Suffolk Libraries has become the latest major employer to join the Premium tier of CILIP’s Employer Partner scheme.

Suffolk Libraries, a registered charity, runs 44 libraries across Suffolk and will be working with CILIP to develop and support a workforce that delivers a first-class service to the residents of the county. It has been running Suffolk’s library service since 2012 during which time all 44 libraries have stayed open with opening hours increasing at several sites. Suffolk Libraries also runs three mobile libraries and launched two pop-up libraries in the past few years. The organisation manages 10 prison libraries including sites outside of Suffolk. Suffolk Libraries employs 407 members of staff with a full time equivalent of 185.

CILIP CEO Nick Poole said “I am delighted to welcome Suffolk Libraries as a Premium Employer Partner. It is no secret that public libraries have had an extremely tough few years, but the service they provide is absolutely invaluable to our society and it is only made possible by the dedication and expertise of their staff. We are really looking forward to working with Suffolk Libraries to further develop and support their already excellent workforce.

The CILIP Employer Partner scheme is not just about supporting individual employers, although we have excellent resources to do that, it is also about coming together as a sector to nurture the talent we have and advocate for the ideals and ethics that are at the heart of our profession”

Krystal Vittles, Head of Service Delivery said “Suffolk Libraries is thrilled to become a premium CILIP employer partner. In addition to being able to access an amazing spread of webinars, courses and conferences for colleagues, this partnership gives five frontline colleagues paid membership for a year so they can explore the sector further. Alongside this, more than 20 of our colleagues are about to embark on the Chartership pathway and this partnership will enrich their learning experiences immeasurably. We’re proud to play our part in bringing new voices and experiences into the sector and we’re excited about the knowledge and experience CILIP will impart to our workforce.”

Executive Library Manager Katherine Liu is already a member of CILIP and added “By being part of CILIP you have access to the wider information community. Having that support and wealth of knowledge at your fingertips is invaluable, helping you to learn and continuously grow as an information professional.”

The Employer Partner scheme was launched by CILIP towards the end of 2018. Employers are offered a package to support the development of their workforce including training needs analysis, workshops on professional registration, free webinars for all staff, account management, strategic networking opportunities, inclusive places at CILIP’s annual employer forum, individual membership packages including Leaders Network membership, discounts on training, recruitment and conferences and more.

Visit our Employer Partner Scheme page or contact Andrew Grave andrew.grave@cilip.org.uk if you would like to find out more about the programme.