§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps his Department is taking to achieve investor in people status; when it started the process; when it expects to achieve investor in people status; and if he will make a statement. [2983]
§ Mr. BurtThe Department is committed to the principles of investor in people and uses the IIP standards to underpin all personnel policies throughout the Department. Individual business units are, however, free to approach the achievement of the standard in ways which best meet their business needs. The Benefits Agency began the process of IIP accreditation as early as 1992 and 20 business units have subsequently received accreditation with a further 113 units at different stages of achievement. The Contributions Agency, War Pensions Agency and Information Technology Services Agency are at various stages of the process with a view to obtaining accreditation during 1996 and 1997. DSS headquarters aim to audit their personnel management practices against the IIP standard during 1996 and the Child Support Agency will encourage individual units to seek accreditation.