• By March 2010 a t least 500 enterprises achieve a national standard of good practice in skills development approved by the Minister of Labour. “

The Investors in People Standard will give you a framework to ensure that you achieve success through your people.

It doesn't matter what size or type of organisation you are, the Investors in People Standard is there to help you improve the way you work. You have to meet the same criteria – or 'indicators' – as other organisations, but the Standard recognises that you will meet them in your own way. Investors in People recognises that organisations use different means to achieve success through their people. It does not prescribe any one method but provides a framework to help you find the most suitable means for achieving success through your people.

The Standard is implemented in a number of organisations from small companies to large corporations, Sectors for Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), and government departments.

SETAs are the Investors in People Standard’s delivery partners. SETAs form a national, public infrastructure to initiate and promote skills development in South Africa.

Investors in People in the Tourism industry

THETA through the Department of Labour and Investors in People(SA), is responsible for the delivery of Investors in People in the tourism sector. The aim is to achieve success indicator 2.4 that says, “by march 2010, at least 500 enterprises achieve a national standard of good practice in skills development approved by the Minister of Labour”.

THETA therefore promotes awareness of the Investors in People Standard to encourage and support organisations to achieve and maintain the Standard.

Investors in People Standard

The Investors in People Standard is a straightforward, proven framework for delivering business improvement through people and our website can provide you with all the information you need to get involved, keep up to date and put the Standard into practice.

Why invest in people?

Improved earnings, enhanced productivity, healthier profits, reduced costs and wastage, increased staff motivation and greater customer satisfaction. These are just a few of the benefits enjoyed by businesses that have gained Investors in People recognition.

Read more about benefits and business advantages.

What does it mean to employees?

Employees are a greatest asset in the organisation. Read more

For organisations interested in becoming an Investor in People
Participating in the Investors in People Standard?

How do you get started, what do you have to do to be an Investor in People organisation?

The quicker you get started, the sooner you'll reap the rewards as an Investor in People. The best way to get the ball rolling is to book a free consultation for your organisation obtain a copy of the Information Pack from THETA which will give details of the benefits of becoming an Investor in People and provide you with an overview of the Standard.

This can be requested through the Expression of Interest with all your particulars. Companies will then sign a certificate of commitment that will be followed by implementation and assessment.

As every company is different, your Investors in People Advisor will work closely with you to tailor a plan of action that's right for your business.

My business is too small.

Over fifteen thousand small businesses, many with as few as two employees, have already achieved the status - and are enjoying the rewards - of being an Investors in People organisation.

What kind of organisations can achieve the Standard?

A variety of organisations work with and benefit from the Investors in People Standard. The Standard is flexible enough to be suitable for organisations of all types and sizes. Organisations that are currently recognised range from those with as few as two employees to large multi-sited organisations.

How much does it cost?

The main cost of achieving the Standard is in staff (i) in seeing how you measure up to the Standard (ii) in working out what changes you need to make ; and (iii) in putting those changes into practice. You will have a clearer picture of your potential costs once you have done identified what changes, if any, your organisation needs to make.

How long does it take to become an Investor in People?

This depends very much on what kind of changes you need to make, if any, you need to make and how quickly you can put them into practice. You may be able to tie these activities into other priorities that you have.

Can you do it yourself?

The Standard is written in plain English so that you can check yourself how your organisation measures up against the evidence requirements. An organisation has to identify an internal facilitator who will be trained on the implementation of the standard.

If you decide you do want advice or support, THETA as an approved delivery partner in the tourism sector will support you. Information and tools to help you do it for yourself in your own organisation are currently available on the http://www.investorsinpeople.co.uk website. You only need to involve other people when you are ready for assessment, which is carried out by a licensed independent assessor.

Can I use my own resources to identify whether I meet the Standard?

Once recognised, Internal Review can help you further embed Investors in People into your organisation's culture. The Internal Review process enables you to utilise the skills and expertise of your own people to monitor your organisations performance.

The findings from Internal Review will contribute to the external assessment but it is the external Assessor that makes the decision as to whether you continue to meet the Standard.

Is there a lot of paperwork?

The Standard doesn't tell you what you need to do to achieve success and you don't have to provide any extra paperwork to achieve the Standard. As long as you are achieving the results and benefits that the indicators are looking for, it doesn't matter how you develop your people. For example, some organisations find staff appraisal very effective, but you may have alternative ways to develop your people. It's your results that count.

How can you make sure Investors in People works?

Some organisations lose momentum because they don't explain to management and staff how they will benefit from their organisation becoming Investors in People. To count on everyone's support, you need to tell them how they will benefit. It is important that you treat Investors in People as part of your culture rather than a separate project.

Will the assessor understand your organisation?

Assessors are chosen for their broad business background and generally work as independent consultants. The quality of their work is managed by a Quality Centre that matches up the size or complexity of an organisation with their experience.

What happens if we're not ready for assessment when we thought we would be?

Even if you find you are not quite ready, it will give you an opportunity to see what progress you have made and what else you need to do to meet the Standard in full, so you should still aim for assessment as early as possible. You will also find it is a useful opportunity to have some quality feedback from an independent viewpoint.

What happens after we achieve Investors in People?

The Investors in People Standard is awarded indefinitely, subject to regular reviews no more than three years apart. Within this time frame, you can choose how frequently you wish to be reviewed that you are still achieving the Standard and informed on what progress you have made since the last assessment.

Can Investors in People help you to achieve other quality standards?

Yes. Investors in People is the only people standard that focuses on people, so the good practices that you need to follow to become an Investor in People dovetail well with other quality standards, such as ISO 9000 and with the Business Excellence Model.

Do we get more than one chance to meet the Standard?

If your assessor decides you need to improve your actions in one or two areas before you can become an Investor in People, you agree how and when you can achieve them and when you should be reassessed.

How long does my recognition as an Investor in People last?

The Investors in People Standard is awarded indefinitely, subject to regular reviews no more than three years apart. Within this time frame, organisations can choose how frequently it wishes to be reviewed and informed on what process has made since the last visit.

Case Studies

Can you give me examples of how other organisations have implemented the Investors in People Standard (IiPS)?

Many organisations are recognised as Investors in People, covering a wide spectrum of industries. These companies have outlined their experiences and the benefits they have seen since achieving the Standard. To view a selection of organisations working with Investors in People, please click on the link for case studies http://www.investorsinpeople.co.uk

Where can I go for advice?

Should you require further information, advice and support when working towards the Standard, you may work with your SETA (THETA). Contact THETA offices at (011) 803 6010 or send E-mail to nzuki@theta.org.za.