Skanska’s civil engineering team has joined an elite group of companies in being awarded Gold status by Investors in People.
The award is recognition for how the team, which operates in the rail, road, water, power and offshore wind sectors, has transformed performance through its people. In doing so, it has helped the business to achieve its objectives and deliver on client expectations.
Some 20,000 companies have achieved the Investors in People (IiP) accreditation, but just 1% have gained Gold status. The team achieved a score of 183 out of the maximum 196, well above the 165 required to achieve Gold.
Bob Haywood, lead specialist for Investors in People assessment, said:
“Skanska civil engineering is the embodiment of the Investors in People Standard and Framework in how it leads, manages and develops its people. Its leaders and managers regard their people as their greatest asset and work tirelessly to develop, encourage and empower them, creating opportunities, as well as rewarding and celebrating their achievements.”
The assessment demonstrated that Skanska civil engineering has a strong learning and development culture. Employees have positive attitudes with high levels of engagement; with its people feeling empowered and trusted to do the right thing.
Skanska civil engineering managing director Greg Craig said:
“This is a truly fabulous achievement, both for Skanska civil engineering and Skanska UK. We are incredibly proud to have reached this level of recognition.
“We were previously assessed in 2009, achieving a silver award and were determined to improve our performance.
“Through investing in our people we provide confidence to our clients and stakeholders, who can see that we develop our staff to be of the highest calibre.”
The IiP framework is made up of 196 standards. The assessment team spent a total of over two weeks with the organisation, visiting sites and meeting staff at all levels. In total they met more than 120 employees, some 22% of the civil engineering team. They also met some clients and joint venture partners.
Issy Maxwell, lead HR business partner and IiP project lead, said:
“We regard ourselves as a learning organisation and are delighted to have made such significant strides, particularly in the areas of employee recognition and continuous improvement. The award of the gold standard is fitting recognition of the hard work and effort every person makes. Skanska civil engineering is definitely a place that facilitates individuals to maximise their potential whilst working within a strong team ethos.”