A PERSONNEL manager for Swindon-based Nationwide Building Society has been shortlisted in a national competition to find Britain's best boss for 2003.

Della Garmory, who works at the company's headquarters in Pipers Way, was nominated by a member of her own staff.

The Parents at Work/Lloyds TSB Best Boss competition recognises individual employers and line managers who take practical steps to help their staff balance their work and home lives.

And according to Madeline Baker, who nominated Della: "Lots of things started to change when Della became our boss the end result being that everyone was really happy and loved working for her."

Twelve bosses from a range of organisations around the country in private, public and voluntary sectors have now been shortlisted for the award.

Said Della, 43, who has worked for the company since 1989: "Nationwide is fantastic in terms of flexible working options. Requests to work flexibly are always carefully considered and rarely refused.

"Naturally the business needs are paramount, but I know that with a bit of creativity and planning, both the business and the individual gain from these arrangements."

Sarah Jackson, Chief Executive of Parents At Work, said: "Our finalists have been nominated by their employees, which is perhaps the best accolade they could receive."

The Best Boss 2003 will be announced at a lunch at the House of Lords on May 16.