A Northumberland programme for young people has been recognised as 'outstanding'.
The Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service King’s Trust Team Programme has been rated an Outstanding Provider following its latest annual quality review, recognising the high standard of support provided to young people across the county.
The review praised the quality of programme delivery, highlighting the strong teamwork of NFRS staff, high-quality programme documentation and the development of new partnerships which have expanded opportunities and added-value activities for participants.
Staff were commended for using varied teaching methods, supporting respectful discussions on sensitive topics and maintaining strong relationships with external partners.
Improvements, including the introduction of central pick-up points, have also helped make travel easier for participants.
The programme continues to achieve strong results against national targets set by The King’s Trust, with an 83.3 per cent retention rate (target 80 per cent) and 100 per cent of participants achieving qualifications (target 90 per cent).
Work placements have also been a major success, with 97 per cent of young people completing at least 32 hours, exceeding the national target.
NFRS continues to produce high-quality file work and has held Direct Claim Status since 2018, plus Matrix Accreditation since 2017.
These achievements demonstrate an ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards and continuously improving programme delivery.
Northumberland County Councillor Gordon Stewart, Cabinet Member for Public Safety and Fire Authority Chair, said: “This Outstanding rating reflects the continued dedication and professionalism of the teams delivering the King’s Trust programme. It provides young people with the confidence, skills and opportunities they need to take positive steps towards their future.”
Helen Visocci, head of prevention at Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, added: “Our staff work incredibly hard to create opportunities for young people to build confidence and develop new skills. We are proud to see the positive impact the programme continues to have across our communities.”
The programme supports young people aged 16-25 who are not currently in education, employment or training, helping them gain qualifications, build confidence and move towards employment or further education.
For more information, visit King's Trust | Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service
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