An overview

The most successful organisations, regardless of their markets, technologies, products or services have one thing in common - the importance they place on their people. The competition may copy the product but can't copy the people.

Investors in People is the UK National Standard which sets the level of good practice for training and development of people to achieve business goals. It is not about training for the sake of training, it is about achieving business improvement.

The Investors in People Standard recognises that the link between investment in training and development and improved business performance is complex. Investing in training without setting objectives, analysing training needs and monitoring performance and behaviour is simply a waste of money. However, such an ad hoc approach is surprisingly common.

The Investors in People Standard is controlled by Investors in People UK. There are currently around 30,000 recognised organisations, with around another 20,000 working towards the Standard.

The Standard

The Investors in People Standard has three principles - PLAN, DO and REVIEW, as follows:-

Achieving the Standard

Becoming (and remaining) an Investor in People involves 5 steps, as follows:-

1    Review of current practices and agreeing an action plan
2    Implementing the action plan
3    Assessment by a registered assessor, such as Malcolm Seaton, organised through an accredited assessment centre, such as the Centre for Assessment and Recognition (NW)
4    Achievement of the Standard, involving recognition by a panel
5    Continuous improvement 

Latest information

The November 2004 version of the indicators and evidence requirements are available on the Investors in People UK website.

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   Last modified: May 16th,  2007