IiP’s bronze, silver and gold awards are reserved for companies that achieve above and beyond the basic IiP standard’s 39 requirements, currently just 6 per cent of recognised Investors in People. Sundog met 81 additional evidence requirements to gain a total score of 120. This reflects the company’s demonstration to the assessor that its staff can continue to learn and develop effectively within the organisation. Sundog also had to show that:
- its strategy for improving the performance of the organisation is clearly defined and understood
- its primary goals are aligned across the business through its people
- managers can lead their teams effectively and continuously improve
- people’s contributions to the company are valued and recognised.
Sundog currently employs 53 people and the assessor was particularly impressed with the evident pride that Sundog staff show in their jobs and the many examples of employees going the extra mile for colleagues and customers. He found that the company retains a strong emphasis on the ethical values on which it was founded 15 years ago. And there was universal belief amongst staff that the company’s environmental values and socially responsible approach to business were absolutely fundamental to its existence and success.
“We are very proud to have achieved IiP Silver Status,” said Bill Roberts, Sundog’s managing director. “It formally recognises that we truly value and believe in our staff and have a clear strategy for their on-going learning and development. As a company, we are totally committed to providing employees with the support and training they need to continually improve and provide the best possible service to our customers. It is something we take very seriously.”