PeoplePlus Achieves 'Excellent' Merlin Re-Accreditation
April 13, 2022Posted by:
PeoplePlus has achieved the Merlin Standard with a score of 85% ‘Excellent”. The purpose of the Merlin Standard is to support the development, recognition and promotion of sustainable excellence, and positive partnership working within supply chains. It is built upon 8 Principles: Design, Procure, Contract, Funding, Develop, Performance Manage, QA & Compliance, and Review & Close. Within each Principle, there are a number of criteria, which provide a structured approach to achieving excellence in supply chain management.
The process involves an assessment questionnaire and interviews for both PeoplePlus colleagues and our supply chain partners – over 30 people were interviewed as part of the process. This process has benefits not only for PeoplePlus, but also for our supply chain partners and ultimately those people whose lives we make a difference to every day.
The assessment recognised that we continue to actively engage with organisations from different sectors, including public, private, third, charitable, social enterprise and community interest companies. These range from national organisations to an increasing number of small, local training providers and sole traders. One partner commented: “PeoplePlus picks Supply Chain Partners that complement each other’s strengths rather than set them to compete.”
Throughout the assessment, we were praised on
- The use and mix of a broad range of partners from different sectors and different sized businesses.
- Open and transparent points of contact, who are always accessible.
- Communication, consultation and collaboration with our partners and the use of technology.
- TUPE – transferring of staff in and out of our organisation and the experience and level of support that was put in place.
- Weekly performance discussion has really benefitted our partners.
- Our Payment process – a streamlined approach which partners understand.
- How we give advice and information to our partners on how to access additional funding.
Merlin’s report commented that ‘A real delight’ for them was understanding how changes in supply chain managers had been handled. Observing that “communications are timely, open, and honest, and Partners are confident to discuss issues and challenges, as well as successes.” One partner commented “I have not experienced anything else other than open and honest”
PeoplePlus is extremely pleased with our reaccreditation result. Governance Director Steven Bell comments:
“PeoplePlus remains committed to the Merlin Standard and I’m delighted to see the Excellent result being achieved in our 2022 reaccreditation. This result is our strongest ever, and covers a period of time where every organisation (and person within it!) has faced unprecedented levels of challenge and change whilst navigating the pandemic. We’re incredibly proud of our colleagues across the PeoplePlus business and our partner network for the hard work and commitment, which is clearly evidenced and shines through in every section of the final report.
Our partner network are a critical part of PeoplePlus’ vision to build and develop the most reliable and integrated workforce in the country and be the leading creator of opportunities, jobs and new ideas in the employability, skills, and justice sectors.”
April 13, 2022Posted by:
