Yorkshire Water has scooped an award for staff development.

The Bradford-based utility firm was recognised for the Business Support Group Hot Seat Scheme, which gives colleagues the opportunity to understand and find solutions to a range of challenges that face the business.

The company said the scheme had been successful in developing the potential of colleagues, driving innovation and improving communication within the team.

The scheme allows colleagues one day a week to work on an initiative and sit in on various senior management team meetings.

Yorkshire Water chief executive Richard Flint (pictured) said: “With ever-increasing demands upon the organisation, departments need to come up with new and innovative ways of delivering results. The Hot-Seat scheme does this to great effect and is a great credit to those involved.”

Due to the success of the scheme and the positive feedback it has received, the third scheme is about to be launched.

The award was picked up at the Utility Week Industry Achievement Awards, which recognises the companies and individuals forging the way ahead in the utilities sector.

This is the latest in a catalogue of successful wins for Yorkshire Water, which include the Carbon Trust Standard and the innovation category at the National Constructing Excellence Awards.