Advo takes the first major step this morning in our aim to retain our Investors in People Gold accreditation with the commencement of our employee survey. This gives our people the opportunity to confidentially critique Advo; to give an open forum to have their say.
This is essential if an employer is to understand their strengths and weaknesses and the first stepping stone in creating a culture of support. Why should other employers follow suit? It’s simple, happy and contented employees are more productive which has a direct bearing on any bottom line.
In a labour market shaped by skills shortages, rising employee expectations and rapid change, UK organisations are increasingly defined not just by what they deliver in pay and benefits, but by how they treat their people. For SMEs especially, getting people management right should not be seen as optional — it is critical to long-term success.
Only 16% of UK organisations hold any IIP accreditation, of these only 17% achieve the Gold standard.
The IIP principle is simple: Organisations perform better when people are well led, supported and developed. IIP’sframework therefore focuses on three core areas — Leading, Supporting and Improving — and accreditation is earned through evidence gathered directly from employees across the whole organisation.
“As a major part of Advo is an HR advisory business, we see every day the gap that can exist between intention and reality,” says Colin Boxall, Executive Director at Advo. “Investors in People challenges you to look honestly at how your organisation is actually experienced by your people — not how you believe it should be.”
Employee engagement remains a critical issue for UK employers, influencing productivity, retention, wellbeing and customer outcomes. Yet it is often misunderstood or addressed inconsistently.
“Engagement isn’t about benefits packages or one-off activities,” says Alison Gill, Advo’s HR Director. “It’s about clarity, trust and consistency. We believe IIP helps organisations understand whether these fundamentals are truly in place — and if not, what needs to change.”
This approach aligns closely with Advo’s own philosophy. Advo supports SMEs to move beyond reactive people management and towards sustainable and structured practices that balance compliance with culture.
IIP does not rely on written policies alone. Their independent assessment explores how leadership behaviours are experienced and enacted day-to-day.
For Advo, we understand this must be a ‘top-down’ approach. Leadership standards are essential for success. “Renewing our Gold accreditation is about holding ourselves to account,” says Alison. “Strong leadership creates consistency, confidence and alignment. Poor leadership creates uncertainty and risk. If we’re encouraging organisations to invest time and money in their people, we have to demonstrate that commitment ourselves, to ensure we truly practice what we preach.”
SMEs often operate under intense pressure — managing growth, navigating compliance and competing for talent with limited resources. In that environment, people management can easily become transactional rather than strategic. For these clients who understand that their people are their greatest asset, we are here to help.