Aberdeen based First Shared Services have been awarded Gold Level accreditation against the new Investors in People standard.
This achievement demonstrates their commitment to realising the potential of their people for high performance. First Shared Services (FSS), a team of 45, are a vital part of FirstGroup’s Finance function, providing accounting and administrative support to ensure the smooth operation and good financial control of FirstGroup’s UK businesses, which employ over 26,500 people.
FSS were amongst fifty-two organisations across a range of sectors and countries to be assessed against the new standard. The standard defines what it takes to lead, support and manage people well for sustainable results. Underpinning the standard is the Investors in People framework, which reflects the latest workplace trends, essential skills and effective structures required to outperform in any industry.
Supported by a structure that is flat, project-oriented and located on one site, FSS was found to have a culture of openness, trust and willingness to continually improve at all levels. FSS’s people management was a key strength, with leadership, managing performance, recognition, building capability and the appetite the organisation has for continuous improvement noted as particularly strong.
An inspirational working culture, in which leaders interact with staff and motivate them to want to achieve the best that they can with a listening style, means FSS people are very comfortable talking to leaders - ensuring people get what they need to be able to perform as effectively as possible.
Changes put in place to make FSS an even better place to work - a new structure, the launch of a Career Development Programme booklet and development for middle and senior managers in leadership and people management skills, which specifically focuses on getting the best out of people were also praised.
Commenting on the award, Craig Shiels (FSS controller) of FirstGroup, said: “We believe inspirational leadership, which motivates people to want to be the very best they can be, is at the heart of a great organisation. We aim to build capability through regular 1:1 interaction, positively encouraging the use of people’s strengths and helping them to make the most of their abilities. I’m glad Investors in People have recognised that, as a result of this, people at FSS have job ownership and a great attitude to achieve as much as they can for FirstGroup.”
Paul Devoy, head of Investors in People, said: “Meeting the sixth generation Standard is something that FSS should be extremely proud of - it is the sign of a great employer, an outperforming place to work and a clear commitment to success. I would like to congratulate them on their fantastic achievement.”