Suffolk Acre Is Finalist In National Employer Of The Year Awards

A Suffolk company is in the running to lift a prestigious national award which recognises innovation and creative thinking in work-life balance.

Suffolk Acre, of Ispwich has been short listed by the Parents at Work charity's judging panel for the 'Driving Diversity Award' supported by Ford Motor Company Limited. The company tackles the economic, social and environmental needs of Suffolk communities by forging effective partnerships between communities and agencies and promoting self-help.

Suffolk Acre introduced a wide range of policies and procedures to ensure no-one is excluded from working for the company or from taking advantage of its services and facilities.

The results are impressive. Flexible working and homeworking are just two of the initiatives that have increased the diversity of the workforce and improved productivity. Suffolk Acre's Managing Diversity and Equality of Opportunity policy now reflects the company's belief that its employees are the key to their success.

"Judging is now underway and the winner will be announced on 26 November," said Sarah Jackson, chief executive of Parents at Work, a charity that provides information and support to working parents. "It is inspiring to see such a wide range of organisations taking work-life balance seriously and demonstrating the business benefits it can bring."

Representatives from both Ford and Parents at Work make up the five-strong judging panel. The winner will receive a silver salver from Ford at an awards gala ceremony later this year.

Surinder Sharma, Ford's director of diversity, said: "Ford has a long track record of positive diversity actions and therefore it is only natural that we are pleased to support this great initiative."