Not-for-profits to benefit from Certified Local Business Accreditation Program

Forrest Personnel chief executive Anna Bagshaw has outlined how a certified local program will benefit not-for-profit organisations such as hers.

Ms Bagshaw said the program recognised organisations that were based locally and which were able to tailor their services to the needs of their community.

“We regularly hear from our clients how much they appreciate being able to access a local service that truly understands and responds to the local community,” she said.

“But it has been hard to know who those providers are.”

The recently launched Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry Certified Local Business Accreditation Program aims to distinguish local providers from those with makeshift offices in the region.

It aims to encourage consumers and businesses to think local when making purchases or using community services.

Leon Wolters faces some every-day challenges but said he had gained greater independence while working with Forrest Personnel over the past two years.

“They have given me a chance to get some work and a paid job,” he said.

“I’ve gained a lot more confidence while doing this work — when I first came here I was a bit nervous, but once the ball started rolling, I started getting some jobs.”

He recently started work experience with D for Dogs and said he enjoyed working with animals.