A NEW version of the Investors in People standard has been launched that will help local organisations go even further in gaining advantages through their workforce.

The changes make the standard more user friendly by adopting clearer and simpler language and minimum paperwork and introduce optional modules to help organisations progress even further in developing their business.

Andrew Heydeman, head of workforce development at Bolton and Bury Chamber, said: "The new version is every bit as rigorous as the last.

"The changes mean that assessment will focus much more on outcomes rather than processes." He added: "Organisations will no longer be required to present any written material. The evidence can come from good practice in the day-to-day operations of the business."

Already, a third of the UK workforce is involved in Investors in People, including nearly 400 organisations in Bury and Bolton.

The changes have been made following an 18 month consultation with more than 1,500 employees.

The objective is to ensure that Investors in People continues to respond to customer needs and that it retains its position as the core people standard for the 21st century.

The Chamber is running free workshops to introduce the new "user friendly" Investors in People standard on Thursday, May 11 at the Village Hotel, Prestwich, and later on May 18 at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton.

All Bury and Bolton-based organisations are welcomed to attend and further details are avaialble from the Chamber's workforce development team on 0845 6016010.