About Us
Find out about Good Skills Training, our team and our ethos … we look forward to working with you.
Find out what our ethos is and where we have come from!
Good Skills Training was set up in 2004 by Ian and Ruth Bodsworth, a mother and son duo who wanted to set up a training company that delivered ‘quality training at affordable prices’.
What quality means to us is:
- Getting the course that is right for you – we will let you know if we feel there is something that meets your needs better … even if it is cheaper!
- Having training where you feel you have learnt something not just ticked the box.
- Enjoying your training … this is very important to us, we are passionate about ensuring that the learner has actually enjoyed being there as this helps with the whole learning experience.
- Excellent admin staff, from helping you book the course, to getting out confirmations making sure the trainer has everything they need (and know where they are going) and making sure you get the post course paperwork, certificates and follow up you require.
Today we have 4 directors (all Bodsworth’s!) backed up with office admin staff and trainers who all work together to deliver this excellent service. All of our instructors are professionally qualified and regularly monitored.
Good Skills Training Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales
Registered Office: Good Skills Training Ltd, 2 Bulls Cottage, Smiths Green, Takeley, Hertfordshire CM22 6NS
Registration Number: 6124368
VAT Number: 997178057
So Meet the Team
Ian Bodsworth
Managing Director
Along with Mum (Ruth), I am one of the co-founders of Good Skills Training. Now responsible for the day-to-day running of the company I’m generally based in the office, so give me a call if you have any questions.
Away from work I have two teenage children, so perform the role of taxi! I love being on the water, with my main passion being sailing, but I also love to cycle, run, swim and eat!
You can contact me on ian@goodskillstraining.co.uk
Ruth Bodsworth
Director
As a co director of Good Skills Training I started the company with my eldest son Ian. Last year, circumstances meant that I needed to take a less active role within the company meaning I train rarely now but still keep involved strategically.
Out of work, I enjoy cooking, reading, walking our two dogs and going on adventures in our motorhome.
Helen Borino, Tech IOSH
Director
I am one of the Directors with Good Skills Training. I am one of the lead trainers and consultants within the company for health & safety, I am qualified to NEBOSH level and hold Tech IOSH status. I can deliver a number of courses including first aid, health & safety, risk assessment, fire safety and manual handling. I can carry out health & safety audits, fire risk assessments as well as writing policies and procedures.
Away from work I enjoy exercising, spending time with my husband going to the cinema and eating out.
You can contact me on helen@goodskillstraining.co.uk
Phill Bodsworth, MinstLM
Director
Following a career in banking and education I joined the company in 2012 and in addition to my responsibilities as a director I run a variety of courses in various aspects of health and safety, education and training, leadership and customer service. I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies, a Masters Level Qualification in Educational Leadership (MPQH) I am also a Member of the Institute of Leadership and Management.
Outside of work I enjoy sailing and powerboating both of which I teach as a hobby as well as exploring with my wife Ruth and our dogs in the motorhome.
You can contact me on phill@goodskillstraining.co.uk
Sara Taylor-Balls
Bookkeeper and Credit Controller
I am the Bookkeeper and Credit Controller for Good Skills Training, when you book your courses and consultancy with us, the chances are you will receive your invoice from me.
You can contact me on accounts@GoodSkillsTraining.co.uk
Barbara Norman
Administrator
Karen and I provide administrative support to our lovely Sales Team and help to ensure that customers get the training they want and need. To do this we work with a great bunch of trainers up and down the country. Behind the scenes there is a lot of processing and sometimes 2 screens and 20 open tabs doesn’t seem to be enough.
Outside of work I enjoy catching up and spending time with family and friends and walking my dog.
You can contact me on barbara@GoodSkillsTraining.co.uk
Karen Smith
Administrator
Barbara and I provide administrative support to our lovely Sales Team and help to ensure that customers get the training they want and need. To do this we work with a great bunch of trainers up and down the country. Behind the scenes there is a lot of processing and sometimes 2 screens and 20 open tabs doesn’t seem to be enough.
Outside of work and drinking tea I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I craft (so many “works in progress!”), read and watch rugby, films and Scandinavian detective stories. I also love hunting in charity shops and one day will find an original 1930s Schiaparelli dress.
You can contact me on karen@GoodSkillsTraining.co.uk
Melanie Hek
Sales Executive
I have been with Good Skills Training for 4 years as a Sales Executive and Account Manager. I’m always ready to help you choose the right course for your needs, so if you have any training requirements, please get in contact.
Away from work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and watching my children in all their sporting activities.
You can contact me on melanie@GoodSkillsTraining.co.uk
Ella Bodsworth
Social Media Coordinator
I am responsible for designing and planning the social media posts for the company, so if you’ve seen us on LinkedIn, Facebook and all the other usual places you’ve seen my work!
Away from work, I am currently studying at media studies, geography and music at college. Otherwise, I enjoy watching films and television at home or at the cinema. I also enjoy doing art, both physical and digital, taking photos and messing around with designing various media forms.
Larry Martin
Head of Operations for Isle of Wight & Hampshire
After taking early retirement from Teaching on the Isle of Wight in 2016, I started the franchise of ‘Good Skills Training Isle of Wight and Hampshire’ with my business partner Barry. Since then, I have taken the lead role in building and developing the business from scratch. Along with being a fully qualified teacher, I also hold qualifications to teach in First Aid, Safeguarding, Health and Safety and Mental Health.
You can contact me on larry@GoodSkillsTraining.co.uk
Barry Grant, Tech IOSH
Head of Services for Isle of Wight and Hampshire
After a successful career as a Health and Safety Advisor in Schools, businesses, and at the Isle of Wight Council, myself and Larry started the franchise of ‘Good Skills Training Isle of Wight and Hampshire’ in 2016. I have a wealth of knowledge and practical experience in the day-to-day running of Health and Safety, setting up all policies and procedures and delivering relevant training to help clients trade legally and safely. I also hold Tech IOSH status.
You can contact me on barry@GoodSkillsTraining.co.uk
Sarah Martin
Business Development Manager for Isle of Wight and Hampshire
I graduated from Portsmouth University in 2014 with a degree in Human Resources and went into a career in corporate recruitment and ended up running my own agency, which I sold in 2020. With a proven track record in developing and growing business relationships, I started working with my Dad (Larry) to help expand the company across the Isle of Wight and into Hampshire. As well as Business Development, I look after the day to day running of Good Skills Training Isle of Wight and Hampshire.
You can contact me on sarah@GoodSkillsTraining.co.uk
