Today, ERSA announced the finalists for the 2019 Employability Awards at its AGM in London. The list of finalists includes a wide range of organisations and individuals demonstrating exceptional service and support to help people into employment.

Now in its seventh year, the ERSA Employability Awards celebrate best practice across the employment support sector and seek to demonstrate the day-to-day hard work and dedication of those working to improve the lives of jobseekers, communities and the wider workforce. 

The ten award categories highlight the breadth of work supporting people into employment, from advisers working with jobseekers to build their confidence, to organisations pioneering innovative ways of supporting people onto the right career path, and employers going that extra mile to support those with greater needs.

The 2019 ERSA Employability Awards received over 150 entries from across the UK. This year’s submissions were judged by an all-star panel, consisting of internationally recognised political thinker and Director of ResPublica, Phillip Blond, editor of The Sun’s employment page, Jane Hamilton, senior civil servant at the Department for Work and Pensions, Mark Staley, and Winner of Adviser of the Year in the 2018 awards, Tanya Weston of Genius Within.

The winners will be announced at a special ceremony on 20 June, attended by the Minister for Employment, Alok Sharma MP.

ERSA’s Interim Chief Executive, Elizabeth Taylor, said: 

‘The ERSA Employability Awards attracted a huge number of high-quality entries from a diverse and innovative range of organisations. The judges had the unenviable task of selecting finalists from an extremely strong field of candidates, all of which showcase the superb work taking place in our sector. 

‘We look forward to welcoming finalists to the awards on 20 June, along with the Minister for Employment, Alok Sharma, to enjoy an evening of celebration for organisations, employers and individuals that are making a difference and transforming people’s lives.’

The full list of finalists is as follows: 

1.        Youth Employment

Recognising an employment services provider who has demonstrated exceptional commitment in delivering employment services for young adults.

2.        Disability and Health Employment

Recognising an employment services provider who has demonstrated exceptional commitment in supporting jobseekers with disabilities and health conditions to achieve sustained employment.

3.         Partner of the Year

Recognising excellence as a delivery partner in the field of employment support

4.        Innovation

Recognising a provider who has pioneered innovative approaches and solutions within the employment support market.

5.        Large Employer

Recognising a large employer who has demonstrated exceptional commitment in creating opportunities for disadvantaged and long-term unemployed jobseekers.

6.        SME of the Year

Recognising a small or medium employer who has demonstrated exceptional commitment in creating opportunities for disadvantaged and long-term unemployed jobseekers.”

7.        Team of the Year

Recognising a team of frontline staff which has demonstrated outstanding commitment in meeting and exceeding the delivery aims of an employment provider.

8.        Adviser of the Year

Recognising an employment adviser who has demonstrated exceptional commitment in a frontline role.

9.        Significant Achievement

Recognising a specific jobseeker who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to overcoming barriers to enter and maintain work.

ENDS

Press enquiries should be directed to Matt Byrne on matt.byrne@ersa.org.uk or 07725 902 702.

Notes to Editors:

  1. The Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) is the representative body for the employment support sector.
  2. ERSA’s membership spans the private, voluntary and public sectors and ranges from large multi-nationals through to small specialist charities.  It has over 270 members, 80% of which are not for profit.
  3. More information about the ERSA Employability Awards 2019 can be found on the ERSA website: dev.ersa.org.uk/ersaawards19