KBM wins The People Management Award 2008

Kier Building Maintenance (KBM) fended off intense competition to win The People Management Award 2008 at the CIPD Annual Conference. The award recognises outstanding practice in people management and development.

KBM was heavily commended for its delivery of an exceptional training programme aimed at improving the skills of young people as well as its own staff.

CIPD Chief Executive, Jackie Orme, said: "This winning entry links the needs of young people considered to be at the fringes of society to the business needs at KBM. The programme is exceptional as it shows how a Corporate Social Responsibility practice can go hand in hand with the business objectives of an organisation. By improving the skills of young disaffected people, KBM not only gave the participants a chance to play a more active role in society, but also managed to fulfill its recruitment and talent development objectives."

KBM stood out from the crowd thanks to its “City Stewardship” programme, which provided young disaffected people with training and mentoring them on several community-based projects in Sheffield. It successfully supervised 16 to 18 year olds through a wide range of assignments, including maintaining gardens and carrying out environmental work.

Out of those participating in the programme, two-thirds later entered employment, mainstream education or training. Ten were also offered apprenticeships with KBM in 2007.

The head of Human Resources at KBM, Martin Rooney, said: "We are delighted to receive this prestigious award. At KBM we have a dedicated team who want to make a real difference and provide opportunities for our youth. The success of the programme would not have been possible without our partners in the project: CTS Training, Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Homes, South Yorkshire Police and the York Youth Offending Team."

The CIPD, which boasts more than 130,000 members, launched The People Management Award in 1995, in a joint venture with People Management magazine. Winners were announced at the organisation’s Gala Dinner in Harrogate.