Tricia is Prince's Ambassador for responsible business practice

Added: 14/08/2008
Category: Norfolk County Council

A businesswoman who has helped hundreds of disadvantaged Norfolk people return to work, while boosting the job prospects and skills of her own company's workforce, has been appointed The Prince of Wales' Ambassador for the East.

Tricia Fuller, HR Director of Norfolk County Services Ltd, received the prestigious award in recognition of her outstanding leadership and commitment to responsible business practice and the positive impact her actions have had on her own company and the wider community.

The award was presented to Tricia at the Business in the Community Awards for Excellence 2008 Gala Dinner at Audley End House, in Essex. In a recorded video message broadcast at the event, the Prince of Wales said:

"Patricia's enthusiasm is infectious and is one of those rare people who really make things happen which is why I'm so thrilled to make her my Business in the Community Ambassador for the east of England."

At the same time, NCS - a company wholly owned by Norfolk County Council - picked up a further award (Most Innovative New Programme) for Talent Together, a joint project with Meridian East. Led by Tricia, the programme was set up to help people who face disadvantage in the employment market to return to work.

Tricia said: "It is a huge personal honour to be named ambassador for the east, but it also recognises the tremendous support I receive from NCS to take part in these vitally important projects.

"As a result, we have been able to make a real difference to the working lives of Norfolk people, by realising their true potential and giving them the chance to show what they can achieve."

Tony Williams, a Director of NCS and Cabinet member for Commercial Services and Efficiency, said: "I am delighted that Tricia's hard work and dedication to making a positive difference in the workplace has been honoured and recognised by HRH The Prince of Wales.

Peter Hawes, Managing Director of NCS, added: "Although we are a private company, we are very proud of our public sector ethos and feel we not only have a duty to our employees, but also to the wider community. It also makes good business sense, as it helps us to recruit and retain a skilled, motivated workforce."

Tricia has been involved with Business in the Community since 2003 when NCS entered the Awards for Excellence and won a Big Tick for their Skills for Life Programme.

She was the driving force behind the programme - known as Learning Lift Off - which has gone from strength to strength and last year picked up the National Example for Excellence Award.

Tricia is also Chair of the Norwich Business Action on Employability and Skills programme and also supports its programme in Great Yarmouth. NCS offers support to both programmes by providing work placements, making staff available to act as Job Coaches to participants and involving them in Ready for Work training.

In addition, Tricia represents NCS as a member of the Norwich ProHelp Group providing help and guidance on HR issues to the voluntary sector. She is also a member of the Business in the Community Regional Employers group, which looks at ways of getting ex-offenders into employment.