Investors in People Award

Following an external re-assessment process by West Midlands Quality Centre, the BDRC has been awarded the Investors in People (IIP) Standard for a further 3 years.

Speaking at the announcement of the award, Louise Simmons, Chief Executive said ‘I am absolutely delighted that the BDRC has been awarded the IIP standard for a further 3 years.  This demonstrates our on-going commitment to support and develop our staff and volunteers.  They are, afterall, the key resource of our organisation and we take their training and development very seriously.’

One member of staff said ‘I feel valued at the BDRC more than at any other previous job.  People bend over backwards to help you.  You’re encouraged to train here.  Information about training is cascaded daily’

Volunteer Vinu Chuan said ‘It was like a gift to come and work here.  The induction was so helpful and I’ve been amazed at the amount of training I’ve been offered as a volunteer.’

Key areas of strength and effective practice identified as part of the assessment included:

·       The positive ethos that runs throughout the organisation.

·       The real demonstrable commitment to equality of opportunity to access learning and development.

·       The induction process where all staff stated they were greatly enthused by the positive induction they had received

·       The wide range of support mechanisms in place to enable people to identify and plan their learning

·       The provision of training and learning opportunities

·       Effective communication

·       Support available for volunteers

The assessor concluded ‘People explained to me how this organisation has been a lifeline for them and others in communities across the city.  People love coming to work here as they feel so valued by their colleagues, their manager and the Chief Executive.  There has been nothing but praise by everyone I interviewed about the BDRC and all that it stands for.  People commented that this is a super place to work and put that down to the philosophy and atmosphere developed by the Chief Executive and the managers.’ 

The BDRC has a number of voluntary and works experience placements available in addition to paid employment including general administration, fundraising and customer services. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the BDRC’s Employment and Training Division on Tel: 0121 7897365 or by e-mail to bdrc@disability.co.uk.

- Ends -