Awards victory for Harrogate Army Foundation College in Soldiering On results

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The winner of the Education, Training and Development award, sponsored by Capita, was announced during the second Soldiering On Awards 2020 (SOA2020) virtual ceremony hosted by Coronation Street Star, SSAFA and Help for Heroes Ambassador, Antony Cotton.

The ceremony was also attended by the category finalists and sponsors, judges, General the Lord Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL. President, Soldiering On Awards, Rear Admiral Jim Macleod, Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Personnel Capability) and Defence Services Secretary and David Richmond CBE, Director of the Office for Veterans Affairs.

The Army Foundation College transforms the lives of young men and women seeking military service, training over 1,000 teenagers for military service each year. It delivers the world’s most comprehensive 12-month programme of military training, education, leadership, sports and adventurous training.

While many of the country’s brightest students are attracted by the college’s reputation, 20% come from the lowest end of the socio-economic spectrum, with 33% excluded from schooling and representing the UK’s most disadvantaged children.

In tackling this difficult start, and in deciding what will serve recruits best long after they leave the Army, education has become the college’s priority.

Lt Colonel Simon Fairbrother, Commanding Officer of the Army Foundation College said: “I am here with a team of 500 people both civilians and military. It’s a synergy of all those people that make this place so special.

"Thank you to all those parents and guardians who put their faith in us and send their young people here and all of the staff who train, educate and develop those people as per this award and finally the junior soldiers who I think get a fantastic start to their British Army career.”

Cath Possami, CEO British Army Recruiting Group, Capita said: “This category shines a real light on those organisations who support the development, skills, education and training for people either before, within, or transitioning out of the services and all the organisations represented here do a phenomenal job. To be finalists is an incredible achievement in itself, congratulations.”

The award recognises excellence in the provision of vocational education, training or skills in support of preparatory, ongoing or transitional development for members of the wider Armed Forces community.

The other finalists were LifeWorks and Mission Motorsport.

Created by Royal British Legion Industries, in 2011, LifeWorks offers a programme of advice, information and career guidance to both Veterans and the spouses of serving personnel.

Mission Motorsport’s ‘Mission Automotive’ programme matches service leavers to jobs, within the motor industry, supporting the transition from military to civilian life.

The 2020 Awards mark SOA’s 10th anniversary and the first full awards cycle since becoming part of X-Forces Enterprise (XFE).

During those 10 years, over 120 winners, teams, charities, businesses and animal partners, across a range of categories along with countless more finalists, have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the Military Community.

The Earl Howe, Patron of the Soldiering On Awards said: “Despite the new virtual backdrop, the evening was a tremendous hour of celebration. All the finalists’ achievements cover an impressively wide range, from driving change in the Armed Forces environment and supporting our veterans’ community, to fields beyond Service life - be that sport, business, charity-work or public service.

“As the scope and prominence of these Awards has increased with each passing year, they add ever more value through the strong and positive messages that recognition gives to the vital and impressive work being done by our Nominees, Finalists and Winners in their communities.

“Huge congratulations to all our fantastic 2020 winners and finalists. Each and every one of you is an inspiration to us all.”

Lt Colonel Ren Kapur MBE, CEO of X-Forces Enterprise and Co-Chair of the Soldiering On Awards said: “The selfless dedication of our winners is both humbling and inspirational. It is so special to share these moments of celebration, not just with the winners but with all of the finalists.

“We couldn’t do this without the continued support of our sponsors, who have stood by us, and our finalists through challenging and uncertain times. Our growing community is stronger than ever.”

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