Double royal recognition for MDU’s employee training programmes

The excellence of the Medical Defence Union’s training for its membership and medico-legal team has been recognised by HRH the Princess Royal. City and Guilds group has 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. The not for profit, mutual organisation previously won awards in 2017 and 2018 and is 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, Coroner’s 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.”

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 focussed 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 www.princessroyaltrainingawards.com.