College strikes gold with Investors in People Award

Gateshead College has struck gold to be awarded the highest accolade for its world class commitment to developing and supporting employees.

The college has been awarded the Gold standard in the Investors in People award, the highest level that any organisation can achieve.

It has held IIP Bronze status for a number of years but is now among the small number of elite businesses in the UK to achieve the Gold standard. .

HR director, Su Breadner, said: “Receiving Gold standard is an incredible accomplishment and for Gateshead College it is a considerable achievement at a time of significant change.

“In 2012, we implemented an innovative new curriculum model to transform and improve the way we work, which included the introduction of a new staffing structure.

“Our recovery from this massive change and our staff’s ability to come through the changes so quickly was recognised by the assessor as ‘remarkable’.

“The Gold standard demonstrates that we are a people business and that investing in our workforce and the community is crucial to our success.

“It comes off the back of a commitment to deliver a number of employee-focussed initiatives including an engagement programme, establishment of a clear set of competencies, a new performance management system, staff wellbeing events and a whole host of employee benefits.”

In order to achieve the Gold standard, Gateshead College had to meet 165 requirements, and support them with documented evidence, that included commitment to College values, personal development and social responsibility.

IIP specialist and assessor, Graeme Mills, interviewed 80 members of staff and commented that among them were some of the most positive people he had ever met.

His report also noted a willingness by people to accept change and innovate and the distance we’ve travelled as a college was seen as ‘very impressive.’.

He said: “Gateshead College’s achievement of the Gold Award in Investors in People is a reflection of its continued belief and commitment to success through people development and management.

“It is an approach that has seen it through some challenging times and is shaping its future strategies. The College and its staff’s commitment to continually improve is a major strength and benefit to students and the communities it serves.”

Principal Richard Thorold added: “I’m extremely proud of all Gateshead College employees for working together to achieve success internally and for our customers, we have a great team.”

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