The first employer in Wales to achieve gold for wellbeing initiatives
PORTAL TRAINING IS CELEBRATING A DECADE OF PROVIDING PEOPLE WITH THE SKILLS TO PROGRESS THEIR CAREER
MAYBE wellbeing in the workplace was always something to be strived for, but what is clear is that the issue’s importance has rocketed in the last 18 months.
These days it’s part of the package, which makes any company willing to share its secrets worth listening to. And when it is a training organisation committed to helping individuals achieve more through the high quality, creative training courses it runs, its value goes up.
So these are heady times for Portal Training, with its work now recognised with a Gold standard Investors in People Wellbeing Award, the first employer in Wales to achieve that.
The Cardiff-based training provider is also the smallest of the 20 or so Welsh organisations to have so far received the Wellbeing accreditation at any level.
Portal Training managing director Gwawr Booth said:
“It’s so pleasing to know that we are getting results in all aspects of our activities, from looking after our staff to helping people further their career by acquiring new skills, including in leadership and management. This will become increasingly important in a post-Covid-19 Wales and we have the expertise to help people play their part in what will be a challenging process.”
A WELL-DESERVED AWARD FOR LOOKING AFTER STAFF
The We Invest In Wellbeing Award recognises employers with a wellbeing strategy in place, which includes opportunities and dedicated spaces for people to work well and socialise in. It also acknowledges organisations where people understand and support each other’s mental health.
Sarah Heenan, head of HR at Portal Training said: “We are absolutely delighted to hold this accolade and are excited to develop further a safe, secure, and enjoyable workplace based around the needs of our team. Our staff’s wellbeing is at the heart of our company so for our wellbeing approaches that make work a better place for our people to be recognised at a Gold standard is fantastic and a true testament to the culture we’ve strived to create.”
Its Investors in People Wellbeing Gold standard was awarded following an intense assessment process involving staff interviews, a full staff survey and the completion of a report.
“We went through a rigorous process with staff being chosen at random for interviews regarding our focus on their wellbeing,” said Gwawr. “We are the first company in Wales to gain the Gold standard recognition.
“We are just so thrilled and immensely proud to have achieved this award. The team are absolutely amazing and deserve to be supported in the best possible manner. We want them to feel happy, safe and comfortable coming to work and to feel that the support structures are in place to help them whatever concerns they have. Portal’s success is due to their hard work and passion and as the saying goes, you should always look after those who look after you.”
POSITIVE FEEDBACK FROM LEARNERS WHO HAVE PASSED THROUGH
It’s not just the Portal team that benefits from this wellbeing focus. Portal Training has been given a huge vote of confidence from its learners. In fact, 100% of learners who provided feedback said they felt more confident in managing and leading change, and
99% said they were more confident managing themselves and others
One learner said: “To be able to apply your learning in real-time, on the job and see it make a difference has been such a reward. Having been under their wing for the last 18 months it’s clear to see how many people succeed with them.”
‘ A Portal apprenticeship enriched my life’
EXPERTS IN HELPING CAREER DEVELOPMENT WITH MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Portal Training was founded in 2011 and has made its mark as a dynamic and innovative bilingual training provider. It supports organisations in developing leadership and management as well as the coaching and mentoring capacity of their workforce.
It aims to help raise achievement and improve performance among professionals working in the education, business, childcare and sporting sectors.
Its programme includes delivering ILM diplomas in Leadership and Management at levels 3, 4, 5 and 7 and Coaching and Mentoring at levels 2, 3, and 5. The good news for levels 3,
4 and 5 is that they are fully funded by the Welsh Government, and there are over 500 people currently benefiting from them.
Designed for aspiring team leaders, middle and senior managers and leaders, the Welsh Government-funded qualifications develop leadership
and management skills through a blended approach, combining professional practice learning and assignments.
Portal Training sums up its approach to providing tailored support for learners and enjoying constructive relationships with all employers:
“Being honest and having integrity whilst enjoying our work is very much at the heart of all we do.”
Portal is based at
Ocean Park House, East Tyndall Street, Cardiff, CF24 5ET. Telephone 029 2047 4060 or visit the website. It is also on Facebook and Twitter.