Nottingham City Council has been awarded Investor In People status for the whole organisation for the first time.

Various City Council departments have achieved the standard – a nationally recognised indicator of organisations which best equip and support their staff to fulfil their roles and their potential – but this is the first time the entire organisation has applied for and received the accolade.

This achievement recognises the considerable work undertaken by the council to ensure excellence across critical processes throughout the organisation, from recruitment and selection to learning and development.

The IIP status follows a 10 month assessment period, during which assessors visited three times and interviewed more than 200 people, from auditors to waste management. It reflects how the council is leading the way in bringing the best initiatives for employment, training, neighbourhood renewal and economic development together.

The IIP Assessor’s report noted that the council works hard to ensure every one of its employees has the support and training necessary to do their job. It recognised the council’s commitment and investment in developing people using a variety of methods, and the evidence shows that the majority of people have and do take part. People commented that they believe there is a genuine willingness and desire to engage them. The assessors praised:

• Very impressive, highly publicised cohesive aims for the Council
• Updated Council Plan communicated to all
• Entrepreneurial approach to gaining employee buy-in
• Ongoing engagement through Burden Busting Taskforce and Conferences
• All employees aware of strategies, although work needs to continue to help people appreciate more fully how their role relates to the aims.

The lead assessor’s report also praised:

• The significant encouragement right from the top to involve people
• Excellent examples of equality operating within teams
• Real opportunities for involvement and ownership of improving the service
• The focus on leadership development at all levels
• Innovation such as the Systems Thinking pilot taking place
• The council’s communication, briefings and support mechanisms offered throughout Single Status
• Excellent initiatives addressing Basic Skills, Skills for Health, NVQs.

As one of the largest local employers, the council has taken the lead to demonstrate its commitment to training and employment through its recognition as an Investor in People. It’s hoped this will help to attract even more local people to apply for jobs with the council.

Chief Executive of Nottingham City Council Jane Todd said:

"This shows how well the council is now pulling together to deliver what matters to our communities. There is more to do but this gives us a great springboard for the future."