At this year’s ERSA awards, Shaw Trust was shortlisted for a record-breaking four nominations, and won two:
- Won: ‘Outstanding Contribution’, for our Chief Commercial Officer, Richard Clifton.
- Won: ‘Employer Partnership’, for our work with facilities management service, OCS Group.
- Shortlisted: ‘Partnership and Collaboration’, for our Live Well Kent and Medway support.
- Shortlisted: ‘Outstanding Participant’, for Jamie Walker, a Kent local supported by IPS.
The Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) awards are held every year and celebrate the organisations and people who help others find work. They raise awareness of Shaw Trust, our partners, our impact, and the very people we support – and we’re incredibly proud of the shortlisted nominations and the wins.
Marking a 30-year career
Richard Clifton’s win in the ‘Outstanding Contribution’ category recognises his incredible commitment to the employment sector, which has seen him at the forefront of several groundbreaking employability programmes over the years. These include the New Deal, the Work & Health Programme, and Connect to Work.
The award is a testament to his leadership and influence, advocacy and innovation, and commitment to inclusion.
Richard said: “I’m honoured to have won this award, and immensely proud that Shaw Trust has had its moment in the spotlight for our fantastic partnership working. These awards reflect the passion and drive of every one of us at Shaw Trust – and our commitment to helping people find good work.”
Celebrating a strong partnership
OCS Group’s win in the ‘Employer Partnership’ category highlights the impact of its strong partnerships on the employment industry, such as creating good jobs, hiring inclusively and sharing sector expertise. The company’s mission is to ‘make people and places the best they can be’ – a commitment felt across its huge global footprint, and 125-year heritage.
As well as OCS’ hard work, the award recognises our National Accounts team’s partnership-building efforts, which have made this joint venture an award-winning success.
Martin Collard, National Account Manager for OCS, said: “A fantastic result recognising the collaboration between National Accounts and our key strategic employer partner, OCS. The strength of our partnership was always built on a passion between both parties to support vulnerable people; helping over 170 Shaw Trust participants into work via the OCS People into Work scheme. The team at OCS were always resolutely professional, responsive, and genuinely interested in learning how best to embed inclusive recruitment and social value into all they did.”
Ann-Marie Hall, Director of Marketing and Communications, added: “We’re delighted that Richard and OCS have won these prestigious awards from ERSA. Richard has made a huge impact on our charity, and has been key to our success, while OCS Group have helped us help even more people into work. A heartfelt thank you to ERSA, and congratulations to the other winners of the night.
