HES, London Borough of Havering’s commercial brand of support services to education establishments, has been awarded ‘Supplier of the Year – not for profit’ at the 2023 Education Resources Awards. The team was recognised for its commitment to its customers during the pandemic, sustainability efforts and glowing testimonials from customers.

Working closely with the schools and other settings it supports, HES includes input and feedback from customers in the development of its services and uses it as the key driver for service improvement. Its annual customer satisfaction survey, network meetings with key school staff and multiple touchpoints were noted as key to the award-win, demonstrating HES’ ability to keep its finger on the pulse in terms of customers’ needs, wants and concerns.

This was especially notable during the pandemic, in which HES developed a custom online system in one easy-to-use portal to ensure ongoing support and training (virtually) continued. The portal offered an online support programme with extensive training sessions and course tasks via Zoom, video and other platforms.

Recognising its importance, HES has also focused on sustainability efforts as an organisation and in its schools, increasing awareness and implementing initiatives to reduce waste, recycle responsibly and increase awareness of the issue across the Borough of Havering and beyond.

The judges were particularly impressed with the customer testimonials for HES and the 100% school retention rate. Its work through the COVID crisis and commitment to sustainability was what the judges deemed worthy of winning among stiff competition.

Trevor Cook, Assistant Director, HES, said:

“I couldn’t be prouder of the HES team. It is great to have our hard work and dedication to the education community celebrated. Ultimately, our goal is to enhance the everyday life of education establishments, educators, children and young people and their positive outcomes and so it’s wonderful to be recognised for this.”

The Education Resource Awards play a key role in identifying and rewarding excellence in education trade. Winners were announced at an awards ceremony at the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre.