One of the key figures behind the success of the London 2012 Olympics has praised Teesside University’s commitment to customer service after it picked up a prestigious accolade for the fifth time in succession.
Linda Moir, who headed the London 2012 dream team and is one of the UK’s leading experts in HR and customer service, said that receiving the nationally recognised Putting the Customer First standard for the fifth time, was a testament to the high standards of customer care at the University.
Linda was visiting the Tees Valley to address North East business leaders at a Business Exchange event held at Teesside University’s Centre for Professional and Executive Development in Darlington, where she spoke about her career and how to engage employees and deliver excellence.
For London 2012, she developed the powerful ‘blended team’ approach, combining professional stewards with volunteer ‘Games Makers’ which delivered outstanding front of house service by 15,000 Games Makers to 9 million spectators.
Previously, she was Virgin Atlantic’s Director of In Flight Services, responsible for the airline’s award winning service and ‘making flying fun’.
Teesside University is one of only a few universities in the country to receive the Putting the Customer First accreditation for its services to business.
Each time it is reaccredited, the University must demonstrate how it has improved.
Staff underwent a rigorous assessment to determine how well the University meets client needs, through relationship building, market awareness and people development.
Linda Moir said: “This is a fantastic achievement. Customer expectations are rising all the time and the customer experience impacts upon the reputation of an organisation.
“This accreditation is more than just a badge, it represents a real commitment to meeting a customer’s needs.”
Ted Stone, Chief Executive of Customer First UK Ltd, the awarding body for the Putting the Customer First standard, said: “Since its initial recognition as an accredited organisation, Teesside University has continued to establish itself as a leader in the Higher Education Sector and is now in the top 10% of organisations that have continuously maintained compliance against the Putting the Customer First Standard over the last eight years.
“This is particularly impressive as Customer First has worked with over 40% of the Universities in the UK since the inception of the standard in 2004.”
Laura Woods, Director of The Forge, Teesside University’s business hub, said: “It is truly heartening to hear such praise for the University’s customer service.
“We are delighted to have been reaccredited with the Putting the Customer First standard.
“It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, who consistently go out of their way to meet the needs of our customers. They are all dedicated to making sure that our service is continuously improving.”
For more information about Teesside University’s services to business visit www.tees.ac.uk/business