EDWINSTOWE-BASED construction company Woodhead has been accredited with Investors In People Gold. Woodhead is rated in the top 5% of companies in the country for its commitment to Investors in People (IIP).

The company, which was one of the first in the industry to be awarded Investors In People in 2001, is now one of only three construction companies in the East Midlands to have achieved such a high standard.

Following the recent audit by IIP, Woodhead successfully achieved the Gold standard, a status which it shares with just 600 companies across the country.

Investors in People Specialist David Melton, from emb-x, said: “The company demonstrated its clear vision for the future of the business, a strategic approach to business planning, effective leadership and management and a planned approach to training and development for its people. This robust approach enhances peoples’ levels of skill, knowledge and performance, all contributing to the continuing business growth. ”

In October, the company took on its 100th employee having grown its staff numbers by over 30% within the last year. All staff benefit from structured training and development, with the company investing over £200,000 in staff training in the last year alone.

In the past three years, the independent accreditation body has introduced a Bronze, Silver and Gold system of standards, to benchmark companies exceeding the standard and achieving excellence in people management.

Considerate Management Director, Teresa Westwood, said: “We are so incredibly proud to achieve the Gold standard. We are committed to making building a better experience for all, including our employees. It is really important that we give everyone in our company the training, coaching and career progression opportunities to create a thriving and engaged workforce who deliver a great experience for our clients.

“We do everything we can to provide our employees with the best and most supportive environment to work in, which in turn reflects in their commitment to our clients and the pride they take in the job they do for Woodhead.”

Paul Devoy, Head of Investors in People, said: “We’d like to congratulate Woodhead on their Gold standard. Such a high level of accreditation is the sign of great people management practice, and demonstrates a commitment to staff development and shows an organisation committed to being the very best it can be. Woodhead should be extremely proud of their achievement.”