A Ross and Cromarty charity providing "in home care" for carers has been recognised for its commitment to staff development. 

Today Crossroads (Ross and Cromarty) Care Attendant Scheme received the Investors in People (IiP) award from Sally Cartwright, chairman of Ross and Cromarty Enterprise (RACE).

IiP is a national standard designed to help improve businesses competitiveness by developing staff skills and motivation.  It is managed locally by RACE, whose IiP adviser, Irene MacDonald, said: "Organisations of any size, structure or sector can benefit from implementing the Investors in People framework."

She added: "The Crossroads Care Attendant Scheme is congratulated on becoming a recognised Investor in People organisation which is a reflection of good practice within the organisation in areas of business planning, communication and skills development."

Talking about the charity Sally Cartwright from RACE said: "It is their commitment to staff development which has helped them earn the Investors in People award."

Ross and Cromarty Crossroads was formed in 1986 with the main aim of relieving stress on the person or family caring for a disabled, chronically ill or elderly person through regular or occasional breaks from day-to-day caring.  They have a total of 41 care attendants.
 
Commenting on the award, Dr Campbell, chairperson of Crossroads (Ross and Cromarty) Care Attendant Scheme, said: "Enabling people to improve their performance through training and development undoubtedly improves the overall service provided.  This award reflects the effort and commitment our care attendants have invested in ensuring all the processes for staff development met the high Investors in People standard."

Karin Smith, Crossroads co-ordinator and training development co-ordinator, said: "Our staff induction programme has been well received by all participants.  With our experienced care attendants often delivering training to new employees via work shadowing, demonstration and instruction.  We are all very proud to receive this IiP award."