A Yorkshire training organisation founded by professionals who have overcome personal adversity has been selected by the Department for Education (DfE) to deliver a major new national training initiative.
York-based Transform Your Training will lead the design and delivery of England’s new national Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme for careers advisers. The appointment follows a competitive procurement process as part of broader government efforts to improve employment opportunities for young people.
Co-founded by Tammy Banks and Faye Fox after working in York’s charity sector, the organisation operates from Lowther Street in York. It currently employs 20 staff members alongside a national network of 100 facilitators. The DfE contract win is expected to create seven new jobs at the firm.
The new national programme utilises the company’s award-winning Training 4 Influence methodology. It combines trauma-informed facilitation with practical values-led learning, delivered by trainers who have personal or professional experience overcoming barriers to progression.
Tammy Banks, CEO of Transform Your Training, channelled her own lived experience of navigating childhood harm and neglect into her work. She credits a supportive teacher with helping her realise her potential, an experience that now drives her mission to improve public services.
Tammy said: “Careers advisers make a difference every single day, helping young people to recognise their strengths and open doors to opportunities that can shape the rest of their lives. That impact can be amplified if we are able to support careers advisers to understand and respond to the needs of young people who face barriers, whether they’re in the care system or have experienced trauma.
“Every young person deserves access to high-quality careers guidance, whatever their background or circumstances. It’s something I am hugely passionate about because of my own experience navigating adverse experiences as a young person. Values-led quality training can drive this change for young people today.”
She added: “Training that values the people in the room, that thanks them for the work they’re doing, and teaches them the skills to work with people in an equal and equitable way is vital. It can transform lives and revolutionise our public services.”
Launching in October, the free programme will be available to careers professionals working in schools, colleges, universities, and alternative education settings. The initiative will feature national inspiration conferences, six CPD modules, monthly expert panels, and a dedicated community of practice.
