This milestone marks an incredible journey that began with a visionary goal to empower employees through education, innovation and community growth. In this blog post, we’ll explore how FDC College achieved this accolade, the strategies behind its success and its impact on FDC Group’s broader mission.

The Story Behind FDC Group and FDC College

Founded in 1973 by Jack Murphy in Dunmanway, a rural Irish village, FDC Group began as a cooperative aimed at empowering rural communities. Over five decades, FDC Group has grown into one of Ireland’s top ten accounting firms, offering professional services in accounting, financial management, taxation, agricultural consultancy and more.

Despite this growth, the company’s ethos remains deeply rooted in fostering independence, integrity, and sustainable development. With 550+ staff serving 30,000 clients across 48 offices, FDC Group identified an opportunity to strengthen its internal capabilities. The solution? FDC College—an initiative born to streamline knowledge sharing, address skills gaps and elevate the professional expertise of FDC employees.

From ad-hoc training initiatives to a well-structured learning ecosystem, FDC College set out with clear objectives:

1. Evaluate Workforce Skills: Understanding existing competencies to identify gaps.
2. Address Gaps Proactively: Design tailored training programs, both virtual and in-person, to meet employee needs.
3. Enhance Knowledge Sharing: Develop systems to facilitate uniform standards and high-quality advice across all locations.

Key Milestones in 2024

The past year has been particularly transformative for FDC College. Through innovative programs and strategic initiatives, the department has reinforced its commitment to empowering employees. Below are some of the standout achievements of 2024:

1. CPD Programme Launch: In January 2024, FDC College introduced a comprehensive Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program, featuring workshops, webinars, and technical training on topics like sustainability and auto-enrollment.
2. Industry Accreditations:
   • March 2024: Awarded ACCA Approved Employer for Professional Development status, recognizing FDC’s contribution to ACCA members’ growth.
   • April 2024: Secured accreditation from the Irish Tax Institute for CPD seminars.
3. Summer Graduate Program: Graduate employees presented research findings and industry insights during a series of summer events, fostering collaboration and recognition for young talent.
4. FDC Group Budget Talk: In October and November, internal tax consultants led sessions on the national budget and financial bill updates, drawing over 300 participants.
5. Year-Round Training Impact: FDC College hosted 97 learning events in 2024, delivering 65 CPD hours and engaging over 3,300 employees, a 34% increase from 2023.

The Road to Winning Excellence

FDC College’s success stems from its ability to listen to employee feedback, innovate, and respond to evolving needs. Here are some of the initiatives that helped secure the Excellence in Learning and Development Award:

• Continuous Feedback Loop: Redesigned feedback forms after training sessions to measure relevance and effectiveness, ensuring programs align with employee needs.
• Shape Your Learning Survey: A mid-year survey captured preferences for course formats, timings, and communication, improving participation rates.
• Promoting Success Stories: Testimonials from employees highlighted the tangible benefits of training, motivating peers to engage.
• Onboarding Support: Monthly virtual meetings for new hires introduced learning resources and demonstrated FDC College’s commitment to career growth.

By addressing these obstacles head-on, FDC College has built a strong foundation for future growth.

Why This Award Matters

Winning the Excellence in Learning and Development Award is more than a badge of honour. It reflects FDC Group’s ability to invest in its people, adapt to changing times and uphold the highest standards of professional development. For employees, this award underscores the organisation’s dedication to their growth, creating a workplace culture that values lifelong learning.

Looking Ahead: Goals for 2025

As FDC College enters its fifth year, its goals are ambitious yet grounded in its mission:

1. Expand Accreditation: Align CPD offerings with additional industry bodies to broaden the value of training programs.
2. Deepen Engagement: Develop new methods to showcase the relevance of learning to all employees, including senior staff.
3. Enhance Measurement Tools: Strengthen metrics to assess the long-term impact of training on productivity and client satisfaction.

A Legacy of Growth

FDC College’s journey is a powerful example of how strategic learning and development can transform an organisation. By investing in its people, FDC Group ensures that it remains a trusted partner for rural Ireland’s accounting, financial, and agricultural needs.

The Excellence in Learning and Development Award is not just a milestone—it’s a stepping stone for even greater achievements in the years to come.