Texthelp, a global literacy and accessibility software provider is celebrating receiving We Invest in People (IIP) platinum standard – the highest level of accreditation held by less than 2% of IIP‐certified companies across the UK

Following a three‐year assessment programme led by IIP – including staff satisfaction surveys, annual reviews and one‐to‐one interviews with team members – Antrim-based software company, Texthelp has achieved the We invest in people, platinum accreditation for its sustained development and workforce investment.

Platinum is the highest level of accreditation possible. Only 2% of organisations across the UK achieve platinum status, even less in Northern Ireland – Texthelp is only the 6th organisation in the province to do so as well as being the first technology company here to achieve the accreditation.

Achieving this standard means that policies and practices around supporting people are embedded in every corner of Texthelp. And in a platinum company, everyone – from the CEO to a customer services apprentice – knows they have a part to play in the success of the company, with all individual staff members continuously looking for ways to improve.

Texthelp’s mission is to unlock everyone’s full potential, at school, college, in the workplace and later in life. They do this through creating innovative technology that is used by over 20 million people in 150 countries across the globe. No mean feat for an SME hailing from Northern Ireland!

Paul Devoy, CEO of Investors in People, said: “We’d like to congratulate Texthelp. Platinum accreditation on We invest in People is a remarkable effort for any organisation, and places the organisation in fine company with a host of organisations that understand the value of people.”

Commenting on the award, Mark McCusker, CEO of Texthelp, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have achieved the We Invest in People Platinum Accreditation this year. We continue to use the Investors in People Framework very effectively to sustain the growth and

expansion of our business. Texthelp staff really are the lifeblood of our organisation and without them and their continued efforts, we wouldn’t be able to achieve our goal.”

Kerry Alderdice, HR Manager of Texthelp added, “We also received the Health and Wellbeing Good Practice Award alongside our platinum accreditation. This is a demonstration of our commitment to improve performance by fostering a happy, healthy workforce.

To celebrate the momentous achievement, Texthelp held a Platinum Paint Party last Friday. Commenting on the celebration, Kerry said, “The arts also have an important role to play in highlighting our IIP Health & Wellbeing award too – it’s well documented that using art can help destress, keep people happy, promote good mental health and well-being – all of this whilst creating a space for social connection across our departmental teams.”

Texthelp also used the event to give something back to the community by supporting local social enterprise Loaf Catering, part of the NOW Group, an organisation that supports people with learning difficulties and autism into employment.