FOR the second time in a row, West Devon Borough Council has been awarded the coveted Investors in People (IIP) accreditation. The authority was assessed last month after two days of scrutiny when councillors and staff from all levels were interviewed. Assessor Kevin Phillips said the review was 'a pleasure to conduct.' He said: "Interviewees were keen to express what a good organisation this is to work for." Areas of good practise highlighted during the assessment included: l a strong management commitment to staff development l an excellent record of developing people from junior to senior roles l a successful new training partnership offering cost effective development opportunities l good support for flexible working l a clear understanding of the council's objectives and individual contributions to these achievements l managers being effective in encouraging staff to take responsibility for decision-making. West Devon was last assessed for IIP status in 2003. The award is a nationally recognised standard for organisations who are committed to supporting the development of their staff to achieve the organisation's goals. David Incoll, the chief executive of the borough council, added: 'It shows that the council is clear about its objectives and targets and is ensuring staff had the necessary training and support to deliver them. It also means that the council taxpayers were getting value for money and that the authority was in a strong position to recruit and retain staff in an ever more competitive market for most professions.' Cllr Ken Williams, the Mayor of the borough council, welcomed the assessment and praised the good working relationships between councillors and staff. 'We have been judged by the Audit Commission to be the best performing district council in the South West in the use of our financial resources and now we have been judged as excellent in managing our staff resources.'
