As an ‘Awarding Organisation of the Year’ finalist in the prestigious FAB 2023 Awards, ESB is eagerly awaiting the results at the Awards Ceremony taking place this week.

The FAB Awards, now in its 8th year, recognises the contributions made by awarding organisations and their employees to education and skills in the UK over the past year.

Says Sami Mirza, ESB Chair of Trustees:

As Chair of ESB, I’m incredibly proud of ESB’s nomination for the ‘Awarding Organisation of the Year’ category in the FAB Awards. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our staff members who have tirelessly worked towards driving change and delivering to our most disadvantaged adults, children and young people – we really do want ESB qualifications to help fulfil the potential of all.

ESB’s nomination highlighted its many accomplishments in a particular special year – its 70th anniversary. 

Included amongst these achievements were the following:

• overcoming barriers and challenges;
• improving social mobility;
• impacting the lives of centres and learners;
• demonstrating innovation and leadership;
• excellence in its field.

ESB’s Chief Executive, Tina Renshaw, adds:

I’ve led ESB International for a tenth of our story and I am part of a professional, purpose led Awarding Organisation that never fails to make me know why I get out of bed each morning! In our 70th year we are of a view that what we’ve achieved has earned this shortlisting. We are very proud to be among the few who have been selected and we look forward to the upcoming Awards Ceremony with our colleagues in the industry!

For 70 years, ESB has been providing children, young people and adults with the opportunity to find their voice, advocate for their lives and communities. The organisation also offers those coming and choosing to live in our country a pathway to be heard in their new communities, as well as those learners living internationally and in the UK an opportunity to boost their employability and portability of their skills across the world.

ESB does this through its specialist Oracy and English language qualifications, certificating nearly 40,000 learners this year. From our specialist portfolio of Oracy qualifications for learners with significant learning needs; to our Oracy qualifications from Early Years to Post 16 offering high levels of UCAS points for those considering a university pathway; to our ESOL Skills for Life and ESOL International qualifications.

In addition to its qualifications which boost skills, confidence, self-respect and knowledge, resource-stretched schools and colleges value the accredited outcome of the ESB external assessment experience.

Good luck to all nominees!