We entered because Investors in People has become part of how we run Albion Environmental. As a small but highly effective consultancy, we wanted to benchmark our people practices against the best, share what’s working, and learn from others. Since beginning our IIP journey in 2021, integrating the Standard into day-to-day practice has helped us grow in a difficult market, earn Gold accreditation, reduce turnover to zero in 2024–2025, and improve client outcomes. The Awards are a chance to celebrate our team—people who live our values, support one another, and innovate on limited resources—while holding ourselves publicly accountable for continuous improvement. Entering also supports our next step: aiming for Platinum. By putting our team forward, we hope to inspire similar-sized organisations to invest in their people, show that culture change can be practical and data-led, and demonstrate how ownership (via our share incentive plan), recognition, and accessible leadership can deliver genuine results for clients, colleagues and the communities we serve.
Being shortlisted has energised our entire company. It validates the everyday behaviours—coaching conversations, Star Board recognition, and honest one-to-ones—that may not make headlines but truly make a workplace great. Our team is proud that an external benchmark recognises what they already experience: a values-led business that listens, develops, and trusts its people.
The recognition has also strengthened our employer brand. Internally, it has created momentum for our next steps: launching our Leadership Board, introducing departmental 90-day plans, and coaching staff to build and nurture client relationships.
The 90-day plans emerged from recent 360° feedback, which highlighted that some staff were occasionally unclear about company expectations. These plans provide structure, clarity, and an opportunity for staff to contribute to shaping their workload.
Most of all, this achievement is a thank-you to colleagues who give their best every day—proof that a small organisation can punch well above its weight when it invests in its people.
Winning would be a milestone for our team and a springboard for our future plans. It would recognise a group that has turned intent into habit—demonstrated through zero staff turnover over the past two years, measurable gains in engagement, stronger client outcomes, and growth achieved without increasing headcount.
With no staff turnover, we bring in fresh ideas by collaborating with universities, industry bodies, and student placements, as well as contracting experts to support and guide us. For a small consultancy, these partnerships are essential: they help our people learn and develop, attract new customers, deepen relationships with clients and universities, and accelerate the initiatives already underway.
Our 90-day plans focus on three key priorities at a time, translating ideas into action through short-term, concentrated effort. Once proven successful, these practices become part of “how we do business.”
These benefits naturally flow to our customers as we nurture and strengthen relationships, positioning ourselves as a trusted, long-term partner. Our clients are already aware of our nomination and are eager to share in our success.
Culturally, winning would affirm that kindness, clarity, and accountability are true competitive advantages. Strategically, it would set the tone for our next ambition: achieving IIP Platinum by 2028—while sharing our tools, learning, and insights with the wider IIP community.
It’s essential. The IIP community gives us a trusted framework, fresh ideas, and a network of peers who challenge and encourage us. Awards and events create the space to compare notes on what actually works—onboarding in small teams, leadership pathways, recognition that feels authentic, wellbeing that’s measured not guessed. We take those insights back to our “One Page Plan,” test them quickly, and share results. Being part of IIP also keeps us accountable: it’s a public commitment to invest, measure and improve. For our people, it signals that their growth is a strategic priority. For clients, it demonstrates that our values translate into better delivery. And for the sector, it shows that smaller organisations can lead on culture by being open, practical and relentlessly focused on people.
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Ready to make work better? Complete the form below and one of our team will be in touch to discuss your accreditation enquiry.
