This framework provides UK schools, colleges and local authorities with an EU approved supplier network to deliver high quality, value for money learning platform services. The suppliers are approved to provide managed service solutions drawing on proprietary and open source components to offer a learning platform for schools and colleges.
The framework will help schools and colleges meet the Government target of providing all learners with an online personalised learning space by 2008. RM was accredited in January 2007; new suppliers will not be able to join until Becta holds a new round of competition. The framework runs until December 2010.
Becta Infrastructure Services Framework
Infrastructure services are a range of high quality ICT services, tailored to suit local needs and circumstances by suppliers.
This framework agreement reduces the burden on education through the opportunity to purchase either a completely managed service or elements which complement existing ICT services. RM was accredited in August 2006; new suppliers will not be able to join until Becta holds a new round of competition. The framework runs until July 2010.
OGC Software for Educational Institutions Framework
The OGC Software Licensing Framework for schools is to allow schools compare pricing and value-added services from vendors who supply software licences to UK schools.
This framework is a replacement to the Becta Software Framework previously run.
RM was approved as one of 12 suppliers to supply software licensing under this Framework Agreement. RM was accredited in October 2008; new suppliers will not be able to join until Becta holds a new round of competition. The framework runs until October 2012.
Naacemark for ICT Service Providers Helpline and Support Services
National Association of Advisors for Computers in Education (Naace) is the professional association for those concerned with advancing education through the appropriate use of information and communications technology (ICT).
The association was established in 1984 and has become the key influential professional association for those working in ICT in Education. RM is accredited in the area of Helpline and Support Service and is one of very few accredited commercial organisations, NAACEmark assures schools and colleges that service providers have met a national quality standard.
International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 9001:2000
RM is accredited as meeting the ISO 9001:2000 standard for a range of its services: "The design, manufacture and shipment of microcomputers. The design and supply of high quality network management, installation, support, maintenance, parts upgrade and cabling services for the hardware and specified software components of computer installation.
The operational management of schools participating in the KS3 ICT on-screen test project." ISO 9001:2000, the requirement standard, includes the following main sections: 1. Quality Management System 2. Management Responsibility 3. Resource Management 4. Product Realization 5. Measurement Analysis and Improvement.
International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 27001
Assessment and Data Services have now achieved certification to the internationally recognised ISO27001:2005 security standard. The certification covers Forvus and Assessment Services based in Abingdon. This standard is becoming a prerequisite for all services into our marketplace.
In addition to Assessment Services being accreditation to this, RM Education plc are also ISO27001:2005 accredited for the provision of Systems, Information and Hosting Service by Information Systems to RM Education plc.
British Education Suppliers Association (BESA) Code of Practice
As a member of BESA, RM abides by these criteria:
Our products are of a proper quality, safe and suitable for educational use
Our products comply with current British safety regulations. Except where toxic and hazardous substances are required to achieve the purpose of the product, then all products will be marked with full safety instructions or symbols
Our products and services are fairly and properly described in catalogues and advertising materials
Where advisory or consultancy services are offered they will be performed with reasonable care and skill
We value our customers and promise a high standard of customer service and deal promptly with any complaints
We carry public liability insurance at a level appropriate to the range and value of our products and services
Our representatives abide by the BESA Representative's Code of Practice and will present their BESA Member Representative's card on any visit.
Agreement to abide by this Code of Practice is a requirement for membership of the British Educational Suppliers Association.
Microsoft Gold Certified Partner
RM is a Gold Microsoft Certified Partner and a Strategic Education Partner in the UK market. RM's partnership with Microsoft allows RM to benefit from the extra support and investment that Microsoft makes in the partner program. This means RM can provide the best solutions to our customers, based on the most up-to-date technical knowledge and support. RM has supplied Microsoft products into education since 1985 and has engaged in significant development of those products to meet the specific needs of education.
As well as extensive inter-working between the companies, this partnership includes the following formal relationships:
Microsoft Solution Provider Partner
RM is an approved Microsoft systems integrator and employs a number of Microsoft Certified Professionals and Systems Engineers
Microsoft Developer Network
RM gains early access to new products from Microsoft, and participates in Joint Development programmes for new products
Microsoft Premier Support for Developers - as a Windows software developer, RM receives additional support and consultancy in the creation of its own software products and systems.
The Association of Support Professionals (ASP) Ten Best Web Support Sites
The Association of Support Professionals (ASP) has announced that RM is one of the winners of its ninth annual "Ten Best Web Support Sites" competition for the third year running. A prestigious award that showcases excellence in online service and support. Award winners were selected by a panel of judges with expertise in web support, design and implementation, using a scoring system based on 25 separate performance criteria. With criteria such as the addition of new web services, overall usability, design and navigation of the support Web site, RM competed with major international organisations such as HP, Lucent Technologies, McAfee and Microsoft - also in this year's top ten list.
Jeffrey Tarter, ASP Executive Director commented: "The diversity of this year's winners is a striking indication of how widely the Web support model has spread. We have winners whose customers range from relatively inexperienced consumers to high-end enterprise systems managers, and whose products cost anywhere from a few dollars to millions of dollars. Yet in all these market segments, technology companies have found that high-quality online support appeals to users and generates real customer loyalty. It's getting hard to imagine a customer segment where the Web isn't becoming the preferred way to deliver support."
RM's submission centred on our ability to act on customer feedback, to project manage change and to involve customers in both design and testing. The three key features described were 'RM Communities', providing an area for collaboration, the provision of an online record or 'support profile' of network facts and the implementation of an improved search engine.
Institute of IT Training
RM Training is accredited to IITT standards (Institute of IT Training). Our accreditation provides us with
External verification of the standards of our facilities, training and processes
Comprehensive benchmarking data against the best organisations in our field
Independent arbitration and a complaints procedure for our customers - embracing RM's value of openness
Access to the most comprehensive training development network in the UK.
The assessor from the ITT explained that four non-compliances would constitute a failure and less would require action. We were told that most companies fail on their first attempt so we should not be disappointed with that outcome. They explained that two non-conformances would be a very credible performance. We passed with no non-conformances and the IITT expect us to become a key benchmark organisation. The following statement is the assessors summary: 'RM Training is a quality minded training function with an impressive portfolio of courses to support client and staff development. These courses include advanced courses aimed specifically at staff and customers operating Community Connect 3 and RM certification programmes. The openness of discussion in the accreditation meeting, the level of preparation undertaken prior to the meeting and the willingness to adhere to best practice recommendations particularly impressed the Institute Assessor. The team is to be applauded for its commitment to quality, its receptiveness to new ideas and the desire to improve continuously.'
Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
RM is certified as a production facility to build and supply RM One and the Mobile One to the US and Canada.
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is an independent, not-for-profit product-safety testing and certification organisation. They have tested products for public safety for more than a century.
The Help Desk Institute's Support Excellence Awards
RM has been selected as finalist in the Help Desk Institutes "Support Excellence Team Award" in 2005 and 2006 and is delighted to have won the award in 2007.
Winning the award is a significant achievement which recognises RM Services' quality and customer focus across all our service operations. The Help Desk Institute (HDI), who manage the annual awards programme, is an international organisation whose members span all commercial sectors representing both internal and external support organisations. These awards are highly valued in the industry. The criteria for entry and the judging process are stringent and HDI seek evidence across a number categories. If you wish to read more about HDI or understand the criteria visit their website.
The BCS IT Industry Awards
The British Computer Society (BCS) - the IT world's most prestigious awards night was held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 6 December 2007.
RM, represented by Hazel Hogfress and her team of service managers won the Services Manager of the Year award. With over 200 companies and individuals competing in 23 categories, the evening was one of tension and thrills. Hazel's award win took into account the changes she made to the service management team and how they worked together to deliver excellent service to their customers and measure what they do. They have also worked hard to transform the experience of being a service manager at RM. Within a few years it's become a role people enjoy and are proud of.
David Clarke, BCS chief executive, says "This year's awards are a fitting culmination to our 50th anniversary year which has been exceptional. Technology has enabled unparalleled improvements in productivity and business efficiency over the last 50 years and today IT drives business. These winners have embraced this concept and proven their excellence in innovation and professionalism; they exemplify the importance and value that technology brings to business, society and the economy."
For more information about the awards visit the BCS website.
techMARK Sustainability Award
RM have been presented with the prestigious techMARK Sustainability Award. We won against a strong shortlist comprising ARM, BT and AEA Technology.
The techMARK Sustainability Award is given to companies who demonstrate economic, environmental and social sustainability. It's very much an award that reflects behaviour and personality across the company, recognising the work we've done to ensure RM is a good corporate citizen. Our Green RM programme, ecoquiet technology and the Charity Foundation all contributed to the Award.
The Sunday Times Best Companies
RM is listed in The Sunday Times top 50 Best Green Companies. Environmental issues within the business, as well as in product design and manufacture, have been taken very seriously by RM for many years. Featuring in The Sunday Times Best Green Companies list is a real recognition of our efforts.
Britain's Top Employers 2008 / UK Top IT Employers 2008
RM was named by the Corporate Research Foundation in 2008 as both one of Britain's Top Employers and Britain's Top IT Employer. Motivated and committed employees are the singlemost important factor in delivering great products and services, and high levels of customer satisfaction. We take employee satisfaction very seriously and we're proud to have been recognised through these awards.
