Business Excellence Awards 2021

6 Acquisition International - Business Excellence Awards 2021 guidance to gain extra knowledge and confidence around course content, duration and expectations. Profiling is also provided to allow staff to gain an accurate picture of each learner’s skills needs. The analysis forms the basis to map out a specific set of actions, targets and skills development. Determining the qualifications learners will pursue to maximise their chance of achieving a positive outcome is of paramount importance. This personalised approach is particularly pertinent to learners from disadvantaged backgrounds as all factors affecting successful outcomes, including welfare and financial issues are identified and supported. Portull’s well-established approach to quality, driven by a self- assessment and quality improvement plans, are monitored monthly alongside other quality assurance metrics. The results of internal and external audits give Portull the consistency, quality and adequacy of their learner’s progress. Not just simply focused on training the people that pass through its doors, Portull is focused on engaging with the community and maintaining the history of the same, whilst providing end-to-end service that supports people in gaining sustainable employment, they continue to support businesses. Portull continue to work with ex-Armed Forces personnel, signing to commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and making Hull4Hereos their Charity of the Year 2021. Portull also sponsors local projects such as Hull Kingston Radio, Amateur Rugby League Teams, Football Clubs, East Hull Open Age Rugby Club. Portull have also provided part of its premises to Places for People to assist learners in accessing housing, working with local foodbanks and the Salvation Army. The National Careers Service/Education Development Trust are also based onsite to offer further support to learners. Mental health and welfare support is another priority, with Portull referring to partners such as Andy’s Man Club, creator of the It’s OK to Talk campaign to help reduce suicides in men. During the last year, Portull Training Services have noticed an increase in its learners requiring support in obtaining sustainable employment, safe and secure accommodation, and foodbank information. As a company, it feels that it is important to assist all learners to obtain these services and have assisted many individuals by providing clothing, food and network support. Portull have also further closed the gap with its sister company, HPLA to supply temporary to permanent sustainable employment for the individuals currently struggling, placing over 69% of unemployed individuals back into work, sustaining 95% in employment and receiving positive five-star Google feedback. Portull continue to work with employers following the increase in redundancies during the unforeseen COVID pandemic. Extending the hand of held, offering employer and employee support during unprecedented times, has at times, produced its own challenges which Portull have executed well. Assisting newly unemployed personnel by supplying new skills and upskilling, ensures the individual is presenting themselves moving forward in their best light. These new and improved skills ensure a higher percentage employability rate within an already struggling market Although the pandemic of 2020 took hold in March and April, this led to a further upturn of resource demands and as many customers lost personnel to furlough, quarantine and sickness, the demand continued to grow. Whilst many industries shut down for lockdown, Portull and HPLA experienced an uptake in demand, embracing working relationships to be able to support businesses and learner’s, they continued to offer all the flagship products and services. Whilst Portull’s funded provisions were placed on hold initially, the pandemic had created many occupational safety and health risks across various business sectors, with the training provider’s customers being drastically affected. Portull responded to the pandemic quickly and adapted delivery models, schemes of work and changed their staffing structure to ensure that their customers’ and clients’ needs were continuing to be met. These measures allowed Portull to continue with the funded provisions to support vulnerable adults and assist with local labour market requests. As the pandemic continues, the related risks and recovery are a high priority factor with Portull and its customers. Portull have therefore, stepped in to help other business owners, it has recruited, trained at cost for its customers and provided mental health, financial and welfare support for learners. Portull employees also took the opportunity to learn new skills, develop new efficient ways of thinking and let go of inefficient ways of working. Portull staff have persevered and stretched themselves with learning specific behaviours whilst maintaining their effectiveness and efficiency in the workplace. Portull are continuing to support their learners through remote and distance learning, creating WhatsApp groups, arranging group and one-to-one Teams meetings. By offering a 24-hour learner support network as well as face-to-face delivery Portull have provided an “around the clock” function, much needed by their learners. As a result of their dedication not only to their learners but their community over the last 12 months, Portull achieved contractual growths, retaining contracts with HPLA and gaining a further six contracts to provide labour alongside eight contracts via Portull contacts. These had carried over as a result of strengthening and closing the gap between both sides of the company. An increase of stakeholders now means further partnerships have been formed with both companies now having working partnerships with; Operator Training Solutions Limited (OTS), HSS Hire & Training for additional training requirements, Howdens Joinery and Fairshare Foods. In addition Copernus, Greencore, and Yorkshire Greens to provide manufacturing, warehouse, and factory labour fulfil staffing gaps, giving more opportunities for employment. Although Portull have seen a dramatic increase, it has continued to maintain its relationships with companies such as Alexander Dennis, Selkirk’s, Al-Ko Kober, Karro & Chaucer Foods, Collett & Sons Haulage and Siemens Gamesa, world leader in the renewable energy network. Portull plan to be the Training provider of choice, training those in and out of work and have recently submitted a tender to financially support the opportunity for growth. In conclusion, Portull maintain the road to success is their personal approach, the family vibes, commitment, and the never-ending support they offer their learners, staff and community. The moto Portull adhere to, reflecting on their selfless dedication is “If Portull are unable to do it for you, we will not hesitate to find you the source that can”. Company: Portull Training Services Ltd Contact: Cherie Jackson Website: www.portull.com