In August 2003, Crystal Childcare had its prestigious 'Investors in People' status renewed again.

'Investors in People' is the national Standard, which sets out a level of good practice for training and development of people to achieve business goals

The Standard was developed during 1990 by the National Training Task Force in partnership with leading national businesses, personnel, professional and employee organizations and supported by the Employment Department.

The Standard provides a national framework for improving business performance and competitiveness, through a planned approach to setting and communicating business objectives and developing people to meet these objectives. The result is - what people can and are motivated to do matches what the organisation needs them to do.

The Investors in People Standard is based on four key principles:

Commitment

Commitment to invest in people to achieve business goals

Planning

Planning how skills, individuals and teams are to be developed to achieve these goals

Action

Taking action to develop and use necessary skills in a well defined and continuing programme directly tied to business objectives

Evaluating

Evaluating outcomes of training and development for individuals' progress towards goals, the value achieved and future needs.

Achieving the Standard

• Being recognised as an "Investor in People" involves a number of steps:
• Understanding the Standard and it's strategic implications for your organisation.
• Undertaking a review against the Standard to identify any gaps in current practice
• Making the commitment to meet the Standard and communicating that commitment to all members of staff
• Planning and taking action, to bring about change
• Bringing together the evidence for assessment against the Standard
• Achievement or recognition as an Investor in People

We work hard to achieve our status and feel sure that the award helps to reflect our ongoing commitment to improving our service.