People

 

The Forestry Business Units aim is to maintain a skilled
and  motivated team, capable of meeting its customers' needs.

Across the Forestry Commission, from Inverness to Exeter, we rely
heavily on the skills and talent of our 360 staff.  A recent Employee
Survey compiled by a leading independent research firm, ORC International,
showed staff, when compared to the FC overall benchmark responded
favourably on, Working in the Forestry Commission, Leadership, Equality
of Opportunity and Diversity, Resources, Health and Safety, Discriminatory
Treatment, Harrassment and Bullying.

As with all units, improvements and developments can be made.  Communication
is key to our success, especially when staff are geographically spread throughout
GB in 50 locations.  Newsletters, brochures and our new web site are ongoing
initiatives to our 'open door policy'.   This and linking to the new Forestry
Commission agenda, with team working across the three countries.

SHAWS is a national award programme which rewards employers who demonstrate commitment to improving the health of their workforce.  MES in Scotland have won a Gold Award.

ISO9001 Accreditation on fulfilling customers (people) requirements,
Investors in People, the standard provides a national framework for
improving organisation performance, with staff as the key resource.
Annual staff performance management is a two-way process to
monitor and develop careers through training, development and
succession planning.  Training is the key to achiving our People
Aim from Basic Learning Skills, Open University, Day Release
and Apprentice/Trainee Scheme.

Has this been successful?  Yes, we can always do better but a scan over national benchmarking confirms FBU year on year are increasing their average staff training days and year on year reducing the level of staff sickness absence.  This, linked to the FC acknowledges the FBU as their specialists across an increasing activity area, confirms that people within the FBUs are the most valuable asset and the most important element of any Business Improvement/Efficiency Programme.

"If you think staff education is expensive, try ignorance."