Member Article

Gentoo recognised in National BITC's 2013 Awards

Gentoo Group was named overall winner in the Education category at Business in the Community’s annual Responsible Business Awards Gala Dinner in London last night.

The event, at The Royal Albert Hall, marked the culmination of the 2013 Responsible Business Awards that are set up to celebrate the powerful and positive role of business in society. The prestigious awards scheme celebrates innovative examples of how businesses across the UK are making a positive difference - transforming communities through tackling key social and environmental issues, and transforming their businesses by integrating responsible behaviour.

Gentoo’s award winning initiative Academy 360 was set up for pupils aged 4 -16, to raise educational standards, whilst stimulating the local housing market. In 2012, 93% of students gained five or more GCSEs - four times the best previous result. The results of previous years were also doubled with 40% of pupils achieving five or more GCSEs including English and maths.

Business in the Community also run the Local Impact Awards, designed specifically to identify and celebrate companies and individuals who are creating local impact in their community, through initiatives such as volunteering and inspiring young people with work placements. As well as winning the Regional Education Award, Gentoo was the proud winner of the Work Inspiration Award for their successful work experience programme.

An audience of 1,000 people gathered at The Royal Albert Hall, including CEO of some of the UK’s biggest brands, SMEs, and representatives from government, charity groups and community organisations. The event was co-hosted by Joanna Lumley and Bafta Award winning actor and comedian James Corden, with guests enjoying entertainment from the young performers of the Emerald Music School Choir from South East London. The evening was supported by the 2012 Responsible Business of the Year, Marks & Spencer.

Chief Executive of Gentoo Group, Peter Walls said: “It’s fantastic to be recognised for our commitment to work and learning – not just for us at Gentoo but for everyone we reach. We were up against a stellar list of companies for the Education Award which makes it even more special. As well as our work with Academy 360, we have provided over 100 work experience placements and created 48 supported apprenticeships and five high quality internships for young people in our City. We’re delighted with both awards and look forward to continuing to improve the Art of Living for future generations.’

Richard Hardie, Chair, UBS and Chair of the judging panel who presented the award: “An inspiring demonstration of a strategic partnership between a small business and an individual school, Gentoo’s ‘Academy 360’ has raised the educational standards, improved the employability of over 900 young people and created high quality work experience and apprenticeship placements. It has also reduced anti-social behaviour and stimulated the local housing market.”

Stephen Howard, Chief Executive, Business in the Community, said: “The Responsible Business Awards look beyond the headlines to unearth those companies making a genuine difference and truly creating change by living their values. Award winning companies are drawn from a range of sectors, but what they share is an understanding of the critical importance of responsible leadership, a willingness to boldly re-imagine what traditional business practice looks like and a genuine commitment to driving innovative solutions to some of society’s most pressing issues. Gentoo should be proud of winning the Education Award and demonstrating that business truly can be a force for good.”

For full details and case studies of all the 2013 Responsible Business Award winners visit www.bitc.org.uk/awards.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Laura Facey .