NEWS
Durham County Council ’ s DurhamEnable team has been ranked as “ excellent ” in its most recent Supported Employment Quality Framework assessment .
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team that helps people with disabilities , neurodiversity and longterm health conditions into work has been recognised as one of the highestperforming supported employment services in the UK .
Durham County Council ’ s DurhamEnable service was ranked as “ excellent ” in its most recent Supported Employment Quality Framework assessment .
The service received this accreditation in both its main UK Shared Prosperity Fund ( UKSPF ) backed service and its Local Supported Employment Programme ( LSE ) – making it one of the only providers in the UK to have an “ excellent ” rating for both areas . The report highlighted that 100 % of positions secured through DurhamEnable have been sustained , which it credited to the extensive job matching that the service carries out for those looking for work .
Cllr Ted Henderson , Durham County Council ’ s cabinet member for children and young people ’ s services , said : “ We are delighted to have been given the highest score of any supported employment provider in the country .
“ This accreditation is a fantastic acknowledgement of the commitment our officers give to support disabled people to gain the skills and confidence to succeed in longterm employment , and beyond .
“ We also work hard with businesses to understand their needs and provide unique and tailored support to ensure their staff settle comfortably into their new role .
“ We also help businesses access free training or funding needed for specialist equipment which would otherwise come at a cost .”
The report praised DurhamEnable for the support it provides to employers , including neurodiversity training to help them understand and meet the needs of employees .
TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT FIRM ANNOUNCES DIRECTOR APPOINTMENT
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training and recruitment specialist that recently marked 15 years in business has announced the appointment of a new director to further boost its training offering .
GEM Partnership , which provides training and recruitment services across the North-East and has an office on Aycliffe Business Park , has appointed Kelly Lee as training director .
Kelly was previously training operations manager , having joined the Peterlee-based company – one of the category sponsors of the 2025 Aycliffe Business Make Your Mark Awards – in 2017 .
Kelly said : “ I am delighted to be taking up the role of training director , reinforcing GEM Partnership ’ s commitment to delivering the very best training services to our clients .
“ I will be working with the team to drive our strategic priorities and boost operational excellence as we look to further develop and grow the training arm of the business .
“ My challenge as director is to take the business to the next level and to continue to provide the excellent level of service that we ’ re known for but in an even better way .”
GEM employs 40 members of staff including 12 in their training team , who deliver a range of training and development programmes across sectors including manufacturing , automotive , IT , transport and logistics and professional services .
GEM Partnership was founded by Maria and fellow directors Rob Dunbar , Ian Miller and Lee Rankin in 2009 following a management buy-out .
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 11