Exeter company named as finalist for Employer of the Year
A local children’s services provider, Five Rivers Child Care, has been shortlisted for a UK-wide award that recognises businesses and organisations that go above and beyond for their employees.
The organisation, which provides a range of children’s services including foster care, residential homes, therapeutic provision and education, has been nominated by The Investors in People Awards 2020 in the Employer of the Year category.
Five Rivers Child Care, which is based in Alphington, has been named one of 12 finalists in the Gold category for organisations with over 250 employees.
Now in its 16th year, The Investors in People Awards celebrate the organisations and people that make work better. The shortlisting recognises Five Rivers Child Care’s dedication to putting people at the heart of everything it does. Through representative groups across the county and a national youth council, to reinvesting over half of profits back into the business, the model enables the business’ mission of ‘Turning Children’s Lives Around’.
Investors in People praised Five Rivers for its excellent cultural foundations, which have proved particularly beneficial during the Covid-19 crisis and its investment in outstanding leadership which has enabled the enterprise to retain employees for longer. The initiative of the thank you awards was also recognised, awarded regularly by colleagues to colleagues, reminding people that their dedication and hard work is appreciated.
Pam McConnell, CEO of Five Rivers Child Care said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have been selected as finalists for the Employer of the Year Award. It is a huge honour to be recognised for our work, particularly the management and leadership training, career development planning and well-being to develop our people, who are at the heart of everything we do.
“With this year posing many challenges due to Covid-19, it’s a particular honour to be recognised for how we have protected our employees during such a crisis. Our people are our biggest asset as they are the ones on the front line, helping to turn children’s lives around and they personified our values throughout the coronavirus pandemic, showing tenacious commitment to the task, flexibility, support, and excellence whilst continuing to work through this challenging period.”
Winners will be announced on the 24th November. Due to Covid-19, this year the event will be taking place virtually instead of the usual gala celebrations in London.
Established in 1989, Five Rivers is a social enterprise specialising in therapeutically looking after children through families fostering, residential homes, schools and alternative education provision and assessment and therapy services. The company has grown to become one of the UK’s most experienced and respected at transforming the lives of children and young people, working closely with over 135 local authorities and NHS Trusts.
The Investors in People Awards have been independently assessed and verified as a Gold trusted awards scheme by The Independent Awards Standards Council. Investors in People is the UK’s leading accreditation for business improvement through people management and provides a wealth of resources for businesses to innovate, improve and grow, with a focus on good people making great business.
