David wins award for leading the way
8th October 2007
David Martin (left) receiving his award from Remploy’s Stephen DunnDavid Martin, 52, who is both an incapacity benefits officer and disability employment advisor at the Jobcentre on Lower Mill Street in the town, has beaten off dozens of other contenders in the Midlands to be named a Leading the Way 2007 ‘Outstanding Jobcentre Plus Individual’ regional winner. He now takes his place at the grand final of Remploy’s prestigious awards ceremony to be held later this month.
Remploy, which works closely with Jobcentre Plus, is the country’s leading provider of employment services for people with disabilities and health conditions, and runs annual accolades to recognise and reward the outstanding contributions made by employers and individuals in the recruitment and employment of disabled people.
“David clearly goes the extra mile when helping people with disabilities,” said Remploy’s Stephen Dunn, who presented the award. “An independent panel of judges unanimously agreed that he should win this award, and it is my great pleasure to pass their comments on to him.”
David Martin, who comes from Stourbridge, used to work in the licensed trade until he was the victim of a serious physical assault. Following a lengthy stay in hospital, he was left unemployed and claiming incapacity benefit himself. However, following his recovery, he joined the civil service, and is now able to advise others and bring his personal experiences to the job.
“My aim is to work with others and help take them one step further than they thought they could go themselves,” said Mr Martin. “So many people I see do not fully appreciate the range of experiences they have acquired throughout their lives, and I just enjoy helping them realise that they have a value to potential employers.”
Mr Martin now joins a select band of other Jobcentre Plus colleagues throughout the UK to compete for the national title at the Victoria Park Plaza Hotel in London on the 15th October 2007.
The main speaker at the final will be Michael McGrath, disability champion for Hilton Hotels and the only disabled person to have conquered both the North and South Poles. Millionaire entrepreneur Richard Farleigh, former star of the BBC2 Dragons’ Den TV show, will present the awards, which are being run in association with The Times newspaper.
Stephen Dunn added, “Our Leading the Way Awards are now in their 11th year and are going from strength to strength. The calibre of entries this year has been extremely high and I congratulate David for working with Remploy to help disabled people get back into work.”
