SEREN achieves Investor in People Award

A Blaenau Ffestiniog company has achieved the much coveted ‘Investor in People’ Award, which is promoted by the Welsh Assembly Government and recognises those businesses or organisation that are committed to training and developing their workforce.

SEREN, which is the town’s second largest employer with 50 staff, provides professional care support for people with learning disabilities as well as running a number of commercial projects which include reuse and recycling of furniture and clothing, a market garden, a craft workshop which produces quality crafts and promotional goods and a retail outlet.

To achieve the award a company must prove through a formal and official independent assessment that it does actively support its staff through providing the necessary training and fully involving them in the operation of its activities. Few organisations actually achieve the Award. According to the official assessment report “the company is totally committed to the development of its staff and every member was aware of this and the importance of enhanced skills. A culture of openness exists within the company and all those interviewed appeared to be happy and enjoyed their work. Morale is high and staff considered that their contribution was appreciated. Staff were offered regular opportunities to discuss their aspirations and training needs.”

The formal presentation of the Certificate and award was undertaken on St. David’s Day by local Member of Parliament Elfyn Llwyd.

Managing Director Linda Ann Wyn Jones who founded the company in 1996 said “since the beginning we have been committed to training and developing staff but, despite this, it is an honour that this has been acknowledged formally to a nationally recognised standard by the Welsh Assembly Government.. Therefore, not only should the company, board and managers be pleased but also the individual staff members themselves for it is they who have enthusiastically and professionally adopted this positive approach to training and personal development”.

95% of the company’s workforce has  achieved either an NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Care and Social Health and a number are developing management and train the trainer qualifications.

Further information or access to photographs/interviews – Terry Williams or Adelyn Ellis  01766 832 378