On Friday 28^th October Seetec were delighted to welcome Robert Devereux, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Work and Pensions to their Manchester operation.

Seetec, one of the UK’s leading training and employment specialist, operates across the UK employing over 700 staff.  Mr Devereux, who took up his post at the start of January 2011, met staff from Seetec and local partners, to discuss current performance on the Work Programme, recent developments, and the working relations with DWP staff in Jobcentres and Benefit Centres.'

Mr Robert Devereux said “I was pleased to hear the good progress Seetec have made in establishing and operating the Work Programme in the North West which, includes effective partnerships with the voluntary sector.  It is clear that the Work Programme’s focus on results is also producing more tailored support for people looking for work.”

Permanent Secretary at the Department for Work and Pensions, Robert Devereux pictured here with Seetec Operations Manager, Gillian Baines.

Debra Fullerton, Seetec Executive Director for the North West Region said, “we are really pleased with the developments here at Manchester. We have built some really strong relationships with partners and are able to offer a comprehensive and proactive service for our customers”.

Seetec, commenced delivery of Work Programme in Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Warrington, East of England and East London, in June of this year, working with a wide range of sub contractors across these regions.

One such partnership is with Groundwork, a community charity that specializes in changing places and changing lives throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Joining forces has allowed many people to benefit from the skills and expertise of both Groundwork and Seetec, ensuring the community gain the support, skills and employment opportunities locally.

Seetec’s Anita Machin-Smith, Supply Chain Manager for the North West said, “Working with Groundwork allows us to use our resources and knowledge collectively; enabling us to help many local people that we may not have been able to if we did not have this close working partnership.

The local community really benefits from this kind of team work and Seetec are delighted to be part of it. We are seeing some really positive results and are looking forward to helping many more people in the future.”