The Investors in People Champions programme recognises employers that have boosted the performance of their organisation through the way they manage and develop their employees. Each will have demonstrated consistent commitment to people development as a way of delivering its organisation's goals.

This is the Champions programme’s third year, following the initiative’s launch in 2004 by the then Secretary of State for Education and Skills, Charles Clarke.  This year's Champions reflect the wide variety of organisations that work with the Investors in People Standard and its associated people management tool, Profile.  They include high profile brands, such as NCP, Fujitsu Services and newspaper publishing group, Metro, along with two schools.

The Champions will work with Investors in People UK to share their expertise with other employers through a series of best practice sharing activities, designed to promote effective alignment of people development with business strategies.  The activities will include mentoring and site visits to the Champion organisations.

Presenting the awards at a celebratory dinner last night, Ruth Spellman, Chief Executive of Investors in People UK, said:

“Now in its third year, the Champions programme continues to go from strength to strength. Many organisations from across the country have benefited from the experience and expertise of our Champions, who are all excellent standard bearers for Investors in People.

"This year's Champions prove, once again, the business benefits of placing people development at the heart of any organisation. They thoroughly deserve this coveted accolade and we look forward to working closely with them in the future to help share their lessons with other organisations."

This year’s successful Champions are:  

Fujitsu Services (South East)

GS Contracts Joinery Ltd (Essex)

Metro (London)

Merseytravel (Merseyside)

Morley High School (Yorkshire)

Northbrook Technology (Co Antrim)

NCP (Manchester)

Scottish Provident International Life Assurance Limited (Isle of Man)

The Sweyne Park School (Essex)

Future Investors in People Champions will be selected on an annual basis.  Champion status lasts for three years, after which time current Champions are invited to reapply for the status, should they wish to do so.  The nine new organisations join the current 25 Champions which include Nationwide Building Society, Thompson Directories and Prudential UK.

Businesses wishing to contact any of the Champions or requiring further information should visit www.investorsinpeoplechampions.co.uk or email champions@iipuk.co.uk

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