AN OUTDOOR centre and accommodation provider in Grantown was one of the main winners at the second Highland Diversity Awards held at the Drumossie Hotel on the outskirts of Inverness.
Ardenbeg Bunkhouse claimed the category for ‘Best practice in staff retention or development’ at the ceremony on Thursday For the past 15 months, Ardenbeg staff have been working with Jamie Sinclair, a local 19-year-old with learning disabilities.
Having left Drummond School in Inverness, Jamie’s future was not certain.
Ardenbeg operator Rebecca Bird said: “Regularly employment at Ardenbeg, along with attendance at Cantraybridge College in Nairn, ensures that Jamie is recognised as a valuable member of staff and contributor to the local economy.
“Jamie’s tasks are fully integrated with the day-to-day work of Ardenbeg Bunkhouse and with the help of various local agencies, the staff have developed a full programme of tasks for him.”
She added: “Our staff are thrilled to have received this award. We are delighted with Jamie’s progress and regard his integration into this workforce as a great team effort.”
The purpose of the awards is to promote the many good examples of success in the Highlands for people who have experienced barriers to employment or in returning to the world of work.
A spokesman for the awards said: “The awards continue to raise awareness of what can and is being done in Highland to open up opportunities and of the success that can follow.”
Four award categories were identified for companies – best practice in recruitment; best practice in staff development or retention; overall best employer (commercial business) and overall best employer (social enterprise).
Richard Reid is the founder of Pinnacle Proactive, Specialising in the Employee Assistance Program, Stress Management, Staff Retention & Absenteeism. Take a Proactive Approach to Growing Your Organisation & its People. For more info visit http://www.pinnacleproactive.com