Bishop Auckland College has been praised for its commitment to staff after being awarded the Investors in People Gold standard. A six day inspection, which included interviews with 40 members of staff found there were positive relationships between colleagues at all levels.
IIP inspector Graeme Mills reported that the college provides a clear focus and direction and involves staff in decision making to build consensus. He said senior managers develop, lead and manage effectively and that staff valued their visibility across the college. Reward and recognition processes help staff feel motivated and committed, his report added.
Organisations need to meet 165 evidence requirements to achieve the Investors in People Gold award and the college met 180, putting it in the top 7% of IIP accredited organisations across the UK to reach the coveted gold standard.
Operating from campuses in Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor, as well as outreach centres across south west Durham, the college employs 350 staff.
Principal and Chief Executive Natalie Davison said: “We are an industrious and tight-knit community here at Bishop Auckland College and this really shows through in the way we support our students.
“Achieving the gold standard indicates world class best practice and a cutting-edge organisation in the way people work, develop and are managed in order to move the business forward. We are delighted this has been recognised by Investors in People.”
Paul Devoy, Head of IIP, added: “We’d like to congratulate Bishop Auckland College on their gold standard. Such a high level of accreditation is the sign of great people management practice, and demonstrates a commitment to staff development and shows an organisation committed to being the very best it can be. The college should be extremely proud of this achievement.”
