As a result, motivation, productivity, efficiency, and levels of customer service were all in need of improvement. After contact with the local TEC, it was felt that Investors in People would provide the necessary framework within which to improve existing training and development activities. A formal commitment was made in 1992. The mission statement was clearly communicated to all staff. Appraisal procedures were carried out at regular times and more direct links were established between training evaluation and business objectives.
Individuals take more responsibility for their own training and development.
The demands on training are far greater and the expectations of the staff are higher. The qualitative criteria being laid down for recruitment are rising. The NVQ process, which commenced in 1994, requires individuals to look for mentors as part of their development. Addressing best practice in training and development through Investors in People as part of a wider corporate strategy has taken WPA to higher levels in terms of the quality both of the processes it operates and of the products and services it offers its customers. Operating on a wide front, WPA is clearly aware that quality development is a continuous process.