YMCA earns highest Investors in People recognition

YMCA Black Country Group has been awarded the highest level of Investors in People accreditation, recognising its commitment to creating an outstanding workplace for its staff.

The charity has achieved Platinum status – the top level of accreditation available through the internationally recognised Investors in People framework and an honour achieved by only around seven per cent of accredited organisations.

The award follows a detailed assessment that included staff surveys and interviews examining leadership, workplace culture, employee wellbeing, engagement and opportunities for personal development.

Assessors praised the charity for creating a culture where employees feel supported, trusted and empowered, with staff describing a strong sense of pride in the work they do for local communities.

Steve Bavington, chief executive of YMCA Black Country Group, said the award reflected the dedication of the entire workforce.

He said: "Achieving Platinum accreditation is a phenomenal accomplishment and reflects the outstanding culture that exists across YMCA Black Country Group.

"While this accreditation belongs to the whole YMCA BC team, special recognition must be given to Blantina, whose vision, leadership and determination have guided us on this journey for more than a decade."

The achievement marks the culmination of a 10-year journey led by Blantina Chipangura, executive head of HR and ethos, who has overseen the charity's progression through every level of the Investors in People framework, from Bronze to Silver, Gold and now Platinum.

She said: "Achieving Platinum accreditation is an incredible accomplishment for YMCA Black Country Group and one that our whole staff team should be immensely proud of.

"This award represents years of dedication, collaboration and continuous improvement. We've worked hard to build a culture where people feel supported, trusted and inspired to develop both personally and professionally."

Investors in People has worked with more than 50,000 organisations worldwide to improve workplace performance through staff development, leadership and engagement.

YMCA Black Country Group said the Platinum accreditation reinforces its commitment to investing in its workforce while continuing to support communities across the Black Country.