By Victoria Brenan

Last updated at 13:43, Wednesday, 18 July 2012

A project which helps staff at HMRC at Lillyhall learn about everything from business degrees to holiday Spanish lessons is to receive a kitemark award today.

The Union Learning Reps (URL) at the site are to be presented with a unionlearn Quality Award from Workington MP Tony Cunningham for their work helping 350 staff access learning courses.

The award has been given thanks to a project by the reps to help staff manage their personal and career development – covering everything from how to access business qualification courses to finding a course in holiday Spanish or French.

The unionlearn Quality Award is a kitemark awarded to organisations that are committed to working with trade unions and can demonstrate that they are considered when developing and designing courses.

Beth Farhat, unionlearn’s northern region union development co-ordinator, will present the award to two of Lillyhalls reps – Angela Harrison and Glen Palmer. She will be joined by Mr Cunningham, and representatives of HMRC management.

Mr Cunningham said it was always good to see unions, employers and employees working together to improve both themselves and the company.

“All of the staff at Lillyhall are in an enviable position of having experts in learning and careers guidance to hand – and more importantly, the opportunity to access them for ongoing advice and support,” he said.

“The project at Lillyhall is a dynamic, productive and progressive one in every aspect of its work, from learning to health and wellbeing and the environment. I’d like to extend my congratulations to everyone involved and look forward to hearing about more of the pioneering work being done here.”

Jan Gifford, PCS Learning Organiser for the northern region, said it was a fantastic achievement.

“This award demonstrates to the learners and management the commitment, enthusiasm and professionalism that their colleagues show in supporting them in accessing learning opportunities,” she said.

“I have no doubt that without this initiative far fewer members of staff would have embarked on their learning journey. This award is a fitting tribute for the ULRs.”

First published at 11:28, Wednesday, 18 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk