Darlington–based pensions administrator, rpmi, is working with Business Link, as it continues its strategy of investing in its people. The move sees rpmi further reinforce its credentials as an ‘employer of choice’ and follows a significant reorganisation towards the end of 2009 to consolidate a period of sustained growth.

Over 250 rpmi staff - including the chief executive and three managing directors - have completed the new appraisal-based training programme, developed with Business Link support, which ensures the personal development of every member of staff remains integral to the company’s business objectives.

rpmi, which has seen its workforce grow by 36% since 2008, first contacted Business Link 18 months ago to find out what help was available to support its specific training requirements.

Business Link was able to provide general advice and assistance to support the company’s training needs, before identifying funding that rpmi would be eligible for from the Regional Skills Fund via the North East England Investment Centre (NEEIC) to support the large-scale appraisal training project.

Business Link was able to guide rpmi through the funding application process. After getting the green light, Business link was also able to help the business source a suitable training provider through the North East England Service Provider Register (NEESPR) as rpmi was keen to use an external supplier.

Alison Skingley, from the rpmi HR team, said: “We regularly review our development needs and invest in the future of the business. A strong performance management culture is an essential part of a growing company like rpmi.

“This was a large and complex training and development project, which involved delivering a comprehensive programme to all our staff. rpmi works with organisations who share our professional and passionate, client-centred approach and the support and guidance that Business Link gave us throughout this project was practical, consistent and very useful. The support enabled us to implement the training much quicker than we would otherwise have been able to, with everyone being trained within a set timescale and by the same person.”

With the programme now complete, rpmi is already experiencing the benefits.

Alison added: “Our staff understand the value of an effective appraisal process, and take ownership of their part in it, whether they are an appraiser or an appraisee. Everyone at rpmi has clear objectives to work towards and these all contribute to our overall corporate objectives, so we can ensure that every individual employee is delivering effectively for the business.”

Business Link Skills Adviser Lynne Groves, who worked with the business throughout the process, said: “rpmi is a quality-driven company that invests wisely in training and development to achieve its business goals. We were pleased to help the company deliver the large scale project. I look forward to working with rpmi in the future to further develop its staff and its business.”