Garden makeover for Cornerstone thanks to First

25 human resources (HR) specialists from throughout the UK, all employed by transport giants First, gathered in Aberdeen today to take part in a team building exercise with a difference.

Employment law forms were cast aside, and recruitment adverts put on hold, as the HR professionals instead donned their overalls and wellington boots, picked up their shovels and shears and spent the day transforming what was a bleak and somewhat depressing garden area into a pleasant, eye catching space.

One of the ‘Cornerstone Project’ properties on Great Northern Road, Aberdeen, was the beneficiary of the HR team’s blood, sweat and tears.  The property houses males between the ages of 18 and 60 who may have a history of mental health problems, mild learning disabilities or simply require support to live successfully in the community.

Isobel Goudie, head of HR at FirstGroup, the UK’s largest bus and rail operator, explained that the day had been extremely rewarding.  “It is safe to say that all 25 of us have gained a host of positives from the experience.  Not only has it been a very effective means of team building, it has also been a tremendous form of exercise and has inspired many of us to be a little more ‘green-fingered.’  Some might argue that the garden was in better shape when we first arrived, but I think we have done a reasonable job, considering we have no budding Charlie Dimmocks amongst us!”

“On a more serious note, there are a multitude of teambuilding options open to organisations, but rather than spend a day shooting paint pellets at each other, or singing karaoke in a hotel conference room, we chose to arrange something that was altogether more community conscious.  In keeping with First’s strong reputation for supporting local charitable projects, it was fantastic to be able to give something back to the community, albeit on a very small scale.”

Cornerstone’s corporate relations co-ordinator Rachael Ashley said: “We are delighted that First has chosen this type of volunteering project over more traditional team building activities.  This project has the added benefit that First will be making a real difference to the people that Cornerstone support at this service.”

The HR professionals traveled from throughout the UK to participate in the green fingered makeover.  They will attend the First HR conference tomorrow (4^th October), the purpose of which is to share best practice throughout the FirstGroup HR team and to keep abreast of the business strategy and new legislation.

The following organisations helped provide tools and materials for the event: Aberdeen City Council, Spencer Coatings and Keyline, Builders Merchants.