At Countryside Properties we continue to recognise the benefits of developing the skills and abilities of our key asset – our people. As the development industry continues to evolve and change we are ensuring that our people have the full range of skills to meet the challenges and opportunities.
The cornerstone of our approach continues to be integrity and professionalism in working with our partners to deliver mutually beneficial results.
Investing in our People
We therefore continue to invest heavily in the development and training of our employees. This is principally being realised, in accordance with our Training and Development Policy, via the Group's Training to Succeed programme.
Training to Succeed provides a highly comprehensive programme of training for both site and office based staff. These range from 'soft' skills through to industry specific courses. Additional specialist courses are also available to meet individual training needs.
As an equal opportunities employer, Countryside Properties endeavours to provide employment on a fair and equitable basis. Internal job development and job sharing are actively encouraged to ensure that experienced employees are retained.
Personal Development Reviews
Personal Development Reviews (PDRs) are undertaken on, at least, an annual basis. They provide the framework for recognising achievements and objectives for the future, as well as training requirements. In 2007, we introduced the use of core competencies to further improve the effectiveness of PDRs and employee skill sets.
Training Academy
To attract and retain a supply of skilled managers for the future we established the Countryside Properties' Training Academy in 2001. We currently have over twenty trainees working in four specially designed programmes. These aim to provide school and college leavers, undergraduates and graduates with the foundations for a successful long-term career with the Group. In 2006, the third group of Graduate Management Trainees have left the programme and have taken up full employment within the Company in their chosen career.
Investor in People
As part of the Investor in People Standard, which we achieved across all our operations in 2000, regular internal research is undertaken with members of staff and is used to measure the effectiveness of management, strategy and support systems to ensure material risks and staff issues are met. Re-auditing to Investor in People was successfully achieved in 2007.
Information correct as at 04/09/2007