Gentoo recognised as Example of Excellence by BITC

Published by Jon Land for Gentoo Group Ltd in Housing

Gentoo, the Sunderland-based people and property business, has been announced as the Example of Excellence in the Merrill Lynch Education category at the national Business in the Community Awards for Excellence 2008. 
 
Gentoo has already been awarded the prestigious ‘Big Tick’ from Business in the Community (BITC), a charity that mobilises businesses for good.  BITC inspire, engage, support and challenge companies on responsible business, working through four areas:  Marketplace, Workplace, Environment and Community. 
 
The Big Tick is awarded to companies able to demonstrate excellence in the way that they organise and integrate their responsible business practices and who can show a positive impact both on society and on the business.

The Merrill Lynch Education Award recognises community programmes that raise the achievement of young people through building sustainable partnerships with schools to the benefit of pupils aged 5-19 years in the UK.
 
Gentoo have been recognised for their ‘Pupils First’ programme, a 2 year accredited placement for Year 10 pupils, across 5 secondary schools.  Over 250 staff volunteer to deliver practical and vocational learning, from gardeners and plumbers through to the Chief Executive.

The project aims to raise pupils’ awareness of the world of work, improve motivation, raise aspirations, give them practical skills and a qualification which ultimately makes them employable after school.
 
Tim Cobb, Managing Director and Head of Merrill Lynch International Communications, said:  “Gentoo’s ‘can-do’ attitude is delivering real results for the pupils they work with.

"Pupils First shows that entering industry isn’t the easy option, it’s something that needs hard work from day one.

"They are realistic about the challenges they face and are working hard to effectively support the schools they work with. The Pupils First model is a simple idea, but Gentoo are delivering it with real flair.”
 
Stephen Howard, Chief Executive at Business in the Community, said: “Gentoo Winning the Merrill Lynch Education Award is a great accomplishment. They are demonstrating the power of business to create opportunities for and realise potential in their employees.”
 
The award recognises the role that Gentoo has played in working with schools in the City and the massive commitment of their staff who willingly give their time to support both this and other equally successful education programmes.

Gentoo have raised the achievement of young people through building sustainable partnerships with schools, in particular through their Pupils First initiative.
 
Peter Walls, Gentoo Group Chief Executive said: “We are really proud to receive recognition on a national scale with this prestigious award.

"Gentoo are committed to improving the art of living for everyone, to provide opportunities and enable people to have the choices to shape their own lifestyle.  We strive to give our customers the life they want to live. 
 
"This award demonstrates our commitment to helping to inspire young people to achieve their potential and raise levels of attainment in the City's schools.”
 
Along with Pupils First, Gentoo develop and deliver a wide range of other responsive programmes, ensuring that every penny spent has social and economic benefits in the communities in which they work.