Praise for Bolton Mission as it becomes an Investor in People
Bolton Methodist Mission has been awarded the Investors inPeople standard - the first time, it is believed, that a Methodistchurch achieved the prestigious plaque. The Investor in Peoplebenchmark is given to businesses, schools, hospitals and otherorganisations that demonstrate good standards in recruiting,training and development of employees. The initiative began inco-operation with the Department for Education and Employment andis rapidly becoming the most recognised way of demonstrating goodpractice when it comes to looking after the welfare and developmentof staff and volunteers. Bolton Methodist Mission has been praised for having a "caring,Christian atmosphere which fulfilled its aims. Staff felt valued,both by managers and the clients they serve. One member of staffcommented that 'my faith has come on a lot, working in thisenvironment'." In an assessment to allow it to join the scheme, theMission was described as having strong leadership, good appraisalpractices and targets for staff improvement and good partnershipsin the local community. More than 36,000 business and organisations have becomeInvestors in People, requiring them to be assessed independentlyevery three years to ensure that they are meeting agreedtargets. In Bolton Methodist Mission's case, Assessor Josephine Parrworked with Superintendent Minister Philip Mason to agree targetsin staff inductions, evaluation of training and development, aswell as general business planning. Ms Parr then interviewed each ofthe 15 staff of the Mission, as well as 45 volunteers. Her reporthighlighted a very positive feeling among staff" "One intervieweesaid 'we are a team, what's available to one person is available toall'. Another said 'they care'." Mr Mason felt that the experience of becoming Investors inPeople has helped him and his staff to work more effectively. Farfrom being suitable for big business only, the Investor in Peoplescheme sits well alongside Christian principles, he said. Further information from |