The Moira Anderson Foundation (MAF) has become one of the few organisations in Scotland to achieve the Investors in People Platinum award, and we are over the moon! The award is the highest level that can be achieved by an employer, recognising its commitment to staff, and it puts us in the top 1% of businesses in Scotland!
MAF first achieved Silver accreditation in 2014 and progressed to Gold in 2017. Covid-19 impacted the usual process, although it was no less rigorous. Gillian Urquhart, Director, commented:
“‘At the beginning of the Pandemic the team adapted quickly to new ways of working, so the Investors In People assessment was no different. Electronic surveys were carried out in the lead up to interviews, conducted via Zoom. We were all very familiar with this mode of communication as we had been using it since the beginning of lockdown.”
While some agencies might have postponed an intensive health check in tough times. MAF did not.
“During the three years since our last review we’ve undergone substantial growth, our staff and volunteer team has increased and by the end of 2020 our premises will almost have doubled in size- to help us meet the challenge of a remarkable 38% rise in client referrals,” added Gillian. “Opting to go forward and be measured against comparable businesses on a wide scale was the right decision, and results assure us we are going in absolutely the right strategic direction. Being awarded Platinum in the midst of all that was going on however, was an amazing achievement, it truly recognises the hard work and dedication of the full team…..staff, volunteers and Trustees.”
Although we have not yet been able to celebrate such a prestigious accolade, as soon as it is safe to do so, we will be toasting Gillian for her leadership of the charity on our journey to Platinum success, and to also thank Maggie Docherty our Chair for her commitment to MAF’s excellent and continuous growth during her tenure since she took on the role in 2014.