Research to support the evaluation of Investors in People: Employer Survey (Year 2)
The Year 2 survey of employers accredited with Investors in People (IiP) provides an assessment, from the employer’s perspective, of the effectiveness of the accreditation process and any impact associated with IiP recognition. This study also follows up on IiP businesses a year on since their initial accreditation, exploring the differences made and impacts felt as a result of IiP. The research forms part of a two-year evaluation; this report covers the survey findings from year two.
Evidence Report 68: Research to support the evaluation of Investors in People: Employer Survey (Year 2)
(PDF, 873 Kb)
Evidence Report 68: Executive summary
(PDF, 93 Kb)
Published March 2013
Since the UK Commission took over strategic ownership of the Investors in People (IiP) Standard, we have undertaken an evaluation to inform continuous improvement of IiP design and delivery. This second survey of accredited employers focuses on assessing the effectiveness of the accreditation process and any impact associated with IiP accreditation. This study also re-interviews some employers surveyed in year 1 to establish whether the benefits resulting from IiP has been sustained over time.
Some of the findings from the report include:
- The majority of newly-recognised employers (85%) in year 2 had improved, developed or introduced at least one organisational policy or practice in order to achieve IiP.
- In terms of specific policies and practices:
– 49% of employers had developed or improved business plans
– 45% of employers had developed or improved appraisal plans
– 42% of employers developed or improved training plans
- Two-thirds of year 2 newly-recognised employers indicated that their involvement with IiP had been responsible for increases in the quantity or improvements in the quality of training provided. The improved focus of training on leadership and management training was also noted by 63% of newly-recognised employers.
- In relation to specific improvements following accreditation, more employers saw impact in the quality of leadership skills (68%), management effectiveness (62%), and in the ability of staff to do their jobs (55%)
- Around nine in ten organisations attributed these specific improvements at least in part to IiP.
- The majority of employers (88%) indicated that at least one of the benefits that had been a motivation for their involvement in IiP had been realised. 90% agreed that the overall extent of benefits matched or exceeded their expectations
- Among re-interviewed employers, a marked increase was felt in customer satisfaction, the ability of staff to do their jobs and turnover improvements in year 2.
- Overall, 78% of accredited employers were very satisfied with IiP, giving a rating of eight or higher on a scale of 1-10.
- Employers achieving the higher-level award or making substantial changes to their organisational policies to attain the Standard were more likely to highly rate IiP in terms of both satisfaction and value for money. They were also more likely to report an improvement to their business because of IIP. The findings suggest that encouraging employers to challenge themselves through their involvement with IiP will foster greater gains overall.
