The award is a national equality and diversity accreditation that recognises excellence in this area. Link received the accreditation following an assessment based on various criteria, including a staff survey and interviews as well as customer and stakeholder surveys. This feedback showed significant improvements in some areas including how well staff and customers feel valued and respected by the organisation.

The final report showed that Link had a good understanding of the importance of inclusion and could point to many examples of how the organisation fosters good relations among different people.

Link’s chief executive, Craig Sanderson, said: “We are delighted that Link has been reaccredited as an Investor in Diversity. It demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring that we operate in line with our Mission Statement and Values. We look forward to continuing to work with the National Centre for Diversity and benefit from its experience and best practice guidance.”

Solat Chaudhry, CEO of the National Centre for Diversity, said: “Link Group’s commitment to EDI continues to shine through its values and mission statements, through the behaviours of its leadership (particularly their CEO), the executive team and right through the organisation.

“I have read their Investors in Diversity report and am pleasantly surprised at how well the organisation has done and by the positive feedback about their senior leaders. This is an organisation that truly cares. Well done Link.”