The knowledge: find out what you stand for

The knowledge - find out what you stand for

Discerning a set of organisational values can be a helpful way of building a sense of identity and staff cohesion. Just Recruitment Founder and Managing Director Jenny Wrightson shares tips on how to do it.

Values can’t be imposed on a workforce. They have to grow organically from what people perceive to be the character of the organisation. If you’re developing a values statement, it pays to be as consultative as possible.

It’s great to let your customers know what you stand for. But you need to deliver against that vision.  

Every organisation needs something to live up to. While values tend to emerge from what people think about their corporate identity, they function best if they have an aspirational element. They should set standards of behaviour that help people aim high. That’s the way to build a positive workplace culture.

Empty words don’t compel action. A clever PR consultant can develop a values statement in five minutes. But it won’t resonate with the workforce unless it rings true. Better to have a set of values that are messy, and don’t permit easy expression, than a set that your people don’t believe in.

People need space to understand who they are. If you’re serious about developing a set of organisational values, give your people the time they need to do it properly. Take them out of the office to think. Give them a change of scenery. Buy some decent coffee and cakes. Set up the right conditions at the start of the enterprise, and you’ll be far more likely to reap the rewards.

The knowledge - find out what you stand forValues help motivate your team by giving them a shared sense of purpose. If you know what you’re working towards, and what your employer stands for, you’re far more likely to give your best. That’s why values play such an important role in staff motivation.

Reminders are helpful, but don’t go overboard. Once you have your values distilled into some kind of statement, it’s worth sharing it throughout the organisation. Post it in the staff room or give people laminated cards to stick up near their desks. When they need a reminder of what they’re working for, they’ll have it readily to hand.

Don’t become complacent. A values exercise isn’t something to be done once then forgotten. You should revisit your values regularly, at least every three years. Be honest if you don’t think they’re accurate. Let your staff refine them. Every business changes. So why should your values stay fixed in time?

Build your customer offer around your values. It’s great to let your customers know what you stand for. But you need to deliver against that vision. With your values in place, you need to embody them throughout your organisation.

An objective eye can make all the difference. Sometimes it is hard to see the wood for the trees. By bringing in an external consultant or adviser, you’ll get a fresh perspective on your business. That will help you refine your self-understanding – though you need to be prepared to hear some hard truths if the process is to be truly worthwhile. 

Nobody’s perfect. So why should your business be any different? Don’t plan to fail. But do be realistic about what you can achieve. You may fall short of the ideals you set out in your values statement. But that only makes it all the more important to have one. Then at least you have a way of measuring performance.

Don’t forget the bottom line. Values are one of the means by which you optimise business performance. Don’t let them become a distraction. They’re a business tool: a way of saying “this is who we are” and “this is what we want to achieve”. 

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may also like:
Keeping pace with a fast-moving industry
Ten ways for an employer to engage their employees

 

Published: 10 February 2025
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2025

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Customer Account Coordinator
Sector: Customer Service
Salary: £30,000 - £32,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913733
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a growing business on the outskirts of Sudbury to recruit a Customer Account Coordinator to join their established team.

The key purpose of this role is to deliver efficient, commercially focused customer service to both internal and external customers. This includes managing order acceptance and invoice processing in line with business and customer requirements, and working closely with teams across Sales, Production, Accounts, Quality Control, Regulatory, and Distribution to ensure customer expectations are consistently met.

Key duties include:

  • Ensuring that excellent levels of customer satisfaction are delivered to customers and building strong relationships with customers through open and interactive communication.
  • Receiving and processing all customer purchase orders within 24 hours and sending order acknowledgement or confirmation where appropriate. Ensuring that correct pricing information is available for new orders received, and if necessary, request information or guidance from the relevant Sales Manager.
  • Providing timely responses to internal and external customer requests and enquiries, for example, order status requests, order amendments, transportation delays, etc.
  • Proactively monitor orderbook status on a regular basis, resolving problems with a potential customer impact, e.g. credit blocks, production and supply issues.
  • Allocation of stock to orders to allow warehouse and distribution teams to process dispatches.
  • Managing customer portals where required, to keep customers informed of order progress, book delivery slots, print labels and upload documentation.
  • Liaising with site production teams, supply chain and commercial teams regularly to discuss production plans, potential new orders, review and maintain customer safety stock levels. Discuss any potential production issues or raw material delays and, where possible, assist with resolutions.
  • Producing and distributing invoices and supporting documentation daily.
  • Monitoring and maintaining stock levels to ensure customer requirements are met. Discuss upcoming orders, customer forecasts, and reorder levels for UK inventory.
  • Being responsible for the timely processing of corrective credit notes.
  • Receiving, processing, and monitoring customer complaints with relevant internal departments and Sales Managers, keeping customers updated on the progress and outcome in a timely, professional manner.
  • Keep regular contact with site-based QC teams to discuss any customer queries, potential issues or opportunities.

Key requirements for this role:

  • Minimum 3 years’ experience in customer service
  • An open-minded, flexible attitude to meet the requirements of the business
  • Able to communicate effectively
  • Proven numerical and analytical skills
  • Ability to demonstrate own initiative
  • Computer literate
  • Ability to effectively prioritise activities
  • Experience/understanding in logistics

This is a full-time, site-based role working Monday to Friday.

Free parking is available on-site.

Hours of work: Monday to Thursday, 8:15am–4:30pm, and Friday, 8:30am–2:30pm.
Includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break, totalling 36.5 hours per week.
Holidays – 26 days plus bank holidays.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Multi-skilled Maintenance Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913732
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a global organisation with a manufacturing facility near Sudbury. They are looking for a talented Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineer to join their expanding team.

Key roles and responsibilities include:

  • Assist with the layout of the site, being involved with and understanding the installation of new services during the development of the site
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    • Site Engineering maintenance facility.
    • Site Engineering control system, maintenance schedules and procedures (CMMS computerised maintenance management system).
    • Site Engineering technical stores.
    • Site Engineering technical library, both manual and electronic.
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  • Liaise with suppliers and service companies regarding problem-solving and service engineer visits.
  • Identify spare parts for all equipment, in line with business strategies.
  • Liaise with Production teams and identify, implement, and optimise improvements to machinery and plant.
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  • Work with suppliers in the installation of new and existing plant and equipment.
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Essential qualifications and experience required:

  • Experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • HNC Engineering Qualification.
  • Experience in PPM and TPM.
  • Experienced in both mechanical and electrical fault-finding.
  • Experience in a fast-paced maintenance department.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing business that offers a competitive salary and a great working location.

Please note: Due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

This role involves split shifts during the day, Monday to Friday only.

Please note that you are required to be on call-out, on a rota basis, once a month to cover evenings and weekends.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
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Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
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Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Leeds, Bradford
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB07
About the role

Due to continued growth, the world’s leading provider of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to support its customer base in the Leeds / Bradford area.

The role will involve the Service and Installation of Car and Commercial valet equipment. You will be involved in all aspects of planned and breakdown maintenance, equipment service and repairs, keeping van stock levels to the standard requirement and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • Having an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Can work on your own initiative or as part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
  • Good people skills, presentable and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Should be punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience.
  • Work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits include:

  • Company vehicle
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Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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