“Investment in young people is a key element of the company brand.”

Bannan

FAST FACTS

Number of employees 34 (all full-time)

Location Stornaway

Expertise Operator of Gaelic-language broadcaster BBC Alba

Key shows Storm Heroes; Bannan; O Mo Dhuthaich

Chief executive (years in position) Donald Campbell (10)

KEY PERKS

Relaxed environment with no dress code; flexible hours; regular social events

  • Murdo Morrison, marketing manager

How do you spot talent and develop members of the team?

We have formal and informal structures in place to develop people. Regular one-to-one job chats and feedback enable personal learning and development plans to be put in place, monitored and evaluated.

Laura Macleod started work with MG Alba on a student placement scheme in 2014. She went on to do some fixed-term contract work, and is now a full-time scheduling assistant.

How do people get a foot into your company? What is your approach to apprenticeships and mentoring?

We offer a student placement scheme and work experience.

Investment in young people is a key element of the company brand and we attend careers fairs in schools and colleges and work with the media departments in universities to promote the Gaelic language.

We contribute to young people accessing careers in Gaelic media by funding a TV diploma course at the Gaelic college on Skye and sponsoring an award at Lews Castle College.

How workable is formal training in the modern TV environment – and what do you offer?

Formal training is managed through a robust induction process, formal appraisal and personal development plans, and a culture of continuous learning. We provide opportunities for formal training both on and off site, and encourage secondment and work shadowing.

What one thing could make MG Alba a more attractive place to work?

We are actively reviewing and refreshing how we reward and recognise success in the workplace through the ‘continual improvement group’.

This is a fully consultative staff and management group that reports to the senior management team and presents at quarterly staff meetings. It has the remit of developing workplace initiatives that will improve the working lives of our employees.

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