MERSEYSIDE’S passenger transport authority, Merseytravel, is celebrating the success of its Investor in People status.

It has enjoyed savings of more than £150,000, reduced sickness by two days per member of staff and reduced staff grievances by 10% since IIP status was awarded three years ago.

The authority has worked with Centre for Assessment, an assessment and consultancy body, to introduce IIP to its 950 employees.

Merseytravel has since become an IIP Champion and currently advises and shares best practice with other organisations considering seeking the status.

Over the next 12 months, more than 120 senior managers from Merseytravel are also to take part in a Behavioural Management programme to help members of staff operate at optimum levels throughout their professional and personal lives.

Centre for Assessment will educate staff to communicate more effectively, to manage their thoughts, moods and behaviours and to see the “bigger picture”.

Neil Scales, chief executive and director general of Merseytravel, said: “When we started this process our vision was to develop and implement a learning strategy that would unlock the potential in our employees.

“We looked at the principles of Investors in People which, in our opinion, is the best people management framework out there at the moment, and rather than re-inventing the wheel, we decided to implement the system.

“We continue to work in partnership with Centre for Assessment to monitor our progress so we can improve.

“The success of IIP can be seen throughout the organisation. For example, we have created Merseylearn, our training and development arm, which has achieved numerous top national awards in recognition of the service it provides.”

Stephen Burrows, managing director of Centre for Assessment, says: “Merseytravel is an extremely progressive organisation that is constantly seeking to improve.

“Investors in People status has certainly helped do just this.

“Not only does it give assurances to suppliers, particularly within the public sector, but it really helps staff to develop.”