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Less than 3% of recognised Investors In People achieve Gold – about 600
organisations in all, so Real Life Options is in exalted company. Recognised as an Investor In People for 15 years, we gained the Bronze award three years ago and have now moved up to Gold.

The award follows a detailed examination of evidence by Investors In People assessors, who also conducted confidential interviews with a representative cross section of staff from across the organisation and all levels. What it represents is the achievement of world class best practice in transforming business performance through people.

Lindsey Edgell, who joined Real Life Options on the 1^st April as a Senior Support Worker at Frederick Street, in Stockton on Tees was interviewed as part of the process to delve a little deeper into her perspective on the process of training and recruitment.

She said
“The lady who interviewed me was really interested in the input the people we support have in how staff members are selected. My personal experience was really positive. The people we support were involved the whole way through, and the emphasis was placed on my skills and personality matching the requirements and values of the clients, the service and the company”.

Assessors’ key findings included:

RLO people are passionate about what they do

We have clear, honest and strong values, built around the people we support
and RLO is a truly values based organisation

There is a visible and almost touchable ‘can do’ attitude

We have a positive focus on efficiency and effectiveness

Levels of staff morale, motivation and enthusiasm are high

The Good To Great initiative has been invaluable

Flexibility in working practices is the norm

Learning and development is part of the culture and staff are key players in their
own development

There is a real culture of continuous improvement and managers are able to
manage effectively

Gareth Johnson, HR Administrator (pictured left) was also among the interviewees, he said
“It was more of an informal discussion. I’m currently working towards my CIPD Certificate in Human Resource Practice so we talked a lot about opportunities for learning and development”.

To achieve Gold, Real Life Options met an additional 126 evidence requirements, above and beyond the normal standard. Assessors focused on commitment and engagement with corporate values and strategy, as well as the effectiveness of staff development and learning.

Members of staff have been asked how they would like to celebrate this great achievement to highlight that this landmark accreditation is down to the hard work and commitment of each and every individual throughout the organisation.

Tony Pearson, Director of Human Resources said:
“As Director of Human Resources I was already aware of the strong values and culture of continuous improvement that make our organisation what it is, but the IIP award is a great way to take this message further to the people we support, their families, commissioners and the wider community. A big thanks to everyone in Real Life Options for playing their part. It is an immense achievement.”