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NCFE, has been placed 8th in the country for call service, according to the prestigious Top 50 Customer Service Awards 2014. The awards represent the UK's only programme which uses real customers to mystery shop and benchmark against the best in the business across multiple sectors.

The Newcastle based organisation was the only awarding body to be placed in the top 50 list and were in good company with big names such as Asda, ITV, Nationwide and the Met Office also competing. The awards ceremony was held on 23 October at the Park Plaza, Westminster and was hosted by TV personality Rachel Riley and comedian Josh Widdicombe.

Working with customers from FE colleges, training providers, schools and employers as well as engaging with learners, NCFE has various teams throughout the business who interact closely with their customers on a daily basis. The 60-strong Centre Support team (CST) are NCFE’s main customer service team, dealing with about 80% of the queries that come in to NCFE.

Jill Gray, CST Manager at NCFE commented, “I’m absolutely delighted with NCFE’s placing in the Top 50 Customer Service Awards and proud that a North East company has been recognised for its levels of service. At NCFE, we really do put service at the heart of everything we do – it’s so important in every business.

“We’ve made a decision to never use any machines – everyone who calls us will speak to a real person without having to press any buttons! The Centre Support Assistants are all multi-skilled and have their own accounts to look after which gives the service provided to customers a much more personal touch. We also make sure we never keep customers waiting, always answering the phone in just 2 rings - life’s too short to be kept on hold!“

I can honestly say that I’m working for a company that really means what it says about delivering great service and this accolade is really valuable to us. However, we’ll not be resting on our laurels and will be continuing to look at how we can make

that customer experience even better.”

For more information from NCFE, visit www.ncfe.org.uk or call 0191 239 8000.

Notes to editors:
About NCFE

• NCFE is one of the UK’s leading awarding bodies, developing and implementing vocational and academic qualifications in a range of subjects.
• NCFE works with 2000 colleges, schools and training providers to offer over 300 qualifications on the QCF and NQF in a range of subject areas
• NCFE works closely with colleges, training providers, schools and employers throughout the UK to develop specific and relevant qualifications which focus on the needs of the learners and employees.
• NCFE is also a registered educational charity and a company limited by guarantee. Our charitable aim is 'to promote and advance the education and training of young persons and adults'.

About the Top 50 Awards

• The Top 50 programme provides a true measure of customer service levels from the customer’s perspective http://www.callcentre.co.uk/top50/about/