Member Article

Gateshead college goes for gold

The North East’s top performing college has received national recognition for the way it develops, supports and manages its people.

Gateshead College secured Investors in People Gold for the second time, acknowledging the college’s continued commitment to realising the potential of their people and maintaining an accreditation that only 13% of Investors in People have achieved so far.

Rated as Outstanding by Ofsted, the college is number one in the North East region and sixth in the UK, based on the success rates of students.

Gateshead College works in partnership with industry to develop and deliver an education that provides students with the employment edge by teaching practical skills and knowledge through real life work placements and on-the-job learning.

Investors in People is the UK’s leading accreditation for business improvement through people management and provides a wealth of resources for businesses to innovate, improve and grow, with a focus on good people making great business.

Paul Devoy, head of Investors in People, said: “We’d like to congratulate Gateshead College on their Gold standard. Such a high level of accreditation is the sign of great people management practice. It also demonstrates a commitment to staff development and shows an organisation committed to being the very best it can be. Gateshead College should be extremely proud of their achievement.”

Steve Burrows, Managing Director of Investors in People North of England said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Gateshead College and I would like to congratulate the team on their success. We believe that good people make a great business and as a proven organisational development framework, Investors in People is designed to help organisations and their people to realise potential, enhance performance and meet goals. With their Gold accreditation, Gateshead College is certainly working to realise their people potential.”

Commenting on the award, Gateshead College principal and chief executive Judith Doyle said: “This award recognises that Gateshead College is a people business, committed to investing in our workforce and dedicated to providing a positive working environment with plenty of opportunities for personal development and professional growth.

“The entire team at the college has come together in support of the clear and ambition vision for Gateshead College. We have all played a part in developing education that not only gives our students the employment edge, but also is responsive to industry needs. Thanks to the development of these successful courses and our dedication to further education, we have been recognised as one of the top FE colleges in the country.”

Graeme Mills, an IIP specialist responsible for assessing the college, said: “The college demonstrated exemplary practice and a real ambition to continually improve on its already outstanding delivery of further education. This was a very strong gold for a very deserving organisation.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Gateshead College .