Inspira the leading personal development and career management company based in Cumbria has been awarded the Merlin Standard.

Developed by the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP), the Standard is designed to recognise and promote sustainable excellence within supply chains.

At a rating of 77% Inspira is currently joint 5th out of 31 organisations. Inspira’s supply chain design was considered excellent. Other areas of assessment were commitment, conduct and review –all considered good.

“We are delighted,” said Mark Bowman, CE of Inspira. “This achievement demonstrates our internal processes as well as our close working relationship with all our commissioners and supply chain.”

In Cumbria supply chain partners have enabled Inspira to deliver Youth Work contracts as well as the Friday Night Partnership, and Support for the Third Sector contract, as well as delivering the National Citizen Service across Cumbria, Lancashire, Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and Blackburn with Darwen.

The feedback praised the engagement of wider networks by both Inspira and their partner organisations noting that real engagement takes place ensuring specialist support is available to stakeholders, young people and partners across the network.

“It will allow us to compete for a greater range of contacts,” continued Mr Bowman, “Potential supply chain partners can be reassured that they are working with a provider who has the expertise and ability to work well with them while commissioners can also feel safe in the knowledge that when we are working for them we are absolutely up to the job.”

As one member of the supply chain said, “…their ability to manage large contracts and keep all those involved engaged and onboard and achieving is excellent”.
Initially produced for the welfare sector, the Standard is generic by design and applicable to any organisation delivering on a contract through a supply chain.

For more information go to www.merlinstandard.co.uk or contact