Press Releases
21/01/2011 : Ray Shostak appointed lead executive at Core Assets Group
Core Assets Group has announced the appointment of Ray Shostak CBE as lead executive for the Group.
The appointment comes following Mr Shostak's decision to step down as head of the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit and director general Performance Management, a post he held since October 2007. He has taken up the newly created role at a time of both domestic and international expansion of the Core Assets Group.
With a career history spanning over 30 years, previously Mr Shostak served as director of Public Services at HM Treasury, working on a wide variety of public service, spending and control issues, including reforms to the framework of Public Service Agreements, a new performance framework for local government, cross-governmental initiatives as well as projects such as policy development and reviews. Prior to joining HM Treasury, he was director of Children, Schools and Families at Hertfordshire County Council where he set up the first fully integrated children's service in local government. Having worked both in the UK and US, Mr Shostak has also held a number of posts in education.
"We welcome the appointment of Ray Shostak who has the breadth of experience and understanding in policy, management and operational performance to take the Core Assets Group forward," said Core Assets Group chairman, Jim Cockburn.
"His appointment will take the Group forward, enabling it to rise to new challenges in the changing economic and professional climate of children's services, as it continues to make a real difference to vulnerable children and families."
Commenting on his new role, Mr Shostak said: "My appointment at Core Assets Group brings a myriad of fresh challenges and comes at a time of significant change and challenge for all involved in the procurement and provision of services."
"The Core Assets Group has made great progress in recent years and has developed many strong partnerships with local authorities, third sector and other providers. It has a very exciting future. It has a sound foundation and offers integrated children's services based on quality, innovation and evidence based best models of practice. I relish the opportunity to bring greater focus to the business and drive its future performance and success."
With an annual turnover of £138 million, The Core Assets Group incorporates a broad network of operations in the UK and overseas including: Foster Care Associates (FCA Ltd), Fostering People, Fostering First International (FFI Ltd), Core Children's Services and Outcomes UK. Core Assets Group currently has 80 UK regional offices and employs 1020 staff.
The Group works with 90% of local authorities and trusts in the UK. Ranging from foster care and adoption support, educational provision, disability services, children's domiciliary care and social care recruitment and resourcing, the Group aims to 'make a positive and lasting difference' to vulnerable children, their families and communities.
14/01/2011 : Core Assets received prestigious Equality & Diversity Award
Core Assets Group has been awarded the Best Small Organisation (less than 1000 employees) at the 2010 Employee Forum on Age (EFA) & Employee Forum on Beliefs (EFB) award ceremony, held last week (13/7/2010).
The award recognises the company’s commitment to supporting foster children who may experience discrimination.
Equality and diversity co-ordinator at Core Assets, Stuart Bray commented: “This award evidences the huge commitment Core Assets continues to make in helping children and young people overcome the stereotyping they often experience because of their age and being in care.
“As a leading provider of children’s services it is our responsibility to bring about positive change and address the individual needs of foster children whatever their background, culture or heritage. We are passionate about the work we do and this Award underpins our agenda for diversity and tacking discrimination in the workplace.”
The prestigious Awards attracted entries from leading organisations such as Marks and Spencer, MacDonald’s and The Home Office.
Core Assets was praised for its commitment to ensure the foster children it looks after are given the best chances to fulfil their social and academic potential. Further recognition was attributed to the launch of Core Assets ‘360 diversity’ virtual online forum.
Stuart Bray explained: “360 diversity is part of Core Assets overall strategy for diversity. It is an interactive online networking forum which supports and educates staff on all strands of diversity and equality. We very much see this as a vehicle to help improve communication with staff, giving them greater voice on issues that affect them and to support them with the work they undertake with foster children.”
In recognising Core Assets achievement, EFA & EFB judges said: The impact of the work undertaken by Core Assets is significant especially in relation to the disaffection from education. The organisation is using innovative practices to involve all staff and other people affected by their services.”