Seetec Group CEO, John Baumback, has been honoured with the ERSA Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising more than forty years of exceptional leadership in the employment-related services sector.
John began his career with Seetec as a 16-year-old apprentice in 1984. Over four decades he has been hands-on in every part of the organisation. His many and varied contributions have been instrumental in our growth – from a small local provider to where we are today.
John’s early career fuelled a lifelong commitment to our customers. The first cohort of adult learners he taught to use computers in 1984 – and then placed in work – went on to achieve big in business. One even took his skills to Hollywood as a producer.
“From our apprentices to the boardroom, every person I work with in Seetec is a growth partner in their community. The greatest lesson I learnt in my own apprentice days is that everyone deserves access to opportunity. After all these years, that is still what gets me out of bed in the morning, and why we all strive to do business better at Seetec.
John Baumback, Seetec Group CEO,
John’s own vocational training experience continues to inform Seetec’s agenda, inspiring our employee owners do responsible business well.
John has been at the helm for international expansion – launching the first private partnership with Irish government to provide labour market activation services. We are now marking ten years of Seetec in Ireland with sustained success. More recently John also broadened the training and skills offer in Ireland through the acquisition of Cenit College.
Across the UK, Seetec delivers major national programmes including the DWP Restart Scheme, specialist disability and health employment support through our CIC Pluss, and justice related services across most of the prison estate. In 2025, the organisation was appointed to deliver multiple Connect to Work programmes, offering highly tailored employment pathways that respond directly to local labour market needs.
Beyond public services, John has strengthened the Group’s commercial offer. He launched Tribal Business Solutions to support employer growth through HR and IT services. The new business has already been recognised as HR Consultancy of the Year at the UK Business Awards.
An influential advocate for Better Business and employee ownership, John oversaw Seetec’s transition to employee ownership in 2020 when he stepped up to become Group CEO. He created a governance model to give every one of our employee owners meaningful stake and say in the way Seetec fulfils our purpose.
As proud employee owners, Seetec are united in pride for the deserved recognition of John’s lifetime achievements. Our longest serving colleague is an inspirational leader of our business and wider sector – leading by example with hard work and genuine concern for our customers, colleagues and communities.
Quote from Scott Parkin, Group CEO of the Institute of Employability Professionals:
“John has been instrumental in shaping professional standards and championing innovation across the sector. His passion for supporting people into sustainable jobs and building a better society is unmatched.”
For media enquiries, please contact:
Katherine Johnson, Director of Communications and Research at Seetec
