Domestic & General's call centre wins Employer of Choice award
22 August 2008
Domestic & General's call centre in Talbot Street, Nottingham has been recognised for its staff focused communication and training initiatives after picking up the prestigious Employer of Choice award. The awards are sponsored by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) who work alongside companies to implement innovative methods of supporting staff development.
The call centre is the only East Midlands business to receive this award, which was gained after the successful delivery of two key projects. A working group, formed of representatives from across the call centre, was established to drive forward an action plan created to provide solutions to development and training challenges raised though staff feedback. The emda provided on-site consultancy in conjunction with the working party to ensure a practical sustainable plan was introduced.
The first task was to improve communications across the business so staff were well informed about the company and its operations. As a result of the working group and emda advice TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More), a project which strives to raise standards at the centre, was launched in summer 2008. This initiative provides a platform for staff consultation and contribution to the development of the business. TEAM includes elected employee representatives who receive training as part of their role as a staff spokesperson contributing to moving the business forward.
The second winning initiative aims to make training and development more accessible to all staff. Positions within the company are more clearly defined along with the training required to complete specific roles, so staff have a clear understanding of what skills are required to enable them to grow within the company. Employees are given the tools to succeed and have control over their personal development through the well received 'Career Map - Route to Success' programme.
Training and development at D&G will continue to evolve with these two projects being regularly updated to ensure everyone gets the most out of them.
This award success comes as a recruitment and fundraising day is held at the Talbot Street site in conjunction with Nottingham City Council and Job Centre Plus. Deputy Leader of Nottingham City Council, Councillor Graham Chapman comments "It is Nottingham City Council's ambition to drive recruitment and to help companies to expand."
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Notes to Editors:
The Nottingham call centre in Talbot Street employs over 700 people from all age groups to create a balanced workforce. Domestic & General, who is the UK's largest specialist provider of domestic appliance service contracts, has a further call centre in Brighton.