Royal recognition for commitment to training
Bluestone National Park Resort has been awarded the Princess Royal Training Hallmark for outstanding employer contribution to training and development.
The Pembrokeshire holiday company, which employs more than 700 locally based staff, was among 40 organisations ranging from banking giants to charities to be recognised for its training excellence.
The company was scrutinised by assessors who reviewed the business’ performance management framework, competencies, management of learning and development, and the training that it delivers to its employees.
“This Hallmark award is a true accolade to the work that we all invest in our ‘Every Person Counts’ training and performance development programme,” said Debbie Rainbow, Director of Human Resources and Health & Safety for Bluestone Wales.
Bluestone joins RBS, Barclays, and Waitrose in being commended for its commitment to training and skills development. All were recognised for creating lasting impact by successfully linking their skills development needs to business performance.
Mrs Rainbow said that over the past decade Bluestone’s workforce has grown from 300 to 700 and, with future expansion set to increase staff numbers to over 1000.
“With such a rapidly growing and successful team there is more need than ever to train the right employees to the highest standards,” she added.
“We have to pay special thanks to Lucy Good, our Learning & Development Manager who has written some of the key training courses such as Customer Service.”
The award comes just months after the Bluestone Human Resources Team was named Best in Wales, another testimony to the company’s commitment to its staff.
“Our people underpin the success of our business and since Bluestone was established, we have placed enormous value on our employees,” added Mrs Rainbow.
“With a great deal of investment, we now have high levels of staff engagement in learning, with evidence of ongoing promotion and progression and increased sustainable profitability.”
Chris Jones, chief executive of the City & Guilds Group said: “From household brands to leading charities, employers of all sizes across the UK are seeing real and tangible benefits of training and developing their people.
The Princess Royal Training Awards provide both recognition and the opportunity to share best practices and their impact. I congratulate the 40 successful organisations who presented their evidence and achieved the standard required by the Award in 2017. They are worthy recipients of this prestigious and rigorous royal award and we are delighted to be able to deliver it through the City & Guilds Group.”
The latest accolade will be awarded personally by HRH Princess Anne at a ceremony in St James’ Palace in the Autumn.
Bluestone is one of the biggest private employers in West Wales and offers a range of roles - from graphic designer to housekeeper. To find out about career opportunities and the benefits of working at Bluestone, visit our careers section.