Groundwork delighted to retain the Silver Standard as an investor in people

Groundwork Green Team and NEET Team

Groundwork, a local environmental charity which works within communities facing the greatest challenges, is pleased to announce that Groundwork BBOR has retained Silver level of the Investors in People Silver standard, demonstrating their commitment to realising the potential of the

Groundwork is a charity which works with people of all ages and backgrounds to help them change their own lives whilst bringing beneficial changes to the wider community. Groundwork was first established in 1983, changing places and changing lives in Oldham and Rochdale for over 30 years, and more recently extending its services in Bolton and Bury.

Investors in People is the UK's leading accreditation for business improvement through people management, and provides a wealth of resources for businesses to innovate, improve and grow, with a focus on good people making great business.

Lorna Bustard, Trustee at Groundwork said: “Achieving the Investors in People Silver standard is something that any organisation should be truly proud of. It is the sign of a company which is very committed to good people management practice and I’d like to congratulate the Groundwork team on their achievement.”

John Bland, Chair of the Groundwork Board said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Groundwork and I would like to congratulate the team on their success. We believe that good people make a great business and as a proven organisational development framework, Investors in People is designed to help organisations and their people to realise potential, enhance performance and meet goals. With their Silver accreditation, Groundwork is certainly working to realise their people potential.”

Commenting on the award, Vicki Devonport, Executive Director, said: “We are delighted that we have retained the IiP silver standard and the feedback we have received recognises the commitment of all team members, volunteers and trustees. We now feel to be in a very strong position to be able to move forward in line with the requirements of the local and national Groundwork Federation agendas. It has been clear from this review that Groundwork makes very effective use of the opportunities it identifies to help improve the local environment and contribute to the building of healthy communities - whilst creating job and work opportunities for local people.

“What I find particularly striking is the pride people feel in the Groundwork values. The organisation has a strong sense of identity and of people feeling ownership of the organisation. Overall Groundwork has achieved a fine balance between the need to achieve ‘the numbers’ and to be financially viable, and the desire and drive to be a force for good within the environment and community.”