OKEHAMPTON Town Council, which is raising its performance by developing the skills and knowledge of staff and elected members, has been recognised as an Investor in People.

The town council, which employs a team of six from its office in the town hall, has been supported through the Investors in People process by Business Link for Devon and Cornwall.

Under the leadership of town clerk Don Bent, and mayor Cllr Tony Leech, the council committed to the standard soon after the local elections in May 2003.

It has since achieved a range of efficiencies which have helped enabled a 5% reduction in its precept for the current year, with no reduction in the level of service to council tax payers.

Staff training programmes in topics such as IT, appraisal techniques, book keeping, specific parks maintenance operations, plus health and safety, have helped build a new and more proactive identity for a council which serves a local population of 7,000.

At the same time, council members ? several of whom were elected for the first time in 2003 ? have pursued training organised by the Devon Association of Parish Councils in topics such as seeking grants and ?The role of the Councillor?.

The authority has also contributed £60,000 towards a new leisure centre and an additional £40,000 towards Simmons Park refurbishment using Heritage Lottery Funds.

A concept plan to improve the parklands adjacent to the new sports facilities is also being developed.

The council will now pursue a major programme of refurbishment for its civic buildings, the 17th century town hall and the 19th century Market Hall and Charter Hall.

Mr Bent said: ?Council members and staff are delighted that Okehampton Town Council has been successfully assessed against the Investors in People Standard.

?Staff made their training needs clear to me and we were able to arrange courses which were relevant to their jobs. I am also looking at other courses to promote their personal development.

?We have also been pleased to involve the members who now feel that they are making a real contribution to serving the town.

?Investors in People is all about professionalism and giving people the chance to expand their skills across a range of areas in order to deliver a continuously improving service to the public.?

In recommending Investors in People recognition, assessor Hilary Bryant noted:

?The staff team work well together and report a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

?Councillors have a clear and well developed understanding of how the development of staff has impacted on the efficiency and effectiveness of the whole council.?

In Devon and Cornwall, Investors in People for all organisations is supported by Business Link for Devon and Cornwall who can be contacted on 0845 6009966.

ABOVE: Mayor Cllr Tony Leech (left) and town clerk Don Bent with the Investors in people award.