UK Enterprise Awards 2023

Apr23362 Best Safeguarding & SEND Awareness Courses Provider 2023 The critical importance of Safeguarding across our society today has seen a welcome increase in regulations across many areas. But there are dangerous gaps in knowledge and appropriate training which leaves vulnerable children, and adults, at risk. Spectrum Courses is one company in the driving seat of change concentrating on the Home to School Transport sector. We spoke to Founder and Managing Director Jane Saggers to find out more on the back of the team’s well-deserved recognition. Whilst the world has changed immensely over the last few decades, with paradigm shifts happening, what was considered best practice, is now firmly not, and we’re learning that it helps to keep apace of greater developments to best serve, and best protect, those that need it most. Spectrum Courses was established to close an overlooked loophole and to raise standards for operators who work in the Home to School Transport industry and better protect millions of vulnerable children and adults. After all, it’s crucially important to be able to know that the service provider and operator you trust is deserving of that trust. Jane explains more in her opening comments. “We provide online courses aimed at a demographic of (traditionally) reluctant learners of taxi and minibus drivers and passenger assistants. Our investment in a bespoke learning management system offers an ideal platform with video led training reinforced by certified accredited training. “Our mission is to upskill transport operators to enable better understanding of the challenges faced by children with special educational needs and disabilities to ensure more vulnerable children can access education successfully and go on to lead meaningful, purposeful adult lives.” The company’s goal is to create a standardised, accredited training programme across England and Wales, which protects the passengers and their drivers. Jane is only too aware that this area is niche: “Our business principles are based on our moral and genuine desire to help improve the lives of vulnerable children and adults in society today. “Our courses improve the understanding around disabilities, including invisible disabilities and explore the triggers which can produce challenging behaviours.” With an Advisory Board offering a hugely impressive base of expertise and experience, Spectrum Courses explains conditions including autism, ADHD and other mental health problems. “We are upskilling thousands of taxi drivers and passenger assistants, so that they understand that there are triggers to children’s behaviours. We want them also to appreciate more fully the invaluable professional role they play in these young people’s lives. “Our USP is that we are the first and still only company offering safeguarding training online with accredited, certified and independently verifiable courses.” Indeed, despite the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the travel and transport industry – and the driver shortage in this sector which continues – there can be no doubt that this area is one that needs tackling, and with further growth on the horizon, it is only becoming more crucial. Of course, we’re also seeing renewed interest and awareness in all things inclusivity and accessibility across the UK which is helping to fuel Spectrum Courses towards greater acknowledgement in the space. “The UK is a wonderful diversity of faiths, backgrounds and communities which care about the inequalities and underprivileged in society today. Our micro company taps into UK small business talent for all its supplier needs whilst turning to the mighty power of the UK government to offer our services via its e-sourcing platform of Crown Commercial Services.” “Spectrum looks for team members who honour its core business values of honesty, integrity, pride, professionalism and value.” For now, the future of Spectrum Courses is focused on riding a wave of unprecedented interest in its products, and spearheading vital changes in this industry, as Jane concludes in her closing comments. “2023 is an exciting year for us. Spectrum Courses set out to try to fix a social problem and we hope this year, with the support of this award, it will bring the recognition and safety that these children deserve. We would like to thank the judges for this recognition which is immeasurably important to a micro company like ours. And finally, we would like to thank each and every member of our immensely talented Advisory Board who continue to believe in our products and support our mission.” Company Name: Spectrum Courses Contact Name: Jane Saggers, Managing Director Address: Uffington Road, Barnack, Stamford, PE9 3DU Web Address: www,spectrumcourses.co.uk Contact Email: jane@spectrumcourses.co.uk Telephone Number: 07941 829360

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