THE Gloucestershire Cricket Board has become the first organisation of its type to be awarded the Investors In People Standard for staff development and training.

No other cricket board or county club in the country has achieved the mark, which is awarded to businesses who go the extra mile to look after their employees.

GCB cricket development manager Steve Silk said: “With a growing number of both full and part-time staff it was important for us to ensure we are looking after each individual in the best way we can.

“To be the first board or county club to receive this accreditation is fantastic recognition for what we do as an organisation.

“Getting the Investors In People Standard means we now have a standard to uphold which will ensure we continue to look after our staff and support them with things like their professional development.”

The GCB currently has five full-time employees and more than 50 part-time and casual workers ranging from coaches to tutors and administrative staff.

A number of these people were interviewed by Investors In People specialist Dave Peglar as part of the accreditation process.

He said: “It was clear from the interviews that everyone has a real passion for what they are trying to achieve and are totally focused on realising the aims and objectives of GCB.

“Clearly much progress has been made over the last three years and everyone can feel rightly proud of what has been achieved.”

On granting the Board Investors In People accreditation Dave highlighted a number of strengths including a committed approach to staff development, its use of external coaches and clear aims, values and strategic goals.

Dave said: “Everyone was united in their belief that GCB is a good place to work and there is a high level of pride in what has been achieved. They feel this way because of the strong leadership, good levels of teamwork and pride in what has been achieved.

“There is no doubt in my mind that GCB can face the future with confidence and from a strong base of good leadership and a skilled, flexible and motivated staff team. I am convinced this combination will prove a formidable team in facing future challenges.”

Since its inception in the late 1980s more than 22,000 businesses in the UK have received the Investors In People Standard.

The accreditation is awarded to well-run organisations which demonstrate good management practice with a high emphasis on developing and supporting their staff. The standard also encourages growth, profitability and efficiency.