South East Local Employment Partnership Award Winners Revealed

On Tuesday 24 March, Jobcentre Plus held its first South East Local Employment Partnership awards ceremony at the Copthorne Effingham Park Hotel in Crawley. The awards recognised the outstanding contributions made by employers, employees and partners involved in LEPs with Jobcentre Plus - the Government's partnership approach to help disadvantaged jobseekers back into work.

The ceremony was hosted by Tim Campbell, the winner of the 2005 series of the Apprentice and founder of the Bright Ideas Trust.

Ikea in Southampton was a double winner scooping the award for Partnership Works and the overall Outstanding Achievement Award. The organisation was recognised for its strong partnership working with Jobcentre Plus, Southampton City Council, LSC and community organisations to develop a pre-employment training programme to help recruit workers from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Human Resources Manager Sarah Claydon said:

"It's great to work closely with experienced partners who know the local job market well. We're proud to provide opportunities to our local community. There's a feel-good factor and a great attitude amongst the team."

An individual award went to Vicki Burton for Work Skills. Vicki is a lone parent from Lindford in Hampshire. She applied for a cleaning job at Wilkinson through its LEP agreement with Jobcentre Plus. Vicki impressed the panel at the interview and was offered a job on the tills. She soon worked her way up the career ladder and is now on the Wilkinson management training programme.

Vicki says: "This job has changed my life, especially the social side of things. I'd never done any till work before and I was worried it would be too hectic up front. I had no experience but I've found it's really easy and there's always someone there to help. I was shocked when they offered me the opportunity to train as a manager. This time last year I wouldn't have believed I could be where I am now."

Winners of the South East Local Employment Partnership Awards:

• Commitment to Diversity Award - Hastings Direct
• Unlocking Talent Award - PGL Travel Ltd
• Recruitment Innovation Award - Brighton and Hove City Council
• Partnership Works Award - IKEA
• Work Skills Award - Vicki Burton, Wilkinson
• Getting Back to Work Award - Chris Faulkner, De Vere Venues
• Overall LEP Achievement Award - IKEA

Video of event