10/03/2026
The IEP Learning Awards returned to Basecamp 2025 to celebrate the practitioners, coaches, and mentors who are raising standards and shaping futures across the Employability sector.
This year, Kerrie Smith MAIEP, Employment and Skills Coach at SNG (Sovereign Network Group), was awarded IEP Learner of the Year for the Certificate in Employability Practice. Kerrie’s commitment to developing her coaching practice and delivering truly individualised support to her customers has set a high bar for what professional learning looks like in action.
Working within SNG’s Community Foundation — which recently achieved charitable status and the matrix Standard — Kerrie is part of a forward-thinking team that is demonstrating how social landlords can genuinely transform the lives of their tenants through employment and skills support.
Read on for our full interview with Kerrie.
Kerrie, what does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?
Professionally, recognition means validation that I am performing my job to the best of my ability to support my customers. The learning with the IEP has strengthened my abilities and I am putting best practice as a Coach into action. Personally, the recognition makes me feel proud of the job I am doing and serves as a testimony that I made the right decision to pursue a career in Employability.
What motivated you to enrol in this IEP Learning programme?
I was motivated to enrol into the IEP learning programme to gain a qualification which would evidence and affirm my skills and coaching techniques. I wanted to grow and develop as a Coach and pass on this knowledge to my customers to support them to succeed.
Can you share some examples of how the skills you’ve gained from the programme have been valuable in your work?
I have found learning about the different coaching styles to suit different customers very useful. It has enabled me to tailor my coaching to suit the individual and get the best out of them. This is particularly useful when dealing with customers with low motivation and complex needs. This has resulted in increased job retention and my customers finding better suited, sustainable jobs.
Has your journey on the programme helped you learn things about yourself? If so, how?
The programme has encouraged internal reflection, not only considering the customers’ motivations, but also my own. Looking inwardly has allowed me to refine my coaching style, trying to ensure that I am performing at my best, acting ethically and empathically, and providing a truly individualised customer focused service.
What would you say to someone considering enrolling in this programme to encourage them to do so?
I would encourage anyone wanting to improve their coaching skills and deliver the best employment support they can, to enrol in this programme. I have found it to be an engaging, insightful, and positive experience which has allowed me to develop personally and professionally.
What does being part of the IEP community mean to you, and how has it supported your journey so far?
Being part of the IEP community makes me feel supported by other Employability professionals all of whom work together to make a real difference in people’s lives. The access to learning via the IEP programme, webinars, tutorials and events has been invaluable.
Why do you think professional development is so important in our sector?
Professional development is so important in our sector as it enables us to stay current and acquire new skills which we can then use to motivate and inspire others. It has enabled me to feel more confident in my abilities as a Coach which in turn brings out the best in my customers, supporting them to achieve their goals.
What does being an Employability professional mean to you personally?
I can honestly say that being an Employability professional is the best job I have ever had. I find it extremely rewarding. There is no better feeling than supporting another individual to achieve their dreams and ambitions.
What would you say to someone considering a career in Employability – and what keeps you passionate about the work you do?
This role would suit anyone who is a great communicator and listener and loves working with people. It can be a challenging job, as you are often supporting individuals at a low point in their lives. The people you are supporting face difficulties and have to overcome barriers. However, with your mentoring, coaching, and practical support they can overcome these obstacles, succeed and thrive. Providing a person with the tools and support they need to achieve their goals is the most rewarding feeling. Being instrumental in their journey is truly fulfilling.
Anything else you would like to add?
Just to say thank you so much for the recognition through my award. I am so proud and delighted to have achieved it for myself, and on behalf of my employer Sovereign Network Group. Sovereign Network Group’s Community Foundation is paving the way for social landlords to truly support their tenants via Employment and Skills support. The Community Foundation now have charitable status and have just achieved the Matrix Standard, so it is an exciting time to work for and represent SNG.