What Happens When a Company Turns 5? For NQual, It Means Giving Back.

As NQual celebrates its fifth anniversary as an awarding organisation, we’re marking this important milestone with the launch of our ‘Got 5, Give 5’ charity campaign. This initiative invites every member of our team to donate five working hours to a charity, community group, or local organisation of their choice, helping us create meaningful, positive change in the communities we support.

We've had tremendous growth and national recognition over the last five years, including winning "Team of the Year" at the FAB Awards. These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our team and the values that shape who we are. Now, as we reach this five‑year milestone, we want to express our gratitude by giving back to those who, like us, work to make a difference.

Official 'Got 5, Give 5' Logo.

Throughout the year, we’ll be posting updates and publishing a follow‑up blog celebrating all of the community hours donated by our staff through the ‘Got 5, Give 5’ campaign. But for now, we’re proud to highlight just some of the inspiring ways our team members are already supporting their local communities, from volunteering and coaching to fundraising and hands‑on charitable work.

Sophie Grand: Supporting SEND and Accessibility in Education

Sophie Grand, our Education & Early Years Sector Manager, also serves as a co-opted governor at Walkeringham Primary School. She is a qualified SENDCO and is deeply passionate about providing inclusive education and removing barriers for learners diagnosed with SEND. This commitment led her to earn a master’s degree in this field.

Beyond her work in education, Sophie is an active member of the Gatwick Airport Accessibility Panel, where she helps improve air travel and airport access for individuals with hidden disabilities or those who are neurodivergent. Her dedication and impact are widely recognised; she was a finalist for the ‘Rising Star’ nomination at the FAB Awards 2025.

Sophie truly is an exceptional professional and an inspiration to all of us!

 

Robert Herriot: Driving Community Spirit Through Sport and Scouting

Robert Herriot, our Head of Sales & Marketing, is one of the coaches for the Tartan Touch rugby team. Over the summer, they hosted sessions at the Falkirk RFC grounds every Monday evening to encourage participation in the sport. These sessions offered a simplified, low-contact form of rugby, and the results showed just how popular they were! You can read more and view action photographs here: In pictures: Tartan Touch takes off at Falkirk RFC over the summer months.

Alongside his coaching role, Robert also volunteers with the Falkirk Scouts. During the summer, the Scouts enjoyed a family camping trip with over 100 attendees. Despite challenging weather, everyone had a fantastic two days packed with activities such as the 3G swing, abseiling, Jacob’s Ladder, survival skills, axe throwing, and an obstacle course. There were also traditional Highland games like caber tossing, welly throwing, and tug of war. The event was a huge success: 105 people attended (including children as young as four), more than 100 badges were earned, and two Silver Scout awards were presented. This trip gave parents the chance to bond with their children and get involved in Scouting, and what better way to finish than with a water fight, adults versus kids! Read the full article here: Falkirk Scouts' camping trip is a family affair, as Mum and Dad come too.

Robert’s dedication to both the Tartan Touch rugby team and the 1st Falkirk Scouts is truly commendable. His commitment to promoting sport and supporting youth development through volunteering makes a real difference in the community. Well done, Robert!

 

Andy Hickey: A Passion for Football and Developing Future Talent

Andy Hickey, our Lead End-Point Assessor, has a passion for football that spans over two decades. Alongside his professional role, Andy has dedicated his time to coaching and managing teams from the junior grassroots level through to semi-professional clubs.

Andy’s coaching journey has taken him across the United States and back to the UK, where he achieved one of his proudest milestones: guiding an under-6s team all the way to open-age, with the squad competing in the prestigious FA Youth Cup along the way. His philosophy has always been clear: develop players for the long term and support them both on and off the pitch.

Today, Andy is coaching his son’s under-7s team, Litherland Athletic Whites, a group of enthusiastic young players who are steadily improving every week. Watching these boys grow in confidence and skill is a rewarding experience for Andy, and we’re thrilled to play a part in their journey. With rising costs in grassroots football, NQual stepped in to sponsor the team by providing a full kit, ensuring all 10 players can wear their club colours with pride. We were delighted to support the team, helping them overcome financial challenges and continue offering opportunities for young players. The team currently plays in a friendly league, focusing on learning, development, and enjoyment. Andy’s long-term vision is to guide this group through the age groups, just as he has done before, fostering a lifelong love for the game.

Litherland Athletic Whites wearing the NQual-sponsored kit.

We’re proud to support Andy and the next generation of footballers. Here’s to many more goals, on and off the pitch! You can support the team and stay updated by following their official Instagram account, @lajfcunder7whites.

Highlighting Real People, Real Impact, and our Ongoing Commitment to Giving Back

Throughout the year, we’ll be shining a spotlight on the charities, community groups, and local organisations our team champions with their five volunteer hours, celebrating the real impact they’re making. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook as we share and repost these inspiring moments of giving. Every story showcases NQual’s commitment to community, social responsibility, and making a difference.