Clarion UK is delighted to announce that our Deaf customer, Ridwan Ojetola has been named as a finalist for the ERSA Employability Awards 2017, sponsored by Clarion Housing Group, in the Significant Achievement Award category.

The Employability Award, now in their fifth year, celebrate and champion best practice from across the employment support sector. This year the awards were judged by Nick Butler from the Department for Work and Pensions; Laura Gardiner from the Resolution Foundation; and Keith Tottingham from Standguide.

Ridwan (Clarion UK’s customer on the Government’s SES programme) was supported into work with a national store chain, Poundland and was nominated for the Significant Achievement Award, sponsored by Working Links recognising a specific jobseeker who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to overcoming barriers to enter and maintain work.

Clarion UK is the UK’s leading British Sign Language (BSL) Specialist Employment and Interpreting support providers. We have pioneered effective ways of working with Deaf people, providing fully accessible services on the Government’s previous and current Welfare to Work programmes.

Clarion UK’s Head of Employment Services, Bob Marsh commented “We are all absolutely thrilled to hear that Ridwan has been shortlisted for this annual prestigious award. It is a testament to the hard work that our national teams dedicate to achieving life-changing outcomes for our Deaf customers. Equally of course, Ridwan’s determination to overcome multiple barriers is a testament to his own strengths to get to where he is now”

Poundland’s HR Director Michelle added:  “We are delighted to hear that Ridwan has been shortlisted for the ERSA Employability Awards 2017, for the Significant Achievement Award.  Ridwan is a dedicated and valued member of the Poundland team who always goes above and beyond to do his best, not just for the business but for our customers too. He is polite, hardworking and adopts a positive approach to everything he does. We are lucky to have him and it’s great to see his hard work acknowledged.”   

The winners of the Employability Awards will be announced at a special ceremony held in London on 29 June attended by the Minister for Employment.

Kirsty McHugh, Chief Executive, ERSA, said: “This year’s award submissions demonstrate the extraordinary achievements of individuals and organisations across the sector and our judges had an unenviable task shortlisting the best of the best in each category. Common to every nomination is the passion and commitment they show to supporting employability and transforming lives, communities and businesses. These awards celebrate and champion the best of the work that goes on at the frontline every day in the sector.”

Press enquiries should be directed to our Head of Employment Services Bob Marsh bob.marsh@clarion-uk.com 01763 209001