Date: 07/08/2009
High Peak Borough and Staffordshire Moorlands District Councils have been recognised for getting the best from their most important asset - their staff.
The two councils had already earned Investors in People (IIP) status in their own right. They are now among a tiny one per cent of UK IIP organisations to have achieved the additional Gold Status Award. Senior IIP officials will visit Buxton's Pavilion Gardens on Monday 10 August to present the gold award to staff.
The 'gold status' award was made after a rigorous assessment last November. Both councils had to prove that, as employers, they had far exceeded standard good practice in recruiting and managing staff effectively, encouraging learning and development, promoting diversity and equality, and communicating the councils' visions and aims.
The award will be presented by East Midlands IIP quality manager Dave Allan and West Midlands counterpart Keith Robinson. Mr Allan this week congratulated the councils on their "exceptional achievement".
Staffordshire Moorlands leader Sybil Ralphs, High Peak deputy leader Emily Thrane and joint chief executive Simon Baker will join staff at the celebration.
Executive councillor for corporate services Emily Thrane said the award confirmed that High Peak was continuing "to punch above its weight" in supporting council staff to achieve their potential and provide the best possible services.
"The Strategic Alliance with Staffordshire Moorlands has helped both councils to achieve this recognition. By working together, we can retain our separate identities, achieve efficiencies and excellence and, above all, support our staff to improve services for our residents".
Established in June last year, the Strategic Alliance now has a single management team and several joint services, with others planned. By the end of its third year, the Alliance is expected to be saving around £1.2m a year.