Rowan Dartington & Co Ltd

RD encourages all employees to take qualified training to a level that exceeds the regulatory minimum standard. They also offer colleagues in unregulated roles the opportunities to take professional qualifications at entry level to further their own development. A good example of this is the company receptionists, who have completed the Level 3 qualifications in Wealth Management.

RD actively promotes team interaction and working together. Everyone is encouraged to work together both within their own teams and across the organisation. RD has a set of Core Values that they expect staff to demonstrate and these are also to be incorporated within the staff appraisal process. New starters are bought biscuits so they can be used to 'bribe' colleagues to help them out. They feel that this is an innovative way to get new employees to mix with existing ones.

RD actively encourages and supports a wide range of activities under its "Sport and Social Committee", which includes organising regular social activities and also backing the participation in a range of sports including football, cricket, hockey and running. In addition, the company have introduced a "random acts of kindness" budget that allows for Managers to do small things like buy snacks, lunches, flowers and so on to recognise the contributions of their team or lift spirits at times of unusual stress. Staff throughout the group are managed closely and due to the company's size staff related problems and issues can be quickly identified and addressed. RD is always extremely supportive and flexible in its approach to assisting staff. As well as this, Management Development specifically includes time spent looking at staff wellbeing.