§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence 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. [2973]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThe principles of investors in people are strongly supported by the Ministry of Defence.
Given its size and complexity, the Ministry of Defence has taken a strategic decision to work towards the IIP standard through its management units rather than as a single entity. Over the last 18 months, the Department has put in place management systems which demonstrate its commitment to the good management and development of people and, in September, published its commitment to the principles of the investors in people standard in its personnel policy statement.
Activity in the Department towards the standard is increasing. Two units have achieved recognition as investors in people and a further nine have made a formal commitment to working towards it. We intend to increase the number of units making formal commitments.