West Nottinghamshire College is celebrating after retaining its official status as a top employer.

The college has been awarded a prestigious star rating in the 2010 Best Companies accreditation scheme, twelve months after gaining the accolade at the first attempt.

It is the only college in the East Midlands – and one of just ten Further Education institutions in the country – to gain accreditation.

Run by Best Companies Ltd – the name behind The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list – the scheme recognises excellence in the workplace and follows a Michelin star-style rating system for organisations that show high levels of employee engagement.

It uses a staff survey and questionnaire to ask employees how they feel about their line manager, how they cope with stress and pressure at work, how well they work with their colleagues, the extent to which they feel their organisation benefits society, and how happy they are with their pay and benefits.

Companies that make the grade receive an index score which determines their star rating. One star is for first class, two stars for outstanding and three stars for extraordinary performance.

The college, which employs 1,200 staff at ten sites across Mansfield and Ashfield, has retained its one star rating – earning it a listing in the Best Companies Guide, which lists the UK’s best places to work.  It can also continue to use the highly sought-after accreditation logo on its literature and promotional material.

College principal and chief executive Asha Khemka OBE and director of human resources Tracey Thompson will receive a commemorative plaque at a ceremony hosted by Best Companies later this month.

Mrs Khemka said:  “I’m delighted we have retained our ‘first class’ employer status and been recognised once again for our high levels of employee engagement.  We pride ourselves on supporting and engaging staff at all levels throughout the organisation and truly value everybody’s contribution to making us the successful college we are today.

“Best Companies accreditation carries much prestige and makes me very proud indeed.”

Posted 01/03/2010