Three years ago, ESF Apprenticeships became a part of Real Group Ltd. Since then, we have worked together to expand our suite of SEND apprenticeships for schools and colleges, and continued to deliver our PE, Health and Wellbeing programmes to both schools and community settings. Today, we’re pleased to announce that Real Group Ltd has transitioned from private ownership to being 100% employee owned.
Why transition to employee ownership?
This decision has been made after careful consideration of potential options. It is driven by the board of directors’ commitment to securing the long-term future and independence of Real Group Ltd.
This ownership structure will allow Real Group to:
- Focus on its values and impact: Being owned by an Employee Ownership Trust (Real Group EOT Ltd) allows Real Group to maintain the core values and principles upon which the company was founded (inclusivity, integrity, positivity, curiosity, growth and sustainability). Our mission to transform lives and societies by delivering outstanding and inclusive professional development and services to educational settings will remain central to our strategic business plan.
- Maintain independence: This route ensures Real Group retains its independence, allowing us to continue the transformative work in schools across the UK and internationally that we have been known for over the last two decades.
- Continue to attract employees who share the company’s commitment and passion for inclusion: This will enable us to retain and recruit employees committed to carrying-on our work to support inclusive communities and promote positive mental health.
- Strengthen the existing company culture: Becoming employee owned will empower our teams to shape the future of the successful (and expanding) organisation they are contributing to.
- Be sustainable, stronger and future-ready: The change sets the company up to tackle the challenges of the future and establish long-term sustainability. Being employee owned provides a robust succession plan, securing the company’s future in the long-term.
What does this mean?
The EOT model is a change in ownership, but not a change in operation. The Trust will be governed by the newly formed board of trustees including ESF Apprenticeships’ Claire Baranowski, another long-standing employee, one of the former owners – Dr Siobhan Mellor, and an independent trustee.
For the foreseeable future, nothing substantial will change. Dr Mark Turner remains as Managing Director and will continue to lead the company. This transition is about putting the building blocks in place so Real Group can flourish and continue its mission long into the future. Our delegates and partners should continue to expect high-quality apprenticeship delivery, support and collaboration.
Dr Mark Turner, Managing Director, commented:
“We’re proud of the growth we’ve achieved and the significant positive impact we’ve had in the lives of children and young people with SEND over the last 20+ years. We look forward to continuing to work closely with our delegates and partners as we enter this exciting next stage of the company’s evolution.”
Jo Pountney, Director of Apprenticeships commented:
“The move to employee ownership perfectly aligns with the mission-driven culture of ESF Apprenticeships and Real Group. It provides a robust foundation for us to not only sustain, but to strengthen our commitment to providing impactful training for the education sector for decades to come”
We are excited about this transition which secures our independence and commitment to supporting educational professionals and settings.
Please feel free to contact us directly with any questions about what this stage means for our valued partners and stakeholders.