From income support to a masters degree...Clair credits her employers and Investors in People
A Shildon woman who began
her twenties on income support as a single parent with four GCSEs
is about to embark on a Masters degree just seven years later.
Clair Ord credits her employer's approach to staff training with
the turn-around in her educational fortunes. A Customer Involvement
Manager at Dale & Valley Homes in Bishop Auckland, Clair, 27,
has already achieved her Level 5 Diploma in Management, will take
Level 7 later this year and aims to begin a Masters degree in
Management in 2011.
"I made a decision when I was 21 to set an example for my
daughter and get some good qualifications. Dale & Valley Homes
has supported me every step of the way," Clair explained.
The organisation, which manages public housing on behalf of
Durham County Council, works with Investors in People North East to
refine its staff development policies and procedures, enabling
staff to work towards external qualifications and promotion.
"Investors in People is a respected accreditation which has
provided a framework against which we can judge our progress on our
commitments to apprenticeships, training and communication,"
explained Director of Resources David Sanders.
"We have improved our training and development programme so it
best serves the needs of the business and the aspirations of our
employees. Everyone has a formal review every year and a clear
programme for progress," David added.
An Investors in People advisor worked with the organisation over
several years to implement recognised good practice, before an
assessor reviewed progress and gave feedback.
"We make a long term commitment to organisations and our clients
keep working with us to improve their practices because they value
the contribution we make to their business," explained Rob Macleod,
Managing Director of Investors in People North East.
"Dale & Valley Homes has been transformed by their
commitment to the Investors in People framework and we know that
their staff are happy in their work. I was delighted to meet Clair
and congratulate her on her considerable achievements and I'm
looking forward to hearing about even more success in the future,"
Rob added.
"This is a friendly place to work," Clair Ord said. People feel
free to have their say, and there are formal procedures for
educational and job development so there are opportunities to
develop as a person and in your career. Everyone has an opportunity
- not just those who shout the loudest.
"I love my work and the company. My daughter is now eight and
she tells me how very important I am now I have a good education!"
Clair added.