Pictured: Kath Healion, operations manager at Coventry
Sports Foundation, with the Investors in People National Standard
plaque
A Midlands-based sport and leisure charity has been recognised
for its commitment to developing its workforce after chalking up
11,898 hours of staff training during a 12-month period.
Coventry Sports Foundation achieved the astonishing feat by
providing 6,249 hours of in-house training at its three sites - The
Alan Higgs Centre in Allard Way, the Xcel Leisure Centre in
Mitchell Avenue and Centre AT7 on Bell Green Road - in addition to
signing staff up for 5,649 of external training.
The registered charity employs 185 people and has been
recognised for its commitment to developing and training its
workforce after it was awarded the Investors in People National
Standard for the fourth consecutive time since first achieving the
standard in 2002.
Staff at the organisation has been given access to a broad range
of courses ranging from NVQ level business administration, leisure
management and fitness instructor training, to abseiling and
archery.
Kath Healion, operations manager at Coventry Sports Foundation,
said delivering the equivalent of 495 full days of training in just
365 calendar days underlined the organisation's commitment to
helping staff develop and further their careers.
"Coventry Sports Foundation has always been committed to
developing and training its workforce and we recognise the value of
our employees and their contribution to the success of the
organisation," said Kath.
"The Foundation is totally committed to equipping its entire
staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to carry out duties
effectively and develop their career prospects.
"We are convinced that achieving recognition of the Investors in
People National Standard has both improved our ability to get the
best from our workforce as well as an indication of our commitment
to continuous improvement."
The training received by members of Coventry Sports Foundation
has also helped to reduce staff turnover - with large numbers of
staff remaining with the organisation for many years.
Kath said: "We currently have a number of employees who are in
management and supervisor roles who started out as modern
apprentices with the Foundation and, through training, experience
and qualifications obtained, they have progressed within the
company.
"Others have progressed into positions such as lifeguards,
fitness instructors, receptionists and sports coaches - the
opportunities are wide and varied."
Coventry Sports Foundation is currently offering modern
apprenticeships which will provide people with an opportunity to
gain various sports-related qualifications and experience in a
variety of fields within the leisure industry.