Britain's Best Boss
Glasgow Principal is Britain's Best Boss 2004

Ros Micklem, principal of Cardonald College in Glasgow has won the coveted Working Families award "Britain's Best Boss". The judges were impressed by the way she has initiated and implemented work-life balance policies which have not only made a huge difference to her 600 staff, but also the thousands of students they teach at the college.

Ros was chosen as Britain's Best Boss from a strong field, and her managerial style is a positive example of how a people-centered approach can win spectacular dividends. At Cardonald College, policies such as paid parental and emergency leave have seen turn-over and absenteeism remain at low levels, whilst benefits like free neck and shoulder massages, yoga and positive thinking workshops all help build morale.

Of her managing style Ros said, "We work hard to create a great working environment. If my employees are happy and working well, then the students are getting the most from their learning and at the end of the day that’s why we’re here."

Sarah Jackson, Chief Executive of Working Families, said: "Ros has shown that treating staff well in an educational environment, not only makes for good industrial relations and low staff turnover, but also leads to better outcomes for students. Like our previous winners from other sectors, she has proved that enabling work-life balance for individuals makes for a 'win-win' situation for everyone involved."

The annual Working Families 'Britain's Best Boss' competition celebrates individuals who are great bosses and who encourage and practice work-life balance. This year's award attracted hundreds of entries from all around the country across a wide variety of sectors.

The following four finalists have received special commendations:

Jan Tinsley for Creating a Flexible and Effective Working Environment - Marketing Director, Practice Plan Ltd, Oswestry, Shrops.

Karl Suchy for Inspiring and Motivating his Team - Regional Business Manager, Aventis Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Bristol.

Keith Owen for his Proactive Approach to Promoting Work-life Balance - Group Train Services Manager, First Great Western, Exeter.

Vivienne Hoskins for Recognising Individual Needs for Flexibility - Director, Oxfordshire Children's Information Service.

Past Winners

Click here to read about the Best Boss winners 2003

Click here to read about the Best Boss winners 2002

Click here to read about the Best Boss winners 2001

Click here to see the list of past winners

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