Investors in People

Following many months of preparation, a week-long assessment by an external assessor and a final ratification by the East Midlands Regional Recognition Panel, the Estates & Facilities Management Division were accredited as an Investor in People organisation.  It is an award to be especially proud of as it acknowledges the contribution of all EFMD employees. 

We met forty six evidence requirements to comply with The Standard which covers the following areas: Culture, vision and values, Inspirational Leadership, Effective Management, Strategic Planning, Managing Performance, Developing People, Evaluating Training, Culture and Communication, Employee Engagement and Talent.

We were scored according to a traffic light system, which demonstrated where good practice had already been established (Green), where good practice is developing (Amber) and where good practice had not yet commenced (Red).  There is no Red on our Findings Report.  There are plenty of Greens, and where there are Ambers, in areas such as evaluating training, recognising employee contribution and establishing key performance indicators, the Customer Care and Office Support team, which worked closely on IiP in the final stages, is beginning work on Planned Actions, so that the Division can start to implement improvements.

EFMD have the option to consider having a further review in 2011 against additional criteria within the Investors in People framework and aim for Bronze status.  We have already met seven additional evidence requirements and are, to quote the Findings Report “well on our way” to achieving Bronze status. 

Celebrations included the photograph above, being taken for posterity outside the Fielding Johnson Building, for which the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar joined EFMD staff.  The photographic shoot was followed by a reception in the Charles Wilson Building, where staff who had gathered to be photographed on the frost-covered lawn, appreciated a hot cup of tea or coffee.  The well-earned Investor in People plaque will be displayed in the EFMD corridor.

The Estates and Facilities Management Division is now an Investors in People accredited organisation, having been awarded the accolade following a week-long assessment by an external assessor.
 
For many months, the Division has been working towards the requirements of the Standard and how it can assist us in becoming world class, in line with the University ethos of being a world class organisation.

The achievement has been the result of planning, re-thinking some of our ways of working, and in no small part, as a result of the enormous pride, commitment and teamworking spirit of our staff. 

This doesn’t mean we can rest on our laurels.  We will be re-assessed; whether that is on an annual or three yearly basis will be decided.  Our assessor believes that we have the potential to achieve Investors in People Bronze at the next assessment so that should be our goal.

An especial thank you to those who took part in the formal assessment.