(L-R): Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry; NI Chamber Chief Executive Ann McGregor; NI Chamber Director Sandra Scannell and NI Commissioner for Employment and Skills Mark Huddleston pictured at the Investors in People presentation.

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) has achieved one of the UK’s most prestigious awards in recognition of its commitment to high performance through good people management – Investors in People (IiP) Gold status.

NI Chamber joins the top seven per cent of accredited organisations across the UK, demonstrating their commitment to high performance through good people management.

Investors in People is the international standard for people management, defining what it takes to lead, support and manage people effectively to achieve sustainable results. Underpinning the Standard is the Investors in People framework, reflecting the latest workplace trends, essential skills and effective structures required to outperform in any industry. Investors in People enables organisations to benchmark against the best in the business on an international scale.

NI Chamber, which employs a staff of sixteen based in offices in Belfast’s Donegall Square South, underwent rigorous assessment by IiP and had to demonstrate commitment from senior management to team members in terms of communication, development and engagement and also provide compelling evidence that all employees are fully engaged in the vision, values and development of the business organisation.

Commenting on the award, NI Chamber Chief Executive Ann McGregor said to achieve Gold after such a rigorous assessment was an indication of the excellence of the personnel and management practices and procedures within the organisation:

“We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded Investors in People Gold which only a small percentage of organisations achieve.  Our quality as a top and supremely efficient business organisation is reflected in the high quality of our staff who are committed to NI Chamber’s aim which is to help our members grow their businesses.

“Investors in People has helped us to further develop our processes, procedures and people management programmes which has allowed us to be recognised as the network for businesses in Northern Ireland, enabling members to grow their organisations which in turn drives the development of the local economy.”

Paul Devoy, Head of Investors in People, said:

“We’d like to congratulate Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Investors in People accreditation is the sign of a great employer, an outperforming place to work and a clear commitment to success. NI Chamber should be extremely proud of their achievement.”