RECRUITMENT and training firm eResponse Group has bolstered its senior board with the appointment of an education and training specialist.

The Redditch-headquartered business, which has three county branches in Worcester, Kidderminster and Redditch, has appointed Barbara Van der Eecken as quality and standards Director.

Joining eResponse from Birmingham Metropolitan College where she was assistant director of quality, Dr Van der Eecken will lead the introduction of a variety of new processes and quality standards across the firm’s recruitment and training divisions. The Belgian-born education specialist, who has 23 years’ experience in the sector, will also oversee eResponse’s course delivery and ensure its own specialist tutors reach the highest standards, liaising closely with bodies including Highfield, City Guilds, Pearson and education watchdog, Ofsted.

Sam Morgan, commercial director of eResponse Group, said: “It’s a huge coup for us to have someone as experienced as Barbara here at eResponse. Our job is to make sure everyone who accesses our services is trained to the highest standards, with the most relevant and highest quality qualifications and support. However we also place a huge importance on our own team to make sure they are at the top of their game and geared up to deliver the best training and courses possible. Barbara will be a vital part of our senior team in the long-term and we are delighted to have her on board.”

Dr Van der Eecken added: “eResponse has a first-rate reputation and I am delighted to be joining such an ambitious and positive business. The firm is a leader in continuing professional development and in equipping its candidates with the right qualifications, as well as providing apprenticeships in a wide variety of disciplines and specialist subjects. I want to make sure that we constantly develop and stay focussed completely upon delivering the best quality training and leadership.”

Formed in 2003, eResponse Group has grown to employ more than 100 people at its seven branches in Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Northamptonshire. Last year the company was placed at number 44 in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 and was voted one of the UK’s top employers.