Professionalism in sector representation

ConFor has successfully secured accreditation against Investors in People.

"It is important that the forestry and wood-using sector is seen as a professional, serious industry," said Colin Mann, chair of ConFor. "This award demonstrates ConFor's professionalism and how it values its most significant asset: people. It is testament to the ConFor team that they have secured this while delivering increasing benefits for members and the wider industry".

ConFor is a relatively young organisation that has undergone rapid and significant change in the last three years. Resources have been re-focused from head office to front-line delivery, in particular in England and Wales, and new members of staff have joined the ConFor team.  It has moved premises and moved up a gear in representational activity.

"The IiP assessor commented positively on the enthusiasm and motivation of the ConFor team as well as identifying a wide number of strengths in the business."  ConFor's chief executive, Stuart Goodall, said, "The IiP process has been valuable, facilitating improvements in internal and external communication and individual staff development.

"This award adds kudos to the company and gives confidence to all those people and organisations with which it engages, not least ConFor members. The team can be proud of this achievement. There is a determination throughout the ConFor team to work hard for members and to make a positive difference.  By harnessing this energy and enthusiasm, ConFor is in a powerful position to lead the sector in 2010 and beyond."

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Notes to editors

1. For further information, please contact Stuart Goodall: 0131 240 1410 or 07760 557448 or stuart.goodall@confor.org.uk

2. An image of the certificate is attached.

3. ConFor (Confederation of Forest industries) represents forestry and wood-using businesses from nurseries and growers to wood-processing end-users in the UK. http://www.confor.org.uk/