Husna Umarji – Lloyds Banking Group

The Investors in People Awards 2025 - Finalist Case Study

Nominated for The Award for Young Person of the Year

Why did you enter the Investors in People 2025 Awards?

I entered the Investors in People Awards because I wanted to show how much I have achieved as a young person within Lloyds Banking Group and beyond. I wanted to highlight the impact that apprenticeships can have and share how non traditional career paths can lead to success. My journey into a professional career was not straightforward, and I want to inspire others who might feel uncertain about their own.

When I decided not to go to university, it was one of the hardest decisions I had ever made. It was all I had ever planned for, and walking away from that path meant having to find a new sense of direction. Through research, hard work, and perseverance, I secured an apprenticeship and built a career I am genuinely proud of. I now want to show other young people that there is no single right way to succeed and that your journey can look different and still be meaningful.

For me, entering this award was not just about recognition but representation. I wanted to use my platform to raise awareness of apprenticeships and show employers the value of investing in young people. Sharing my story is my way of giving back and helping others see what is possible when you are supported and believed in.

What has it meant to you, your team, and your organisation to be shortlisted for an Investors in People 2025 Award?

Being shortlisted for this award has been such a proud moment for me and for my team. When I first submitted my application, I honestly did not expect to be shortlisted. When I got the news, I was genuinely overjoyed.

My People & Places team have been so supportive and encouraging. They were excited to see my name on the shortlist and celebrated with me straight away. It was really special to feel their pride and to know that my story reflects positively on the wider Lloyds Banking Group community.

For me personally, it feels like a celebration of everything I have worked towards since starting as an apprentice. I have grown so much in confidence and now feel proud to represent Lloyds as a next generation talent ambassador. It also reinforces my belief that being open, brave, and authentic can inspire others. For my organisation, this shortlisting highlights our culture of developing people and giving young talent the chance to grow, take ownership, and make a difference.

What would it mean to your organisation to win an Investors in People 2025 Award?

Winning this award would mean so much to Lloyds Banking Group because it would recognise the organisation’s long standing commitment to its people and its purpose of helping Britain prosper. It would also celebrate how Lloyds continues to invest in young talent and create meaningful opportunities for people from all backgrounds to build fulfilling careers.

Lloyds has five core values which are people first, bold, inclusive, sustainable, and trustworthy. This award would symbolise how those values are not just words but are actively demonstrated through the culture, development, and care we show for each other. Each year, Lloyds welcomes hundreds of apprentices and graduates and gives them the tools and support to grow both personally and professionally.

An award win would also show that Lloyds is not just a bank but a place that truly believes in its people. It would highlight our focus on inclusivity, wellbeing, and development and how investing in colleagues drives better outcomes for customers and communities.

For me, it would be incredibly rewarding to see my own journey play a part in that recognition and to know that the organisation I am proud to represent is being celebrated for empowering people to reach their full potential.

How important is it for your organisation to be a part of the Investors in People community and engage in awards and events like this one?

Being part of the Investors in People community is very important to Lloyds Banking Group because it allows the organisation to keep learning, growing, and celebrating what makes our workplace special. These awards and events create a valuable space to share ideas, recognise progress, and connect with others who are passionate about people development.

Lloyds is deeply committed to building an inclusive culture and ensuring that every colleague feels supported to achieve their goals. Taking part in opportunities like this helps the organisation benchmark its progress and celebrate the impact of its people-first strategy.

Lloyds continues to be one of the UK’s largest employers of apprentices and graduates, and we are proud of the diverse talent pipelines we have built. Through internal development programmes, wellbeing initiatives, and learning academies, we make sure that colleagues can continue to grow in their careers.

Being involved in the Investors in People community reinforces our dedication to continuous improvement. It also helps us attract and retain people who share our values and who want to work for an organisation that genuinely invests in their growth and success.

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