Cumberland wins national 'Championing People' award

The Cumberland Building Society has picked up a national award for its commitment to staff development and training.

The Society collected the ‘Championing People’ award at the 2007 Mortgage Finance Gazette Awards Ceremony in London. This recognises organisations whose senior management is committed to providing training and development opportunities for its staff. Previous winners include the Nationwide and West Bromwich Building Societies.

The judges commented on The Cumberland’s innovative approach to professional development including staff surveys, open forums with Executive Directors, and an on-going training programme which makes it easier for staff to progress to other positions within the Society.

The Society also introduced a new incentive scheme in 2007, which is designed to encourage staff to identify ways to improve customer service and efficiency. This runs alongside the Society’s existing ‘One Step Beyond Award’ which rewards staff who provide an exceptional level of customer service.

Commenting on the award, Peter Temple, the Society’s Operations Director, said, “We are delighted that the Cumberland’s commitment to the training and development of its staff has been recognised at a national level. It is important that we provide career opportunities which mean that talented people don’t feel they have to leave the area”.

The award was presented to Peter Temple and Nyree Legge, the then Personnel & Training Controller, by newsreader Nicholas Owen.