Double gong for council

Oldham Council has been awarded the North-West Skills gong and National Get On Excellence award by the North-West Employers’ Organisation for its work in promoting skills development across its workforce.

The awards will be formally presented at a skills celebration event in the autumn.

Liz McQue, chief executive of the North-West Employers’ Organisation, said: “All those involved in the assessment and verification were impressed with the commitment shown to improve the skills of the workforce.

“We would want to use the work you have done to encourage and inspire other authorities that follow.”

Councillor Brian Lord said: “I am delighted that we have achieved recognition for the work we have done in promoting skills development across the council.

“A great deal of hard work has taken place by staff, managers, union learning representatives, the workforce, the Organisational Development Service and the Lifelong Learning Service in taking this important work forward.

“Gaining new skills has made such a difference to people’s lives, not only in the workplace but in their personal and family life too.”