Weston College achieved award winning success twice in February. Not only did the College receive an outstanding commendation for its work with students with learning difficulties but ‘Investors in People’ awarded the College its highest accolade, the highly sought after ‘Gold’ Award.

The assessment of the College was carried out in early February and involved two Inspectors who, over a period of a week, interviewed and met with over 40 Weston College staff at all levels in the Organisation. The official report will be published later in the month and Weston College is the first and only Further Education College in the South West to gain this prestigious award.

The Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Paul Phillips, said “Weston College is a dynamic organisation with exemplary staff and superb facilities. I particularly welcome this award as it recognises the commitment within my organisation to deliver the very best for the learners who study with us.”

Dr Phillips also stated that this was a difficult time for the whole FE sector with Further Education bearing a significant brunt of cuts in adult funding, and to gain this award against such a context was particularly impressive for Governors and staff. “We went for the Gold Award and excelled in all sections of the application. This is a great credit to the leadership at the College. It demonstrates our commitment to attracting, rewarding and retaining staff of the highest calibre.”

The Inspectors who carried out the inspection described the leadership of the College as “inspired” coupled with “a significant culture of continuous learning”. They were also particularly impressed with the coaching and mentoring of the Future Leaders Programme that we are currently running and suggested that the College formally benchmark progress against not only the best organisations in the education sector, but also against other Investors in Gold organisations, and other international organisations.

“This might involve us in becoming an Investors Champion – a beacon College prepared to extend our already extensive learn and share strategies, of which I am extremely proud” commented Dr Phillips.

Whilst organisations need to demonstrate 39 evidence requirements to achieve The Investors in People Standard - a tough enough challenge for most employers - the Gold Standard requires sufficient and consistent evidence against 165 requirements, which is daunting but achievable in the very best organisations.

Organisations who achieve IIP Bronze, Silver and Gold status represent the top 1% of recognised IIP organisations.