We entered to highlight our unwavering commitment to our people. As a financial mutual (which means we’re owned by our members, not shareholders), we recognise that the engagement, development, and wellbeing of our team are crucial to maintaining high standards. We aim to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential, carve out their own career path and build the future of Shepherds Friendly. We aim to do this by holding ‘working together’ as one of our key values and focusing on innovative, people-centred strategies.
We’re proud that 99% of us at Shepherds Friendly believe our practices ensure members are treated with respect and courtesy. Moreover, we’re glad to be different in an industry where empathy and personal development are often overlooked. With 96% of our employees affirming that we uphold our values, and 99% understanding our expectations, this deep connection between our team and our ethos is a major factor behind our decision to enter the awards. Furthermore, we are constantly enhancing our employee experience. We want to ensure that our members receive the best possible service, allowing us to uphold the principles of mutuality that define us.
Being shortlisted for an Investors in People 2024 Award is a huge honour for us. As a financial services provider, we know very well that an investment is often a long-term commitment. This nomination validates the daily investment of our hard work, dedication, and passion into fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture for our people. For us, this recognition symbolises that our approach is making a tangible difference in the lives of our employees and the quality of service we provide to our members.
For our people, it reinforces the value of their contributions and highlights the importance of their roles in shaping Shepherds Friendly’s future. It’s incredibly rewarding to see that our collective work towards creating a thriving, inclusive environment has been acknowledged by internationally renowned experts. This achievement motivates us to continue pushing forward.
Our Director of People & Culture Nasrin Hossain said:
‘We’re delighted to be recognised for our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where our people feel supported, valued, and proud to be part of the Shepherds Friendly community. As a financial mutual, our members are at the heart of everything we do, and we believe that a happy, engaged team is essential to delivering the exceptional service they deserve.
“This nomination is a testament to our investment in the culture we’ve built, and we’re excited to continue this journey.’
To win an award from Investors in People, whose mission is so aligned with our own goals, would be an immense achievement and the cherry on top of our Platinum Accreditation. To enter 2025 having won this award would solidify the work we’ve done so far to enhance our employee experience. We have already made significant strides to expand our wellbeing offerings including access to Nuffield Health’s Health and Wellbeing Platform, Menopause Support through our partnership with Stella, and four paid days of wellbeing leave annually.
Beyond this, we know that winning this award would be just the beginning. We would view this recognition as a driving force for further growth . This would include setting new benchmarks for our industry, embracing emerging technologies, and ensuring our employees continue to feel valued, empowered, and equipped to deliver the best possible service to our members.
We’re extremely proud of our IIP Platinum Accreditation and the work we’ve done to grow since our last assessment. In the financial services industry, employers often overlook wellbeing. But, as a mutual, being a part of making work better is crucial – we want to drive change, leading by example and improving both employee and consumer outcomes.
Ultimately, being involved with IIP isn’t just about recognition; it’s about continuous improvement. It provides us with the framework and the motivation to keep pushing the boundaries of what a supportive workplace looks like, ensuring that we remain a leading example in our sector. Through this, we aim to show that prioritising people is not only good for employees but also essential for success.
Share to:
Share to:
Attract Top Talent.
Boost Business Growth.
Get Recognition.
Discover how we can assess your organisation against established benchmarks to improve your business performance.
Our calendar of webinars and live events has something for everyone. Browse our upcoming events and let us guide you to a better workplace for your people.
Ready to make work better? Complete the form below and one of our team will be in touch to discuss your accreditation enquiry.
Ready to make work better? Complete the form below and one of our team will be in touch to discuss your accreditation enquiry.
