Investors in People is delighted to award Weston College, a Weston-super-Mare based FE and HE college, the “We invest in people” Platinum accreditation.

Platinum is the highest level of accreditation possible to achieve and is a category that only 2% of organisations secure nationwide.

Building on its existing Gold accreditation and Champion status, the College received Platinum as a result of a whole-College approach to prioritising the development and well-being of its employees.

The quality standard was awarded following rigorous assessment, an online survey, staff interviews and the submission of detailed evidence. The College has had a track record with Investors in People since 1997, rising up the ranks each time it is assessed.

The College has held Gold status since 2010 and secured Champion in 2016. The assessment also included the College’s Prison Education staff who teach in prisons in the South West and South East.

Due to the College’s high score it has ranked in the top 20 organisations UK-wide, meaning it has also been nominated for the Investors in People national Employer of the Year.

Lynne Richards, Investors in People Practitioner who assessed the College commented: “On behalf of Investors in People I’d like to congratulate Weston College. Platinum accreditation on “We invest in people” is a remarkable effort for any organisation, and places Weston College in fine company with a host of organisations that understand the value of people.

“I was particularly impressed with the College’s approach in lockdown, during this unprecedented time the College opted to continue with the assessment, which ensured a real authenticity of process and all interviews with staff happened virtually, whilst they were also faced with new challenges in the remote delivery of outstanding education.”

Commenting on the award, Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive at Weston College Group said: “I am delighted that we have achieved this prestigious status – I believe that the success of an organisation begins and ends with people, and this major achievement is testament to the emphasis we place on putting our staff at the heart of the business.

“Employee engagement and investment are among our highest priorities. This achievement reflects those priorities, as well as the commitment and dedication our people give us in return. “Being recognised at UK level is hugely rewarding and we will continue to work hard to support our employees both personally and professionally.”

The College’s “We invest in people”, platinum accreditation, alongside the achievement of winning Lloyds Business National Business Awards Employer of the Year in 2019 and being the highest ranked college in 2019 Sunday Times Best 100 Companies to Work For list, confirms the College’s status as not just a leading Further Education College, but also as a top employer in the country.