Supporting our staff to develop their skills

The Skills Pledge is a public commitment for employers to show they value training for their staff.

Stephen Barnes and Councillor John David have both signed the Skills Pledge on behalf of Pendle Council.

Chief Executive Stephen Barnes said:

"I'm delighted to be able to sign the Skills Pledge on behalf of the Council.

"We already have a comprehensive training programme and recognise the importance of having skilled staff and the benefits that this can bring to the performance of our organisation.

"By going one step further and signing the Skills Pledge, we are publicly showing out commitment to further developing staff skills."

And Leader of the Council, Councillor John David, said:

"I am proud to sign the Skills Pledge. 

"During this time of recession and job losses, we, as a Council, face a number of challenges in providing services to the people of Pendle. 

"One of the ways we will rise to these challenges is by investing in our staff's development."

Liberata run the Customer Services, Property Services, HR, IT and Benefits and Council Tax Services on behalf of Pendle Council. 

Rod Haig, Service Delivery Director for Liberata in Pendle, said:

"Quality training can really help employees to realise their full potential.

"That benefits the business as well as the employees.

"And when those employees deliver local services, residents benefit too."

The government is encouraging employers to sign the Skills Pledge and supporting them by funding literacy and numeracy qualifications. 

They also provide free training for relevant qualifications that are the equivalent of five good GCSEs, grades A* to C.

In Pendle's case, Nelson & Colne College provide literacy and numeracy training.

The College also provides qualifications specific to some jobs.

For example, all Pendle's gardeners and grounds maintenance staff do an NVQ in Horticulture.

Mark Manley, Assistant Gardener, Parks and Recreation Services, finished his qualification earlier this year.

He said: "I really enjoyed the course - everything about it was interesting!

"I learnt some things I didn't know before, boosting my skills and opening new doors for me."

Cleansing staff - that's our Refuse Collectors and Street Sweepers - complete NVQs in Waste Management.

Relevant office staff, caretakers and cleaners complete NVQs in Customer Services or Business Administration. 

Courses are offered in places where our staff work, at times that suit them. 

Both Pendle Council and Liberata strive to be good employers.   

If you're interested in working for the Council, visit www.pendle.gov.uk or call in to our Contact Centre at Number One Market Street, Nelson.