Partner Article

North East firm sets a standard in work/family practice

A Newcastle-based education organisation has recently launched a new internal working family guide which has already received industry recognition. In an effort to ensure accurate and appropriate support is offered to its staff, NCFE has developed a family guide to support its employees and enhance working relationships within the organisation. It also works to ensure a continuation of growth within staff relations and employee satisfaction, resulting in greater productivity levels.

The family guide received full support from Tommy’s baby charity, and covers all aspects of becoming a working parent, from pregnancy through to school years, ensures that working families are offered support and information to balance work and family.

Megan Gibson, Human Resources Manager at NCFE, said: “When we initially reviewed our working family policies we realised that there was room for improvement and we have therefore worked closely with Tommy’s to develop the family guide.”

NCFE is also encouraging staff to send in photos of their new babies to put on the ‘baby wall of fame’ and has designed a NCFE baby grow to give to the new parents.

Megan Gibson said: “Being pregnant is one of the most exciting times for mums and dads-to-be and we want to ensure that our staff receive all the support that they need. We also want to show our support for families by offering them relevant information and being as flexible as possible. It is essential that pregnancy at work is well managed in order to maintain a motivated workforce and to ensure higher staff retention rates.”

The family guide is one of a number of initiatives that NCFE has recently implemented to further develop a culture focusing on staff development, staff investment and creating a positive working environment. As a result of NCFE’s efforts, the organisation was also listed as one of the UK’s Top 100 employers in 2007.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .