Evaluation of Investors in People : Employer Case Studies

Since the UK Commission took over strategic ownership of the Investors in People (IiP) Standard, a programme of evaluation was developed to inform continued improvement of IiP design and delivery. This project aimed to develop a deeper understanding of the process of employer engagement with IiP and employer views of the IiP product and delivery.
Evidence Report : Evaluation of Investors in People – Employer Case Studies (PDF, 877 Kb)
Executive Summary (PDF, 589 Kb)
Published September 2012
Ten case studies were conducted involving face-to-face visits to small and medium-sized organisations who had committed to IiP, were intending to undergo assessment within six months, and which had already made some changes to their practices as a result of engaging with IiP.
The research found that IiP made a difference to management practice by providing a structure within which to make changes, and by increasing the pace of change. Receiving high quality advice and support from an IiP specialist appears to be the single most important influence on level of organisational engagement with the Standard and the rate of progress that firms make in implementing changes in people management practice.
The report makes suggestions for IiP design and delivery, including considering how best to enhance support from IiP specialists and centres, and exploring cost-effective means of providing support to small organisations.