Having been a finalist in this year’s Security Excellence Awards, Ward Security is now celebrating after achieving the highly prestigious Investors in People Gold Award.
Following a rigorous assessment that included lengthy interviews with a large number of staff from right across the company, Ward Security now joins the Top 3.2% of organisations across the UK who have achieved the Gold standard.
This standard is only given to organisations who can demonstrate excellence in developing and supporting their staff.
Ward Security needed to meet more than 165 evidence requirements standards that included commitment to the company’s values, personal development and social responsibility. The process involved seven days of audits by an external IIP auditor both onsite and offsite. The auditor randomly picked a list of people from various job functions and held interviews either in focus groups or one-to-one meetings.
Staff were told to give frank and honest feedback about working conditions at Ward Security, training provision and opportunities available to progress within the company.
Following the assessment, the company was commended for its “strong commitment to continuous improvement”.
The assessor identified particular areas of strengths, including the “superb” investment in time and money into developing monthly recognition awards and “inspirational” leadership. “Continuing this style of leadership and embedding it within operational management gives the organisation a significant edge over its competitors,” said the assessor.
Looking back to 2003 Ward Security first achieved Investors in People in July 2003 and has successfully retained the award at all subsequent reviews. The 2012 assessment is the first time the company has aimed for achieving a “beyond the standard” award, and everyone at Ward Security is thrilled to have achieved the top award.
“Investors in People is increasingly becoming a requirement for big contracts,” said Managing Director David Ward. “Investors in People Gold further cements our reputation as a security company that is willing to go the extra mile. People are the key asset of many organisations, and Ward Security is no exception to that rule. Our policy is to recruit the best people on the market for the position in the business and then nurture them to be the best they can be through a structured training, development and reward programme. All staff are actively encouraged to progress through the company.”
Nikhil Kamboj, Associate Director for Compliance and IT, added: “The Gold award reinforces our commitment and belief that the highest level of service only happens with investment in staff who are the core asset of the business. We’re extremely proud that we’re the only security company in the south to have achieved the gold standard.”