News

Open Road had good reason to celebrate at its Training Day on Monday 11th April. Hot on the heels of our recent Investing in Volunteers award, presented in November 2010, we have now received the prestigious Investors in People (IIP) Gold status. Fewer than 1 in 1000 organisations reach the Gold Standard, making Open Road part of an elite group of employers to win this award.

The nationally recognised Investors in People scheme was established over 20 years ago to help organisations improve their business performance by getting the best out of their employees. It is a rigorous process but one that involves everybody – from Chief Executive to front line workers. Open Road first achieved Investors in People status back in 2003. Since then, we have grown considerably and this success is due, in the main, to the focus and commitment of our people. This was a key factor in achieving the Gold Standard which will now act as a platform for further growth in the coming years.

Many of our staff, trustees and volunteers took part in the IIP assessment and, to secure the award, we had to meet a diverse mix of standards – 176 in total – including team working, innovation in learning and development and corporate social responsibility, to name but three.

Sarah Wright, Chief Executive, said “Achieving Investors in People Gold Standard is a tremendous achievement for Open Road. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their individual skills and commitment are crucial in delivering high quality services; we want our staff and volunteers to continue to feel supported and valued whatever their role. With their commitment and performance, Open Road will go from strength to strength”.

Guest of honour, Ben Hughes, Strategic Manager, Essex DAAT, presented the IIP award to Sarah Wright at Mansard House, the Open Road centre in Chelmsford.