Date posted: 2nd Dec 2024
Clive Owen LLP, which has offices in Darlington, Durham, York, Middlesbrough and Newcastle, has achieved Platinum status under The 5% Club’s rigorous Employer Audit Scheme, recognising its exceptional dedication to training and employee development.
Platinum status is awarded to organisations demonstrating excellence in workplace learning and development initiatives, with Clive Owen LLP joining an elite group of employers, including the likes of DHL, GlaxoSmithKline and Lidl, setting benchmarks in employee training.
The firm was previously honoured with the Earn & Learn Scheme Highest Percentage of the Workforce Award at The 5% Club UK National Employer Earn & Learn Awards for 2023.
The Earn & Learn Scheme Award is a prestigious accolade presented to the employer which, through The 5% Club Annual Employer Audit, demonstrates the highest percentage of their full-time equivalent workforce engaged in recognised workplace learning schemes.
Clive Owen LLP has developed its own bespoke training programme, ASPIRE, which comprises four distinct elements designed to support individual growth and career progression. With 150 employees, the firm currently has 27 graduates on formal training programmes, has a number of colleagues enrolled in various continuous professional development schemes, and it continues to offer valuable work placements and internships to university students.
Additionally, Clive Owen LLP plans to recruit more than 20 apprentices in the coming year as part of its commitment to nurturing talent and providing comprehensive development opportunities, which will complement its existing workforce, over 70% of whom are qualified Chartered or Certified Accountants or studying a professional qualification.
The firm operates a talent development programme, ensuring regular one-to-one meetings between line managers and trainees. These sessions focus on the quality of training plans, engagement with course tutors, and the support provided by talent coaches. Regular discussions with apprenticeship providers are led by the learning and development (L&D) team, resulting in actionable improvements and ongoing development.
To further enhance its approach, the firm has introduced Learning and Development Pathways to include Technical Training experts who will create tailored growth and development pathways by department. These pathways will align talent conversations with knowledge, skills, and behaviours, specific to job roles and career levels. Individual training plans are collaboratively developed to support each trainee and newly qualified professional, ensuring their career goals are clearly mapped and fully supported.
Furthermore, annual colleague surveys provide valuable feedback on all training and development programmes, from entry-level to advanced professional, ensuring the firm remains responsive to employee needs and continues to refine its offerings.
Gary Ellis, Managing Partner at Clive Owen LLP, said: “Achieving Platinum status is a tremendous milestone and reflects our unwavering commitment to nurturing talent. Our bespoke training initiatives and high levels of workplace learning participation underline our belief in investing in our people as the cornerstone of our success.”
Karen Fawcett, L&D Adviser, added: “Our goal is to create a culture of continuous improvement, where every individual feels supported in their professional growth. From apprenticeships to advanced career pathways, we are proud of the comprehensive support we offer and the positive impact it has on our team.”
