Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust (TSDFT) recently celebrated being reaccredited as Gold standard for the third consecutive time by Fair Train for delivering high quality work experience.
TSDFT is one of only six NHS Trusts throughout the country and the only in one in Devon and Cornwall, to achieve the Gold Standard.
Fair Train was created in 2009 to address the lack of availability and take up of apprenticeships in the community and voluntary sector. This initiative to promote apprenticeships developed momentum and has grown into a recognised and respected kite mark. This national accreditation provides external quality assurance and recognition of the high quality experience and employability programmes we provide in the Trust.
To mark the occasion, Sir Richard Ibbotson (TSDFT Chairman), Mark Wilson (Health Education England), Governors, local Education Providers, Volunteers and Trust Staff who kindly support the placements met in the Employability Hub, based in Torbay Hospital’s Horizon Centre for an awards celebration.
Councillor Parrott (Executive Lead for Adults in Torbay) presented the award to Suzy Hubbard (TSDFT Apprenticeships and Widening Participation Manager) on behalf of the Trust.
At the event, Sir Richard Ibbotson, Chairman of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I was very proud to attend the recent celebration event for being awarded GOLD level reaccreditation (for the third consecutive time) from Fair Train. This is affirmation that the high quality work-based learning throughout the Trust, has been nationally recognised and is therefore an inspiration to others, flying the flag for NHS in the South West.”
Councillor Parrott (Executive Lead for Adults in Torbay) stated: “What a day, and what an achievement. Our Foundation Trust is the NHS leader in the Southwest for workforce development and that is no surprise, as it is a leader in so many ways. The health and care sector in this area is the major employer, and this is the clearest possible signal that the Trust takes its responsibilities very seriously indeed. We are proud of the service that it provides to our residents. The Gold Award is richly deserved.”
Kevin Foster MP also commented: “It is great to hear our local NHS Trust has received the Gold Standard for Work Experience for the 3rd year running. There is a vast range of careers within our local NHS awaiting future job seekers. A good work experience can not only give people a taste of what they can expect, but also inspire them to see where their future could lie.”
As the largest employer in the area, the Trust uses the resources it has available for the benefit of the whole community, to ensure that nobody is excluded, discriminated against or left behind.
The Trust aims to be an inclusive organisation, where diversity is valued, respected and built upon, with the ability to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that reflects its communities. The development of the Employability Hub thus ensures a more employable, highly skilled, and representative workforce.
Those looking for work experience placements with the Trust can apply through an education provider if they are in full time education (including higher education). Adult work experience placements are available on an ad hoc basis and those interested can self-refer for work experience by requesting an application pack from the Trust’s website.
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