Robertson receives Gold award for investing in young people

Robertson is celebrating a gold standard after receiving a prestigious industry award that cements its exemplary employee experience.

The business which has now over 3,000 employees has been awarded Investors in Young People (IIYP) Gold – which underlines an employer's approach to the recruitment, development, engagement and retention of young people.

The achievement adds to Robertson's Investors in People (IIP) Gold status, meaning the company is one of only 26 other businesses in Scotland to successfully achieve both IIP and IIYP Gold accreditation.

IIYP Gold – the highest possible achievement – represents a true commitment to the learning and development of young people and demonstrates Robertson as an employer of choice.

The IIYP assessor praised Robertson for its ability to "make it happen" for young people, as well as describing how young people "feel they have a voice in the organisation and are encouraged to share thoughts and ideas".

Derek Shewan, CEO of Robertson, said: "We are extremely proud of achieving the highest possible Investors in Young People standard, representing the feedback from employees across every area of the business.

"It's a hugely positive, poignant outcome within an industry all too often making headlines for its growing skills gap. The award recognises our efforts towards addressing these challenges by constantly searching for new ways to engage with young people, promote the diverse career paths available and then retain our employees by providing the best possible working environment.

"This is a significant achievement for both the organisation itself and for all the individual employees who contribute to making Robertson stand out from the crowd."

The IIYP Gold accreditation follows the implementation of Robertson's Young People Strategy, which seeks to develop employees between the age of 16 and 28 through educational partnerships, Emerging Talent programmes and professional development schemes.

Robertson's Young People Strategy is underpinned by a network of Young People Champions working to implement best practice throughout the business including regular appraisals and formal training. In addition, Robertson plays a key role in several Developing the Young Workforce groups across Scotland and engages heavily in National Apprenticeship Week activity.

Peter Russian, Chief Executive of Remarkable, the home for Investors in Young People, said: "Huge congratulations to Robertson Group on its very well-deserved Investors in Young People Gold award.

"From buddy schemes for new starts which support their transition from education to work to a host of training and development opportunities and high-profile award cerem​onies, Robertson has a very comprehensive and truly inspirational approach to working with young people.

"Back in 2015, they received one of the first Investors in Young People awards so it's terrific to see them continue to enhance their work and evidence their commitment to young people."

The achievement adds to Robertson's impressive roster of recent awards, which also includes the EY Family Business Award of Excellence, awarded earlier this year. ​