Why did you enter The Investors in People Awards 2020?

Druglink have been on an existential journey over the past 18 months. We were in a difficult financial situation and didn’t know if the charity would survive. It has been a challenge, but one that we have overcome because of our people – our good leaders and our great staff. Their hard work and dedication has enabled us to get to the strong position we’re in today.

Investors in People is recognised for excellence in “people stuff” and the awards focus on the difference people can make when they are effectively managed, properly supported and adequately resourced. It seemed absolutely right that we aimed for an award that recognises the energy, faith, hard work and personal investment from our team that has made all the difference to our charity.

You’ve been announced as a Finalist – what does that mean to you and your people?

We’re so excited to be finalists! It gives a boost to every one of us to know that someone else has looked at our work and sees the value in what we do and how we do it. We’re extremely proud and honoured to be finalists in an award that sets such exceptionally high standards.

What would you say is the stand out point in your entry?

Without a doubt we are most proud of our work developing a new management philosophy by focussing on our clients and involving our staff in creating new charity values to shape our culture. What was so impressive was that the staff were genuinely enthusiastic about being part of this positive change. It has been inspirational to hear staff members talk about the efforts they go to in helping people on their recovery journey and the pride they feel when they’ve changed someone’s life for the better. All we had to do was sum up the words they said and the values wrote themselves!

What would it mean to win?

It would be utterly fantastic to win. No one comes to work at a Drug and Alcohol charity to earn lots of money or build a stellar career. We work here for many reasons, but the focus is always on the efforts we make to help people change their lives for the better – that’s what drives our staff in what can be a challenging and thankless environment.

To win this award would mean so much to all of us – it would be validation of our work by a globally prestigious organisation and a celebration of success which we would all share together.