As a large employer – we now employ in excess of 2,500 people - AFG places enormous value on its Investors in People accreditation status. IiP inspectors recently completed a three-year assessment of AFG to review its performance in this regard and we are please to announce that we have been successful.

Gill Dolan, Director of Operations and Workforce says ‘I am absolutely thrilled to confirm that we have maintained our registration for Investors in People status. Over the past two years we have invested heavily to ensure that all our staff feel valued and engaged, and have equal opportunities to develop and grow. The Employee Partnership Forum has helped to create a platform for all members of staff to be involved in the Charity’s development of key policies and strategies and we now have recognition agreements with UNISON and the RCN.

Communication with large numbers of staff dispersed in more than 220 locations across the North West is always going to be a challenge. We have introduced a new quick and simple method for carrying out staff surveys as well as the ‘Staying in Touch’ staff newsletter. The Executive Management Team continues to meet and interact regularly with operational staff from across the organisation in informal ‘Staying in Touch’ sessions and new governance arrangements ensure that the interests of staff are represented at the highest level through the Board’s Employee Governance Committee.