North West Regional College’s eight point ‘employer of choice’ plan - Business In The Community

North West Regional College’s eight point ‘employer of choice’ plan

Employing 800 people in the North West, North West Regional College (NWRC) aims to be the best Further Education College in the UK and Ireland.

Background

As one of the largest employers in the region, NWRC wants to attract and retain staff who are committed to achieving the organisation’s strategic objectives and help build a thriving community and economy.

What NWRC did

NWRC recognises that is needs a motivated, engaged and resilient workforce, and as such places great emphasis on employee health and wellbeing, as well as staff development. It has had a particular focus on physical and mental health and general wellbeing, with strong communication coming through its website.

The College also works with employees to develop their career paths, developing a team that has the skills and expertise needed for the changing demands of the wider education, industrial and economic environments. Reward and recognition is delivered through Staff Awards, Positive Workplace Initiative Days, Family Fun Days and other employee benefits.

With commitment from the top of the organisation, the College continues to implement its HR Strategy – Success through People – which focuses on eight key themes: Staff Development; Staff Wellbeing; Staff Achievement; Staff Communication & Engagement; Performance Measurement; Teaching & Learning Excellence; Employment Relations; and Equality & Diversity.

One particular area of commendation is the College’s implementation of its Volunteering policy, enabling all staff to participate in volunteering activities.

The outcomes and impacts

  • 82% of staff are happy working for the College
  • 92% of staff committed to achieving College’s goals/objectives
  • Sickness absence second lowest in Northern Ireland FE sector
  • To find out more, email kate.duffy@nwrc.ac.uk