Suffolk-based social enterprise Realise Futures has achived an accreditation double, recognising its efforts to minimise its environmental impact and the quality of the services it provides.

Realise Futures is a specialist provider of employment support, learning and development services throughout the eastern region, including six social businesses based in Suffolk which offer opportunities for the disabled and disadvantaged.

It has achieved the national ISO14001 environmental quality standard for all its social enterprise businesses in Ipswich, Felixstowe and Bury St Edmunds, as well as the buildings which house its learning and development and employment services.

Kieron Lingard, business development manager of Eco Furniture, one of Realise Futures’ enterprise businesses in Ipswich, which makes furniture out of recycled plastic, said: “The environmental team was made up of members of staff covering all areas of our business. They all worked really hard to achieve our accreditation and we are really proud of what we have achieved.”

In addition, Realise Futures Careers Solutions – the largest provider of careers advice services in the East of England – has been awarded the Matrix Standard which is a quality measurement for information, advice and guidance around leadership and management, service delivery and continuous improvement.

Sally Butcher, Realise Futures’ director, said: “The Matrix Standard assessor said she felt that communication within Realise Futures and across the wide geographical area we cover was outstanding.

“Customer views of the service and the staff were also outstanding, and demonstrated a deep-rooted focus on ensuring customers were treated with respect and offered impartial and clear advice that was very person-focused.”