Electrical phoenix rises to become Equality and Diversity champion
A BUSINESS whose premises were destroyed by fire late last year
has not only relocated, taken on additional staff, and delivered
unaffected service - it has also found time to become a champion of
equality and diversity (E&D).
A&M Electricals has been working with Assessment North East
in setting out and achieving its E&D goals, which has seen the
Washington-based business devise and implement new Policies and
Procedures and enrol its 31 staff in an online E&D course.
It has also appointed a workplace E&D ambassador, who took
part in the two-day ILM VRQ Level 4 Managing Equality &
Diversity in an Organisation programme.
And as well as the new innovations within the company, A&M
also admits it has seen a marked change in attitudes from some
members of its staff, who have put their new knowledge and
awareness of E&D to good effect.
The achievements come despite the company's unit on Pattinson
South Industrial Estate being gutted by fire in September last year
- but far from A&M Electricals struggling to cope, the business
was trading as usual the following Monday, and has ensured it has
made time amidst its office move, to Stephenson Road, to put its
commitment to E&D at the top of its list of priorities.
Andrea Coates, Quality Control Manager at A&M Electricals,
who took part in the ILM4 Course, said: "We realise that E&D is
a very important thing to have in your business, not only because
it increases our knowledge and portfolio as a company, but because
it is a must these days in winning new business and with
procurement. Despite the fire and upheaval, we would never neglect
our duties, and our E&D platform has been very well received by
all the employees within the company, as well as our customers, who
are delighted we are practicing good E&D within the
workplace.
"We devised a new set of company Policies and Procedures, which
all staff have been briefed on and have signed to confirm their
understanding and acknowledgement, and these will form part of the
induction process for new staff. They are also displayed in our
reception.
"As well as Andrea undertaking the ILM4 training, all of the
staff are taking part in the online 'ED' course, which gives an
understanding of the law, obligations and perceptions in diversity.
The test will be taken annually, with staff knowledge reviewed on a
six-monthly basis.
"Everyone found it important, informative and useful, and it has
certainly brought awareness of E&D to the company. And,
personally speaking, having completed the ILM4 course, I now have
the knowledge and confidence to help any of our employees with any
issues they may have regarding E & D and the law," said
Andrea.
"There are some people in our firm who have really used their
new knowledge in a positive way, and have changed their own
attitudes and beliefs thanks to their training. That is a good
thing for them individually, as well as for our business as a
whole."
Robert Macleod, Managing Director of Assessment North East,
said: "A&M Electricals are a real beacon when it comes to
commitment to E&D, and what they have achieved in a short time
is excellent - despite their business being turned upside down by
the fire, they have not let that stand in their way.
"We are very pleased to be working with such a dedicated team -
they are an inspiration to us all."