Back to News
19 July 2000
Countryside Properties PLC, recently became the first major housebuilder across its entire operations, to be accredited with the 'Investors in People' award.
Graham Cherry, Chief Executive of Countryside Properties PLC comments, "Three years ago we realised that we could do so much more for our most important asset - our staff. We recognised that they had much more to offer the Company and are keen to develop their own skills through training and development. I firmly believe that these investments in our staff make a great contribution to our position as one of the leading national property developers."
Using the framework of Investors in People, 'Focus Groups' were established within the company, consisting of employees from no less than 30 different departments. Following on from the work achieved through the 'Focus Groups', the Company has reformatted its mission statement, job descriptions and appraisal system, and employed a full time dedicated Training Co-ordinator. In three years, Countryside Properties has progressed to high levels of internal and external communications, with a strong culture of staff commitment and effective teams of highly professional people.
The Independent assessor, Teresa Logan, spent five days analysing Countryside for the award. She said that during this time, she noted that the Company has, "a very supportive culture with a nurturing feel towards its people". She added, "The staff are very committed to their aspect of the organisation and to the Group's ethos as a whole".
The 'Investors in People' standard is a national award that recognises commitment to improving business performance through developing its people. In Essex, the award is overseen by Essex TEC and Business Link. Helen Drye, Essex TEC and Business Link's Investor in People Manager, explained, "Recent independent research commissioned by Essex TEC and Business Link, found that 'Investor in People' accredited organisations are out-performing, by some considerable distance, those organisations which have not yet taken up the national standard." She added, "I am delighted that Countryside Properties has joined the growing ranks of Investors in People companies."
For further information contact:
Guy Lambert, Countryside Properties PLC: 01277 260 000
Julia Arnold, Sky Communications Ltd: 020 7731 6999
For further information on Countryside Properties PLC please visit their website at www.countryside-properties.com, email group@cpplc.com or telephone 01277 260
Back to News
Information correct as at 19/07/2000