The Chairman and Directors set the vision and strategic direction for our business. The business objectives are broken down into departmental objectives, which are then disseminated into team and individual objectives. Our appraisal system is used to cascade these objectives to individuals. Through this cascade method, carried out during our appraisal process, staff better understand the organisation’s aims and direction at a level linked to their job role, this helps staff see their value within the business.

We have a clear guide from the top regarding ethos and culture. We use a desk card and PC screensaver to ensure a consistent message is given and visible regarding the organisation’s key principles and core values.

We have strategies in place to meet staff development and include the “breeding” of future managers and key staff through the use of management trainee and CareerStart programmes, specific management development planning and a process of induction, appraisal, training and planning. All staff have the same opportunity to discuss and raise their developmental needs.

Our company communicates consistently with our staff. A presentation takes place for all staff on a quarterly basis highlighting performance to date, future plans, goals and objectives by relevant Directors and managers. Newsletters are produced quarterly and made available to update our staff. Our annual and interim report and accounts are sent to each employee at their home address.

Our employees enjoy an excellent package of staff benefits, including very generous pensions, health and permanent health insurance. We hold many social events which are fully funded by us. The social events include a summer ball and bowling, go-carting & other sporting events - all staff are invited and encouraged to attend. After the Christmas event every member of staff is invited back to join the Chairman at his house for drinks and fun.

A gym with fitness coach is a facility on the site for use by all staff wishing to make use of this. We offer flexible arrangements whereby staff may attend the gym during working hours.

Comments from our staff during our Investor in People assessment include:

• “I am happy to have the chance to join the organisation. They have stretched me and allowed me to finish off my Degree”
• “I feel there is real loyalty from the top to the staff”
• “I am very pleased with the job, they took me back after leaving”
• “I have been able to progress within the organisation and now have responsibility”

These comments give a flavour of feelings from a wide range of staff working at different levels within the organisation.

A staff suggestion scheme enables any staff member to give feedback or offer suggestions and a number of staff surveys have been carried out and the information used to define future action.