TAKING the title of Employer of the Year left the winner feeling “absolutely chuffed to bits”.

Vanessa Warn, owner of Little Green Rascals Organic Day Nursery, added she was “really pleased” with the result, after her staff put the nursery up for the award.

She said: “It’s about giving the decision-making to the staff, to the team, and hearing their opinions.

“They are on the floor, hearing from parents and dealing with our Little Rascals.”

The judges said it had been a really difficult decision because all three finalists - Green-tech, Little Green Rascals and Castle Employment - were great employers, who all cared for the wellbeing of their staff and put their needs at the forefront of their business strategy.

But they said one employer stood out for the care, compassion and support shown to every member of the team, and that was Little Green Rascals Organic Day Nursery.

They said the owner did not “interview”, but simply wanted to hear about the person, their plans and opinions.

The judges called her “upside down” management system inspirational, giving the team independence to make decisions and financial judgements.

The nursery team’s growth begins with a thorough induction processes and continues with opportunities for personal development and progression.

Social events help build a strong, successful team, and staff members are also rewarded in other ways for their dedication and hard work.

Castle Employment has an innovative training and development programme, employee engagement which encompasses reward and recognition, performance management to drive individual success and strong emphasis on health and welfare, including flexible working arrangements.

Green-tech believes in recruiting from the local community, provides an annual schedule of training for all its team members, places an emphasis on continued professional development, has a clear organisational structure and also provides flexible working options.