Investors In People success for Lancashire County Council

Excellent communications, valuing ideas, learning and development were all praised when assessors renewed Lancashire County Council's Investors in People (IIP) accreditation.

The IIP was recently renewed for three years following an inspection carried out by representatives from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, who interviewed people from every area of the county council about their experiences.

County Council chief executive Jo Turton said the assessors praised the council on many fronts: "In particular, inspectors mentioned our communication with staff, our learning and development culture and what the assessors' report calls 'a diverse workforce that brings many talents and skill! s to it'.

"They also found that managers value ideas and suggestions, and that employees are encouraged to constructively challenge where we're going and how."

The assessors also gave positive feedback on BT Lancashire Services, the county council's strategic partnership with BT. They found that people who are seconded to the partnership are now 'much more positive' about their working environment, leadership and opportunities for development.

Jo added: "This is a challenging time for local authorities as we manage reductions in funding which are resulting in major changes to the way in which we provide services.

"However, the renewal of IIP shows we're well placed to make sure we retain our positive working culture and communicate well with each other at the county council and BT Lancashire Services."

The UK Commission for Employment and Skills conducts assessments through seven local teams of li! censed specialists with extensive management experience across everything from business planning and assessment to motivating people and employee engagement.

The commission matches organisations with the specialist whose skills and experience best meet their needs. Specialists work with employers to understand their situation, and to work through the accreditation process towards IIP and beyond.

ENDS
For further information please contact: Rob Bywater on 01772 534334
[email protected]