DATE: 17/08/2010

Investors in People accreditation retained by Orchard

Following a very thorough review process and a glowing report from the assessor, Orchard’s Directors were delighted with the news that the company has successfully retained its Investor in People (IIP) status.

Achieving the initial IIP Standard accreditation showed Orchard’s commitment to continuous business improvement through its people.  In retaining the Standard, that commitment has been reinforced and shows the company continues to invest in its people, for the benefit of both its customers and staff.

Orchard’s Operations Director, Alison Davis commented: “Receiving the award confirms that we are still doing a good job in supporting and developing our staff and in providing a positive environment in which to work. We know we are not a perfect organisation but our IIP status and the acknowledgement of what we have achieved over the years, gives us every reason to celebrate and to continue to improve. I am personally very proud of the work we have done to ensure that we achieved IIP status again.  There is still room for improvement of course but we have proved that we are all committed to the process and I have no doubt that we will continue to make Orchard a great place to work.”

The specific objective of the review was to assess the impact of areas such as management development activities, assertive actions in areas of time keeping and absence, understanding of company’s objectives and the appointment of a new Managing Director.

The review was conducted at a testing time for Orchard and its people as one of the major factors influencing the business recently has been the development of the latest version of its ICT business solution for Social Housing providers - Orchard Housing.  This development phase exposed both the strengths and weaknesses of the company giving an invaluable insight to areas of the business that were in need of change or which could be further improved upon.

The recent, successful launch of Orchard Housing represents the close of this phase enabling the company to now move forward with increased vigour and reap the rewards from the excellent response to its latest business solution.

Orchard has since demonstrated achievement of the required Standard through a planned approach to setting and communicating objectives and developing people to deliver them.  As a result, areas of the business recognised as showing strength are commitment and confidence to improve; effective and sensitive leadership; open communication and staff engagement; management development programme; encouragement of ideas and effective communication of business direction.

Graeme Mills, an Assessor for IIP stated: “This is a very good organisation and it is hoped the actions for development highlighted in my report will enable Orchard to further improve its already excellent practices.”