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10/05/04 - Cumbria's biggest employer gets investors in people

Cumbria County Council has achieved Investors In People status after an assessment in March. Engineers to firefighters, social workers to librarians – the award covers over 8,000 people who work for the Council and recognises good practice in training and development.

 

Investor in People UK recognised the “significant achievement” by the Council in meeting the national standard. Highlights included;

  •    Introduction of team briefings across the council to strengthen communication.
  •    Use of focus groups to involve staff in decision-making.
  •    Introduction of a new staff magazine.
  •     Improving the council’s induction process for people joining the council. 
  •    Ensuring everyone receives feedback on their performance.
  •    Introduction of a leadership and behaviours framework for directors and heads of service.

In addition the assessors said that the vast majority of people interviewed clearly believed the council had moved forward over the past twelve months. There was more focus on the council’s strategic aims and performance management. Great effort was placed on ensuring people had the skills and knowledge to improve the Council’s performance. A clear commitment existed from the top of the organisation to the training and development of everyone who works for the council. 

 

Interim Chief Executive, John Harwood says:

 

“This is a tremendous achievement. A huge amount of hard work and commitment by staff across the county council went into achieving this award. It clearly recognises both their work and their determination to improving the county council’s performance. The standard we have achieved shows that the county council has what it takes to become one of the best performing councils in the country.”   

 

County Council Leader Rex Toft adds:

 

“My congratulations go to all those involved in achieving this status. I’m particularly pleased the assessors recognised the significant improvements of the last twelve months. I am sure the council can build on those strengths and bring major improvements in performance.” 

 

Mick Farley, Executive Director of Learning and Skills Council Cumbria, the organisation that champions the Investors in People standard in the county, who also congratulated the county council says:

 

“I am delighted the county council has achieved this prestigious standard  which  recognises how well an organisation develops its staff, communicates with them and encourages them to fulfil their potential. This lays firm foundations for an organisation to become demonstrably more efficient and more effective and I commend all those involved for their commitment to the future.”