2024 was a transformative year for the Agena Group, driven by our unwavering commitment to our people. From expanding our workforce to investing in learning and development, we have continued to foster an environment where our employees can grow, thrive, and be recognised for their contributions.
Investing in Our People
Welcoming new talent is a vital part of our journey. In 2024 alone, we reviewed over 12,000 CVs, conducted 637 interviews, and successfully filled 196 vacancies—including 36 internal hires. Our ability to promote from within highlights our commitment to developing our existing talent.
One of our standout initiatives this year has been the Agena Ascend Apprenticeship Programme, offering pathways in Sales, PMO, and leadership roles. We are incredibly proud of our apprentices, some of whom have gone on to win prestigious industry awards, including the Regional Highly Commended Award at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Regional Awards and The Rising Star Award at the British Parking Awards.
We also took meaningful steps to foster diversity and inclusion within leadership. Several of our Team Leaders completed the Women in Leadership Level 3 Apprenticeship, further strengthening the presence of female leaders within the organisation.
Continuous Learning and Development
In response to employee feedback, we launched an external 9-month leadership programme for our Heads of Department and Managers, designed to equip them with the skills needed to lead effectively and ethically. This was complemented by our in-house Lunch and Learn sessions, which covered essential topics such as Power BI, Predictive Modelling, and Finance for Non-Finance Managers.
Our commitment to modern and flexible learning was further reinforced with fully online training, including CEO Paul Dawson’s LinkedIn Live sessions, which explored crucial topics such as ESG, Data-Driven Operational Excellence, and Stay Interviews.
Supporting Employee Wellbeing
Employee wellbeing has remained a top priority, with significant enhancements to our support systems. In 2024, we trained additional Mental Health First Aiders, leading to a proactive approach in monitoring and managing employee wellbeing. Our Agena Group Buddy Programme also expanded, helping new starters and those returning from leave to integrate smoothly into the team.
A key highlight of the year was the launch of our new benefits platform, designed to provide tailored perks for our multigenerational and diverse workforce. This ensures that every team member can access the support that matters most to them.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we look to the future, 2025 will see the final year of our People Strategy, with a strong focus on Diversity & Inclusion and People Insights. We will continue to build frameworks that support our people and drive growth while maintaining a workplace where everyone can bring their best selves to work.
Our achievements in 2024, including securing Investors in People accreditation and winning two prestigious Growing Business Awards, are a testament to the dedication and talent of our team. We look forward to building on this momentum in the coming year.
To read the full People Report 2024, see below.