At a time when words such as 'underperformance' and 'waste' have been thrown around as major problems in the public services sector, Broadway's HR team has proved how investment in simple people management practices can boost financial health, sustainability and growth in a hostile economy.
Over the past 18 months, the team undertook a complex set of strategies as part of its defined vision for HR.
Talent was its first challenge and the organisation launched, and continues to run, an assessment-centre-based internal recruitment agency to employ the highest level of talent and 'never settle for second best'.
In a period of uncertainty, the HR team had to consult with unions on the one hand over pay freezes and, on the other, manage complex TUPE transfers of staff from 12 organisations. During this time, the team has strived, with success, to maintain high employee engagement scores - at 86% - across the organisation. This was done through consistent communication about cost-cutting, as well as listening to staff concerns.
In the past 18 months, the team has also reviewed learning and development programmes to lower costs, while aligning the scheme to business competencies. It designed a bespoke leadership scheme, the success of which has been demonstrated through high 360 degree feedback scores. Staff surveys find 97% of managers are satisfied with the service they receive from the HR team and customers agree, with a 92% satisfaction rating from Broadway's supported housing and hostel clients.
As a result of the myriad of initiatives, Broadway has been chosen by the Chartered Institute of Housing to design and deliver a leadership and development programme to staff across the homelessness sector. This is administered from Broadway's London office.
And, with funding from the Department of Communities and Local Government, Broadway is delivering an HR support service to 40 homelessness charities across the UK that do not have HR departments of their own.
The panel of judges, who thought the business results were "fantastic", noting Broadway's visionary, yet pragmatic, approach within an extremely successful, albeit busy, HR team.
From 2011, Broadway will be working on the Mayor of London's 'No second night out' initiative, to make sure no rough sleeper would ever have to spend more than one night on the street. With exceptional levels of staff training and service delivery, the future for Broadway looks promising.
Finalists
Essex County Council
Trident
