Excellence brings its rewards for college.

Byline: David Whinyates

BIRMINGHAM MP Steve McCabe praised South Birmingham College as "one of the city's great community colleges" as he handed over a Government accolade.

The college is the first in Birmingham to receive the Customer Service Excellence standard, which recognises high levels of customer service for its students, staff, partners, local community groups and businesses.

Mr McCabe, MP for Hall Green, said he was extremely proud of the college's achievement.

"The college has a great reputation and I would like to congratulate all its staff and students on receiving this prestigious award," he said.

South Birmingham College has had to undergo a rigorous assessment to achieve the standard, which has been introduced to encourage those organisations that provide a public service to focus on the needs and preferences of their customers.

People who use the college were questioned by assessors to find out if it listened to them and used their insight to improve services, provide a high standard of customer care and distribute information about their services in appropriate ways.

South Birmingham College is currently enrolling for the new academic year. For more details of courses, please telephone [phone], email: [e-mail] or visit www.sbc.ac.uk

CAPTION(S):

Listening zone: Donna Hunt, South Birmingham College's assistant director for customer relations, Steve McCabe MP, college principal Mike Hopkins and Alicia Zborowska, customer feedback co-ordinator.