SMMT Honoured With Investors In People Gold Award For Exceptional Workplace Standards

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has recently been distinguished with the Gold accreditation by Investors in People (IIP), marking a significant achievement in workplace standards and people management globally. This prestigious recognition underscores SMMT's unwavering commitment to fostering talent progression, enhancing productivity, boosting employee engagement, and ensuring wellbeing within the organization. Notably, only 17% of organizations vying for IIP accreditation manage to secure the Gold status, a testament to SMMT Group's exceptional dedication to its workforce. The group encompasses SMMT itself, Industry Forum, and The Motor Ombudsman.

Among the key factors contributing to SMMT's success are its exemplary organizational leadership, a culture of transparency, and a strong emphasis on recognition and wellbeing initiatives. These elements collectively create an environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. The company has been lauded for its comprehensive people-focused policies which include involving all staff in decision-making processes, investing in career development opportunities, implementing flexible working practices, and establishing employee support groups.

Moreover, SMMT plays a pivotal role in promoting workplace best practices across the UK automotive sector. It supports businesses in their developmental journeys through initiatives like the Automotive Council's Diversity Charter, DE&I Toolkit, and various workshops and events. Katie Milbourn, Director of SMMT Group HR, highlighted the organization's dedication to nurturing its employees and setting industry-leading standards. Tim Little, a Practitioner at Investors in People, commended SMMT for its determination and drive towards achieving Gold status.

This Gold accreditation is a progression from SMMT Group's previous Bronze and Silver awards, reflecting its continuous commitment to excellence in people management. The organization acknowledges the importance of a people-focused approach not only for attracting and retaining top talent but also for enhancing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Investors in People was established in 1991 by the UK government as a standard for high-performing workplaces globally. Achieving certification requires organizations to thoroughly review their people strategy and long-term progress plans while also gathering extensive employee feedback through surveys and interviews.

SMMT stands as one of the UK's largest and most influential trade associations, championing the interests of the automotive industry. It plays a crucial role in promoting the sector to government entities, stakeholders, and the media. The automotive industry is an essential component of the UK economy, boasting a £78 billion turnover and contributing £16 billion in value added while providing employment to over 208,000 individuals in manufacturing alone. Additionally, it supports numerous jobs across various sectors including advertising, finance, and logistics.