Celebrating the best of the East Midlands voluntary and community sector

Enable, the East Midlands voluntary and community sector learning and skills consortium, recently celebrated their Annual Conference and Celebration awards, championing the individuals and organisations that are leaving their mark in the local community.

Supporting the sustainable economic development of local communities, Enable is comprised of over 400 members, and focuses on supporting these to provide local learning and skills to boost employment prospect and address workplace needs.

This year’s award categories were:

• Apprentice of the Year
• Learner of the Year
• Provider of the Year
• ESOL champion
• Tutor of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year
• Outstanding Contribution
• Lifetime Achievement Award (in honour of colleague David Buckley)

Chair of Trustees Enable, Teresa Cullen comments “Facilitating collaboration between member organisations, funding bodies and local, regional and national bodies involved in training, skills and workforce development, Enable provides a framework for voluntary organisations and community groups to join forces and drive the development of the sector.”

“I am proud of what our organisation and members continue to achieve, and it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to recognise this progress at our Annual Conference and Awards celebration.

Sarah Flear, Partner at Smith Cooper and head of their specialist charities division comments “Enable are a fantastic organisation based here in Nottingham, and they bring together an array of local organisations operating in the voluntary sector.”

“Enable provides a platform for voluntary organisations and community groups to engage effectively, and work towards a common goal, developing and delivering a local learning and skills agenda.”

“Here at Smith Cooper, we too are passionate about our local community and supporting charitable causes, and are particularly committed to investing in aspiring young professionals to enable the advancement of their professional careers, which is why we were delighted to be involved in Enables recent Annual Conference and Celebration awards event, sponsoring the Apprentice of the Year category."

The Apprentice of The Year award received the most amount of nominations, ultimately awarded to Ryan Page, apprentice with Enable. Judges commended Ryan for embracing his apprenticeship with real enthusiasm and drive, supporting people into employment and dealing with the challenges that can bring.

Smith Cooper, Accountants and Business Advisors are experts regarding the charities and not-for-profit sector, appreciating the passion that drives, these organisations, the dedication that it takes to make them succeed and the opportunities that they provide to our local communities.