TALENTED FORMBY ARTIST REVEALS CHRISTMAS CRACKER

TWO fashion shows where held in Formby's Marks and Spencer created lots of excitement on Thursday 29 November 2007, when eight Formby girls, form the Per Una section of the store, modelled a range of stunning outfits, all the models wore nightwear, daywear and eveningwear. The show was aimed at showing that fashion is for everyone, whatever age or size the models Alex Emma Helen Anna Clare Caron Claire all looked absolutely fabulous and had great fun taking part in what was a real celebration of style. It is hoped now that the success of this will enable the store to do other events in the future for charity.

CENTRE FOR ASSESSMENT HELPS MERSEYTRAVEL UNLOCK ITS POTENTIAL

SAVINGS of over £150,000, reducing sickness by two days per person and reducing staff grievances by 10% per year are just some of the impressive results that Merseytravel has benefitted from since introducing Investors in People (IIP) status just over three years ago.

Merseytravel promotes the interests of Merseyside’s travelling public and co-ordinates public transport across the region. The organisation has worked with Centre for Assessment, the assessment and consultancy body, to introduce the principles of IIP to its 950 employees.. Merseytravel has since become an IIP Champion and currently advises and shares best practice with other organisations considering IIP.

Centre for Assessment has proven its value by identifying how Merseytravel could improve even further with the introduction of a Behavioural Management development programme. The programme will see more than 120 senior managers from Merseytravel participate over the next 12 months with the aim of helping delegates to operate at optimum levels throughout their professional and personal lives. Centre for Assessment will educate delegates to communicate more effectively, to manage their thoughts, moods and behaviours and to see the ‘bigger picture’.

Neil Scales, chief executive and director general of Merseytravel, said:- “When we started this process our vision was to develop and implement a learning strategy that would unlock the potential in our employees. We looked at the principles of Investors in People which, in our opinion, is the best people management framework out there at the moment, and rather than re-inventing the wheel we decided to implement the system. We continue to work in partnership with Centre for Assessment to monitor our progress so we can improve.

The success of IIP can be seen throughout the organisation. For example we have created Merseylearn, our training and development arm, which has achieved numerous top national awards in recognition of the service it provides. Working in partnership with our Trade Union representatives and supported byunionlearn, GoSkills (the Sector Skill Council for Passenger Transport) and the LSC, Merseylearn focuses on supporting staff as a minimum to NVQ Level 2 as well as encouraging all staff to brush up their literacy and numeracy skills."

Stephen Burrows, managing director of Centre for Assessment, says:- “Merseytravel is an extremely progressive organisation that is constantly seeking to improve. Investors in People status has certainly helped do just this; not only does it give assurances to suppliers, particularly within the public sector, but it really helps staff to develop. We are happy to regularly support the team and are constantly looking to suggest new ideas.”