabinet Office (UK Government)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Workforce Development Trust partnered with the Cabinet Office to consult on the civil contingencies suite of National Occupational Standards, engaging over 30 sectors across all four UK nations. This work redefines core and transferable skills for crisis management and strengthens the UK's resilience to future crises.
• National Clinical Homecare Association (NCHA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSkills for Health worked with NCHA to launch the UK's first career and competence framework for clinical and nursing roles in clinical homecare — a sector supporting over 650,000 patients. Framework provides structured career pathways to help employers maintain standards and support workforce development.
• Public Health WalesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on workforce standards and capability frameworks with Public Health Wales, supporting the development of consistent standards in public health workforce development.
• Skills for Justice TrainingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSkills for Justice Training delivers the SFJ Awards Level 3 CTPSaP qualification as a registered provider, supported by The Workforce Development Trust. This is a key delivery channel for the counter-terrorism training qualification endorsed by NaCTSO and Counter-Terrorism Policing.
• Resilience Advisors NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint delivery of SIRA (Scenario Informed Resilience Assessment) assessments. The Resilience Advisors Network combines workforce expertise with emergency response and multi-agency resilience expertise alongside The Workforce Development Trust's facilitation team, ensuring exercises reflect both organisational realities and system-wide coordination.
• Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommissioned by the IDB to assess Honduras' post-COVID labour market and develop a youth employment strategy. People 1st International contributed conviction, experience, and knowledge in upskilling and reskilling solutions. Work included analysis of priority growth sectors, TVET provision review, and policy recommendations for skills funding alignment.
• Skills PlatformminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSkills Platform is listed as one of the constituent organisations within The Workforce Development Trust group, alongside Skills for Health, Skills for Justice, SFJ Awards, People 1st International, and iCQ Awards. It is referenced in the privacy policy as part of the WD Trust group of companies.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Pearson: Global education company with a substantial UK awarding organisation (Edexcel, BTEC) and significant apprenticeship End-Point Assessment operations. Compares as a larger incumbent offering overlapping qualification and credentialing services across the same buyer segments.

Direct peers

• NCFE: Not-for-profit UK awarding organisation and End-Point Assessment organisation offering regulated qualifications across health, social care, education and early years. Directly comparable to SFJ Awards and iCQ Awards as a charity-structured awarding body operating in overlapping sectors.
• Training Qualifications UK (TQUK): Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation and End-Point Assessment organisation operating across multiple sectors with apprenticeship standards. Closely comparable to SFJ Awards and iCQ Awards in qualification catalogue breadth and EPA service offering.
• Cordis Bright: UK research and evaluation consultancy specialising in social policy, workforce, justice and health sector studies for government and third-sector clients. Directly comparable to WD Trust's Research and Evaluation Services practice commissioned by NHS, MoJ and similar public bodies.
• AIM Awards: UK-based awarding organisation offering regulated qualifications and End-Point Assessment across vocational sectors. Comparable as a multi-sector awarding organisation competing for the same employer and training provider buyers as SFJ Awards and iCQ Awards.
• Skills for Care: Sector Skills Council for adult social care in England, focused on workforce development, qualifications and standards for the social care workforce. Highly comparable as a Sector Skills Council operating under a similar standards-setting and workforce capability mandate to Skills for Health and Skills for Justice.
• City & Guilds: Major UK-based awarding organisation offering regulated vocational qualifications, End-Point Assessment and apprenticeship standards across multiple sectors. Closest direct comparable to SFJ Awards and iCQ Awards in scale, sector breadth and regulated qualification portfolio.
• Open College Network (OCN London): UK awarding organisation offering regulated qualifications, unit accreditation and End-Point Assessment across multiple sectors including health and justice. Comparable in scale and qualification portfolio to SFJ Awards and iCQ Awards, particularly for public-sector buyers.
• Wavehill: UK social and economic research consultancy providing evaluation, impact assessment and labour market analysis for public sector and third-sector clients. Comparable to WD Trust's Research and Evaluation services commissioned by Skills Development Scotland, Welsh Government and similar bodies.
• Highfield Qualifications: UK awarding organisation offering regulated qualifications and End-Point Assessment services with strong coverage in compliance, safety, security and hospitality — directly comparable to SFJ Awards' sector-specialist model and iCQ Awards' apprenticeship EPA focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-workforce-development-trust

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Workforce Development Trust