DURHAM County Council's social services department has won Investor in People status for the third time.

The award is given to companies and organisations that are committed to training and developing their staff.

IIP assessors praised management and staff in the department for the commitment they showed in meeting the rapid changes sweeping through local government.

The assessors said senior managers "have made a conscious attempt to improve training and development processes in line with the achievement of corporate objectives.

"Given that so much change is being experienced across all areas of the organisation's operations, it is very commendable that the organisation has managed to maintain its commitment to train and develop all employees so effectively over the past two to three years. "Throughout the on-site interviews the commitment shown by employees to embrace change was clearly evident.''

Chris Dunn, the department's human resources manager, said: "We are delighted to have retained the award and I am grateful to our network of IIP champions and the IIP steering group who have worked hard at getting us there.

"Given the rapid pace of change and increasing pressures on staff within the department it is a great testimony to their commitment that they continue to deliver high quality services to the people of the county."