The Softcat News Team
Last week, Softcat walked away with two ‘Do Good’ awards at a Cisco event in Birmingham – the Apprentice Award, and a second award for our work on Diversity.
Cisco UK Partner Live took place at the Vox Conference Centre in Birmingham, bringing together over 1000 delegates from across the Cisco Partner Network for keynotes, presentations and awards, presented by Cisco’s newly appointed UK CEO David Meads and Partner Organisation MD Angela Whitty.
James Baker, Alliances Director at Softcat, said: “It is a great privilege for Softcat to receive this recognition from one of our largest strategic partners and we look forward to strengthening our joint corporate social responsibilities in the future.”
In making the Apprenticeship award, Cisco referenced the Softcat Apprenticeship programme, which started in 2014 and is rated by Apprentices on the ‘Rate My Apprenticeship’ site as top 10 in the UK. Mike Smith, Cisco Partner Organisation Regional Sales Manager, quoted from the award entry: “ ‘No experience is required for our entry-level apprenticeship roles: simply the ambition, drive and determination to succeed. We like to use the phrase “from the classroom to the boardroom” – this really clarifies the apprentices’ journey into a professional environment, and where we believe their careers could take them.’ This quote from their application clearly explains how the Softcat approach levels the playing field and gives great opportunities to all”
Softcat were also recognised for their Diversity initiatives. Led by the Head of Talent, Engagement and Diversity, Anushka Davies, the programme shows a wide range of focus areas to drive change within Softcat. Programmes include Supporting Women in Business, Mental Health Awareness, LGBTQ+ community support through the Pride Network and the Softcat Family Network.