Supported accommodation provider recognised for developing staff
Registered provider Sustain UK has been recognised yet again as a great place to work after achieving the gold standard in Investors in People.
Sustain, which has 31 employees and a board of six directors, has been re-accredited as gold for a further three years after first receiving the accreditation in 2019.
Investors in People is only given to companies that clearly demonstrate they are improving the performance of their business through strategic people development.
Providing supported accommodation for over 1800 vulnerable individuals in 400 properties across the West Midlands, Sustain achieved an above average benchmark score, with staff and non-executive directors giving positive feedback to the Investors in People assessors.
The assessors said that Sustain had an ‘incredibly good benchmark score overall, comparing very well with the sector and with other organisations that have taken the IIP survey. The survey results continue to outperform the sector on all nine indicators of the standard.’
Assessors added that ‘staff say that they really enjoy being a part of the business and are proud to tell other people that they work for you. They are very committed to the company and to helping to achieve its’ goals and ambitions.’
Among the factors reviewed by Investors in People were business planning, which assessors found to be ‘an extensive and very detailed process, which takes account of a wide range of internal and external factors. It is further enhanced by the external scrutiny it is subject to, in a bid to mitigate risk and to stress-test ambitions.’
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements were highlighted as a success for the organisation, helping to support the wellbeing of staff throughout the pandemic and beyond, without any loss in business performance.
The review found effective levels of trust, with staff indicating that they have productive working relationships with Sustain UK management.
Sustain employees includes a team of tenant liaison officers and accommodation inspectors.
The business has also recently recognised the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and has taken steps to support its staff financially by making a £2,000 additional payment to each employee.
The IIP accreditation comes hot on the heels of Sustain being awarded Silver Status by Birmingham Voluntary Sector Council (BVSC) in the Supported Exempt Accommodation Quality Standards (SEAQS) process.
“We’re really pleased that Sustain has been recognised again by Investors in People. Everyone has been working hard over the last few years to deliver even better services to our tenants, making sure we are continually improving in all areas.
“It’s rewarding to know that these strong relationships, and the teamwork we’ve all worked to build, have been independently acknowledged. The cost-of-living payment has been welcomed by everyone and shows how the company is determined to help all its employees during more difficult times.”
Tom Barwell, Sustain’s Operations Manager
“I would like to thank every single person at Sustain for helping us maintain our gold standard in Investors in People. Without dedicated, motivated staff, we would not be able to achieve what we do.
“We are committed to finding and nurturing the best people, who can help Sustain continue to deliver decent exempt housing and a good standard of personal support to vulnerable people across the West Midlands.”
Sustain’s CEO Ian MacGregor
