FCA Achieves 'Investors in People' Standard
April 2005
In recognition of its efforts in staff development, training and motivation, Foster Care Associates (FCA) has been awarded the national standard, ‘Investors in People’ (IiP).
Following an appraisal by independent assessors, FCA was deemed to be ‘an excellent example of an Investor in People organisation’. The IiP Standard provides a national framework which sets out principles of good business practice. It aims to improve business performance through a planned approach to setting and communicating organisational objectives.
FCA’s co-founder Jim Cockburn is delighted with the award. He comments: “Receiving this award is extremely important to us. We pride ourselves on the quality of support that we provide and the attention we dedicate to our staff, on all levels.
“The feedback from Investors in People included a glowing report, which reinforces how hard we work to ensure that our staff are happy, motivated and feel involved in the organisation and that their views and opinions are valued.”
Part of the assessment process involved visits to seven FCA regional offices, where 150 members of staff were interviewed. They were asked about the systems and processes of the company and what they felt had been achieved as a result of them.
Enquiries were also made about the organisation’s induction process, appraisal scheme, training plans, communication routes, performance management, staff meetings and structure charts.
In conclusion, the report from Investors in People claimed that FCA was an organisation which truly demonstrated investment in people. Foster Care Associates was rated ‘top league’ by all the carers and staff interviewed.
