Our relationship with Investors in People (IIP) has been a long and inspiring journey that began over 22 years ago. I was Deputy Manager, and my participation in a 10-week course preceded our initial involvement with IIP. This course provided me with valuable knowledge and introduced me to the framework and ethos of IIP. What stands out most vividly from that time is the combination of the excellent training and the unwavering support I received. It was not just about theory—this experience helped me adopt the philosophy of continuous improvement, inspiring me to put forward innovative ideas with confidence. What makes this more special is this journey has been a collective effort, and we are proud of our progress together.
When I assumed the role of Registered Manager in 2006, IIP remained a guiding force, providing the resources and insight necessary to cultivate a positive and efficient work environment. A decade later, following the tragic loss of my friend mentor and Manager, I took over Abbeyfield Grange as Owner and Manager. This was an especially challenging period. IIP played a pivotal role in helping me navigate those tough times, offering the tools to reflect, review, and strategically plan for the future. Their guidance was instrumental in helping me lead the business with a renewed sense of purpose, ensuring that our focus remained firmly on the well-being of our service users and dedicated employees.
Initially, we had not considered entering the Investors in People Awards. However, it was through the encouragement of our Assessor, Helen, and her insightful feedback that we realised the impact we were making. The overwhelmingly positive responses from our employees in the IIP questionnaires further motivated us to submit our entry. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in these prestigious awards, and we appreciate the judges’ efforts in recognising and rewarding excellence in employee engagement.
Being shortlisted as one of the top finalists in the UK Employer of the Year: Standard (2-49 people) category has been an extraordinary moment of pride for everyone at Abbeyfield. As a small, privately run Mental Health Residential Home, we are honoured to be recognised on a national stage. To have the opportunity to show that employers within a currently challenged care sector can lead by example, setting standards for best practices in employee engagement, wellbeing and workplace culture is something we are immensely proud of and beyond our wildest dreams.
The excitement and joy that was felt when we first shared the news with our team was overwhelming. Everyone was thrilled, from Gina, our Activity Coordinator, who said she was delighted that our hard work was being acknowledged and this was validation of this, to Sheree, our Housekeeper, who could not wait to share the news with her family. These individual moments of pride reflect the collective effort that has brought us to this point. Our team members, many of whom have been with us for years, have all played a vital role in creating the supportive and nurturing environment that Abbeyfield is recognised for.
We also received congratulations from our stakeholders, who were equally excited about the news. Their feedback has been incredibly positive, with many expressing how well deserved this recognition is and sharing in our pride. This acknowledgement not only reaffirms the value of our efforts but also strengthens the sense of community we have cultivated within our organisation.
Reaching the finals of the IIP 2024 Awards is a remarkable achievement for Abbeyfield, one we could never have imagined. We are incredibly proud of how far we’ve come and what this recognition symbolises. Winning the award would be monumental for our organisation. It would serve as a powerful affirmation of our dedication to fostering a workplace culture that is not only positive and inclusive but also forward-thinking and innovative. More than that, it would shine a much-needed spotlight on smaller organisations within the Mental Health Care sector, proving that even modest-sized teams can achieve extraordinary results when united by shared values, goals, and a commitment to excellence.
What sets Abbeyfield apart is our commitment to continual improvement, driven by our unique blend of diversity and strength within our team and among our service users. We have set ambitious goals that once seemed out of reach, and through perseverance and collaboration, we have not only achieved them but exceeded our expectations. This journey has instilled a renewed sense of empowerment, motivation, and belief. Winning this award will continue to propel our business forward, ensuring that our employees and service users thrive in an environment of mutual respect and support.
Being named a finalist has allowed us to share this achievement not only within our organisation but also with the broader community. It affirms our excellent reputation within the care sector and among our stakeholders, reinforcing the trust and confidence placed in us and making us an employer of choice. This recognition has also encouraged us to pursue our next goal: achieving the IIP Silver Award, a challenge we are excited to take on as a team.
Winning the Investors in People 2024 Award would not just be a significant milestone in Abbeyfield’s history—it would serve as a lasting testament to the commitment, passion and hard work that our team has invested in making this organisation successful!
We are genuinely delighted to be part of the Investors in People Awards and to have the opportunity to engage with its broader community. This event is inspiring and an invaluable platform for forging new relationships and fostering collaboration. While we take great pride in our achievements, we are equally excited to be part of a larger network that shares our commitment to employee engagement, development, and workplace excellence. The chance to connect with like-minded organisations and celebrate the collective successes of the IIP community is an honour.
The guidance and support we have received over the past two decades from IIP have shaped our business. Our current advisor Helen and her predecessors have deeply understood our organisation and have consistently provided insightful feedback, helping us refine our strategies and set ambitious goals. Their encouragement and positivity have instilled a strong sense of confidence and pride, allowing us to approach each new challenge enthusiastically. Helen’s collaborative approach over the last few years has felt like an extension of our team, as she works alongside us to navigate the path to future success.
This partnership with IIP continues to inspire us to push boundaries and explore new opportunities for growth and improvement. We are more committed than ever to ensuring that Abbeyfield remains a leader in the Mental Health Care sector and a truly exceptional employer, dedicated to both our team and the individuals we support. Our commitment to excellence is unwavering, and we are confident that this partnership will lead to even greater successes.
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