Employer of the Year Award

Apr 17 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

The best companies realise the importance of looking after their most important asset – their staff. This award recognises those demonstrating the success that comes from making a special effort with their workforce

WINNER TYNESIDE AND NORTHUMBERLAND

Future Pension Division

The financial planning services division of the Department for Work and Pensions has shown its commitment to the wellbeing of its 300-plus staff through the development of a Healthy Living Team and part of its budget is dedicated to special healthy living initiatives. The policies of the Newcastle division are regarded as the flagship of the Government department.

WINNER TEES VALLEY

NIFCO UK

This Stockton designer and manufacturer of functional plastic parts employs almost 200 staff and has used health and safety as a tool to re-engage the workforce to help improve the business. Extensive training, health and safety reviews and staff health checks have all been introduced. The company secured the Investors In People standard in January 2008 at its first attempt.

WINNER DURHAM AND WEARSIDE

Cummins

The Darlington engine manufacturer is committed to helping improve the health and wellbeing of its workforce. During 2008 it opened an on-site fitness centre and gym and ran a series of health promotions on issues such as smoking cessation and blood pressure. The company has a range of committees and working groups dedicated to health and safety and has invested £80,000 in new facilities for learning and training.

RUNNER UP TEES VALLEY

Faithful and Gould

The Stockton consultancy is committed to the health and wellbeing of its staff and believes developing employees is critical for future success. It has launched initiatives such as the “Faithful+Gould University” – a virtual centre of learning and development – MyF+G which aims to engage staff fully in the development of the company, and health schemes such as Bikes for Work and an employee wellbeing programme.

RUNNERS UP DURHAM AND WEARSIDE

Northumbrian Water

The firm carries out an analysis of the health and safety issues affecting every employee and management at all levels of the business are committed to ensuring health and safety remains the firm’s number one priority.

Open College Network North East Region

The qualification and accreditation organisation has successfully spread its ethos of self-improvement among its staff.

RUNNERS UP TYNESIDE AND NORTHUMBERLAND

Thermacore Europe

The Northumberland engineering firm was one of a small number to take part in a pioneering NHS healthy business award scheme, while a third of the workforce are now cycling to work as part of another initiative. Thermacore also offers staff an annual health MoT and a month’s free gym membership.

Gateshead Housing Company

The firm, which operates almost 22,000 properties in the Gateshead area, is completely committed to the flexible working agenda. It has worked hard to ensure staff enjoy a healthy work-life balance and this is reflected in the facilities in its new Team Valley headquarters.