Investors in People introduces extra bronze, silver and gold standards

The change is the culmination of a two-year consultation process that saw IiP talk to more than 150 employers and run a pilot in Scotland.
 
Under the new regime IIP will offer a broader level of support over and advise businesses over the priority issues the IiP assessment uncovers. Consultants will work with companies to provide tailored feedback and signpost areas for further improvement. Tailored feedback will be given, while, for those that want it, IiP will provide them with resources that provide additional stretch.
 
The biggest change is the introduction of bronze, silver and gold accreditation. The three new tiers sit above the existing standard, and aim to promote a higher level of achievement. Companies undergoing re-assessment of their existing IIP standard will be assessed to see if they make bronze standard or higher.
 
Simon Jones, CEO, IiP said: "Currently there are about 350 employers who are working above and beyond the entry-level standard. The existing standard will remain, but the new levels will allow those inspirational employers to promote themselves better."
 
According to Jones, IiP will now act as "their business improvement partner to help them through current challenges", He said: "Customers told us their needs were changing. We have responded with this new, flexible approach based totally around their needs.
 
The first tranche of businesses are currently undergoing bronze, silver and gold-level accreditation, and the first recipients will be announced in the next two to three weeks. Some 80-100 organisations will achieve the gold standard.
 
Skills minister Lord Young said: "The new Investors in People approach, with its expanded framework, will help organisations gain valuable and practical support."