9 May 2008

Dear Colleagues,

Our VOLUNTARY TRAINING OR EDUCATION POLICY provides support for colleagues who wish to take ‘additional’ education or training courses which are related to their job.  The company gives support in terms of leave for exams, payment of part of the fees and if necessary managing course attendance around working hours.
 
The policy is very popular every year and many take advantage of it.  From the Group's point of view it is very important to develop our people’s skills and knowledge.
 
Last year 65 colleagues were supported through courses ranging from undergraduate and postgraduate degrees to ‘masters’ level and above, HNC Certificates, university foundation courses and many other qualifications.
 
The subjects included Construction and Project Management, Psychology of Work, British Sign Language, Marketing, Information Technology, Occupational Safety and Accounting.
 
I would like to have been able to name all those who successfully completed their course but simply do not have the space - but congratulations to you all!
 
This policy is there to help all colleagues – take a look at it and use it.  Ask your manager or supervisor or the HR Department for details and an application form.

Catherine Mason,

Group Chief Executive