The largest housing provider in Inverclyde, River Clyde Homes employs over 260 staff, carrying out a range of specialist, professional, customer service and trades based activities.

Less than 1% of Scottish companies who have achieved IIP have been awarded gold accreditation on their first attempt through Re:markable, the new home of Investors in People in Scotland which offers accreditation and business consulting services covering all aspects of people management.

Albert Henderson MBE, chair of the River Clyde Homes Board, said: “This is a great example of what can be achieved when employers take the time to fully engage and involve their staff. We now have leaders and managers who are inspiring their colleagues and motivating people to deliver the company’s objectives. Staff feel trusted and that they have a voice. Performance across the company has improved dramatically as a result.”

He added: “Investing in our people makes good business sense and ultimately leads to our tenants and customers receiving the best possible service. It’s important that Inverclyde employers strive for the best standards of leadership so that we can help build a reputation for Inverclyde as a great place to work.”

Maureen Gimby, head of corporate services at River Clyde Homes, said: “The Investors in People Gold accreditation awarded to River Clyde Homes is a huge success for the entire workforce. We are one of Inverclyde’s largest employers and this award is recognition of the strong emphasis we place on living our values, and in encouraging all our colleagues to make happen our vision of improving lives and places. It is gratifying to receive this award so soon after receiving silver accreditation for Investors In Young People in March. I would like to thank all those staff involved in great achievement.”

Nicola Dillon, Remarkable specialist and intent based leadership pioneer, said: “Achieving Investors in People Gold recognition is a fantastic achievement for any organisation however it was inspiring to see an organisation turn its self around in the last 18 months. The new leadership team has provided vision and leaders who walk the talk and are visible, open and transparent which has helped to build trust. Leaders recognised they did not have all the answers and have collaborated with key stakeholders and provided their people and tenants with a voice to shape change.

“This approach has been the key driver in their journey of success. I spoke to so many engaged employees who lit up with happiness when they provided examples of how they were empowered to take ownership to improve the lives of their tenants. As a resident of Inverclyde I am very proud of RCH and the success it has achieved.”

The timing of this achievement has come as River Clyde Homes celebrates its 10th year of serving the community. That decade has seen the housing stock transformed through a major investment programme and in the next five years, the association aims to build a further 750 new homes and continue investment to help improve lives and places.