Leeds A City of Learning
Recognising learning that matters in Leeds
Digital badges help learners across Leeds showcase their skills to employers—creating inclusive pathways into work.
Why recognising all learning maters
Educators, employers and communities all see the same gap.
• Learners develop valuable skills through work experience, volunteering, caring responsibilities and leadership
• Employers value these skills, but learners struggle to evidence them
• Qualifications alone don’t tell the full story
As a result, learning that matters often stays invisible – and opportunities are missed.
Leeds is actively working to close that gap.
National permission to recognise learning differently
Many educators know learning happens beyond qualifications – but want reassurance that recognising it is credible and aligned with national thinking. The Digital Badging Commission, produced by RSA and UFI, recommends the use of digital badges to:
Recognise the full range of skills and capabilities that traditional qualifications alone cannot capture.
This gives national permission to explore new ways of recognising learning. Digital badges don’t replace qualifications – they make additional learning visible.
Work Experience Framework
Recognise meaningful
Work Experience
FREE for education and charities
A structured Work Experience (WEX) programme with built-in digital badges for Learners, Educators and Employers. Designed with careers experts to raise quality, consistency, and impact.
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A superbly simple way to recognise our members valuable contributions across the Leeds Learning Alliance.
SIMON FLOWERS - CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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A rich and structured way for Left Bank to recognise valuable learning in a new and relevant way.
SUE JENNINGS - DIRECTOR
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We can now have a way of representing quality of the training we provide in a way that everyone feels proud of.
CLARE SANDERSON -DIRECTOR
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Digital badges are an innovative way to verify organisations have gone above and beyond with cyber security.
ADAM HEPWORTH - SALES DIRECTOR
How recognising a wider set of skills is making a difference Leeds
In 2024 we asked leaders in Leeds, what skills they would like to see recognised
What started as a shared ambition is now delivering real recognition across the city.
14 organisations
2663 badges issued
996 people recognised
Thousands of views showcasing learning and skills