By JO HARRISON
EMPLOYEES at the Ascent group in Armidale are a happy and productive bunch providing high quality support for people with a disability.
Their commitment has been acknowledged as a finalist in the New England North West Business Awards in the category – Employer of Choice. The Awards presentation will take place in Tamworth of Friday evening 4 October 2013.
The Ascent Group CEO Kevin Mead said that the award was an enormous acknowledgement of the hard work, commitment and dedication of staff, board members and management to ensure high quality support for people with a disability.
“Our organisation has worked very hard to pull together all of the staff, clients, board and management in one direction so that our organisation becomes and employer of choice,” Mr Mead said.
“It is very important if you want to attract the right people with the right focus, vision and outcomes so that you have a team that works together.”
The Ascent Group prides itself on creating an environment where people can achieve their aspirations, promoting person-centred practices and community inclusion as the basis of its work.
“Our staff are the backbone of our service delivery and it is imperative that they are supported to achieve in their roles,” Mr Mead said.
“We continue to focus on being a learning organisation that provides internal and external training opportunities for all staff particularly as we move to a more person-centred service.
“This includes key personnel gaining qualifications in Training and Assessment which means internal training is delivered in line with recognised training packages. “
The Ascent Group is a community organisation that has been in Armidale since 1955. It is a non-government organisation and a charity focusing on providing opportunities for people with a disability, people who are ageing and people who are at a social disadvantage to achieve their goals for life.
This is achieved through employment programs, home and community care, respite, day programs and accommodation services.
“All of these programs are broad ranging and all have the goal of assisting people to achieve their goals,” Mr Mead said.
