The City and Guilds group has awarded the Medical Defence Union (MDU), the parent company of the DDU, with a Princess Royal Training award for its membership induction programme.
This is the ninth year of the awards and the fifth time the MDU's training has been recognised by the prestigious awards. It follows the training programme being redesigned to be more flexible to the needs of hybrid and remote workers and to ensure defined and clear career pathways for staff.
This in turn shows the mutual membership organisation's commitment to meeting the ever changing and increasingly complex needs of its dental members.
Commenting on the achievement, Craig Johnson MDU membership, learning and development manager, said:
"I am extremely proud that our employee induction programme has yet again been recognised for the excellent and innovative training it provides. 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.
"During 2023 our team answered 110,000 calls with 78% answered within 20 seconds. In addition, we answered 100% of the 77,000 items of member correspondence within five days of receipt. We are focussed on employee's learning and development, meaning many of our team develop long term careers across the organisation."
Two team members who have benefitted from the membership induction programme are Emma Kearney and Di Bryant. Emma commented:
"The training for the membership services role was outstanding. There was a lot to learn and an assessment to pass but I felt fully supported by the coaching team. I love my role, no day is ever the same and every day you are still always learning - I feel part of a bigger team. It is great to be able to support DDU members and to know it benefits them in supporting their patients."
Di added: "I am based in the northwest of England while the DDU's head office is in London. Fortunately, training and support for my role is provided remotely. I have childcare responsibilities, so the flexibility offered means a lot to me. It benefits DDU members who can get prompt, knowledgeable support when they need it."
Find out more at www.princessroyaltrainingawards.com.
This page was correct at publication on 19/08/2024. 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.