GMAC UK receives accreditation from National Skills Academy for Financial Services

CARDIFF, Wales, July 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Automotive financial services company GMAC UK received accreditation from the National Skills Academy for Financial Services, recognising its efforts in training and development. It is the first accredited employer in Wales and one of only 15 accredited companies in the UK.

The Skills Academy is an independent employer-led charitable organization and a leading body for training and development in the financial services industry. It has developed an accreditation programme specifically designed for financial services training to recognise excellent training opportunities offered by employers.

Ed Paulat, chief operating officer of GMAC UK, said: "We are very pleased to be the first accredited company in Wales. Gaining this recognition from within the industry reinforces the investment that GMAC has made in developing our people and is testament to the fact that our training and development adheres to the highest quality standards."

The Skills Academy's accreditation assesses a company's performance in five key areas, including Leadership, People & Strategy, Resources & Processes, Products & Services and Outcomes. GMAC UK met the requirements of each section to win its accreditation.

"The independent assessment of the training quality was incredibly beneficial," adds Sue Gunning, HR director of GMAC UK. "It provided useful feedback on our learning strategies and recommendations which will further enhance our approach to developing our employees."

"Building professionalism is more important than ever in the current market climate. GMAC understands the value of training and development to both the company and the individual. For GMAC's training and development strategy to have met the national standards is an outstanding achievement," commented Sylvia Perrins, chief executive officer of the National Skills Academy on the accreditation.

About GMAC UK PLC

GMAC UK PLC is a subsidiary of Ally Financial Inc., one of the world's largest automotive financial services companies that offers a full suite of automotive financing products and services in key markets around the globe. With more than 90 years of successful experience in the United Kingdom, GMAC UK provides automotive financing products for Vauxhall, Chevrolet, SsangYong Motors UK and MG Motor dealers and consumers. For more information, visit the Ally media site at http://media.ally.com.

About the National Skills Academy for Financial Services

The National Skills Academy for Financial Services is a unique independent employer-led charitable organisation dedicated to growing talent and building professionalism in the UK financial services industry. Its goal is to support future, emerging and existing talent and to ensure the financial services industry is productive and efficient to compete in global markets.

The Skills Academy provides a diverse range of business and talent development support -- and all tailor-made for the industry's needs. Its educational programmes can be accessed in-house, online and locally through the Skills Academy Training Provider Partner Network. As a registered charity, its aim is to provide value-added and cost-effective programmes. Income generated is re-invested in innovative schemes to further support the industry and development of its people across many business areas. For more information, please visit: www.nsafs.co.uk.  

Contacts:
Karen Davies -- National Skills Academy for Financial Services
+44(0)845-618-2362
karen.davies@nsafs.co.uk  

Susanne Gehrling -- GMAC UK
+49(0)6142-604-566
susanne.gehrling@gmacfs.com