Quality mark 2: Verified

Verified Compliant with the People In Aid Code

For any assistance in putting your organisation forward for People In Aid Certification or for more information, please contact us here.

People In Aid encourages organisations with the first Quality Mark to progress towards the second and enjoy the benefits this brings.

The second Quality Mark (’Verified Compliant with the People In Aid Code’) is awarded to organisations that successfully implement the People In Aid Code by providing the assurance that reliable management and information systems are in place through an independent external social audit.

There are two ways an organisation can achieve full certification:

1.By using existing systems and practices

We recognise that many organisations already have good HR systems and practices in place, and are able to measure the impact of these. In response, we have carefully aligned our certification processes to suit your needs and to enable you to achieve the valuable People In Aid Quality Marks. Members can achieve external verification by meeting the following criteria:

• The organisation can provide assurance to its managers that the policies and strategies and systems it has in place for the management and support of the personnel are consistent with the People In Aid code principles, understood throughout the organisation and implemented in practice
• The organisation can provide assurance to People In Aid that the organisation’s HR management systems and performance are consistent with the requirements for the award of People On Aid’s second Quality Mark.
• The organisation can demonstrate that it facilitates continuous self-evaluation against the People In Aid Code.

This approach is not conditional on the organisation producing a report for a specific time period but instead audit the performance of the organisation against the People In Aid Code as well as providing assurance that reliable management and information systems are in place. The principles set out in Account Ability’s AA1000AS Assurance Standard on completeness, materiality and responsiveness will guide this process.

2.By following a specific implementation process

Tool – People In Aid Code of Good Practice – Implementation Manual

With this option there are four stages to the implementation process, each illustrated in the process map below. Each stage relies upon different resources and tools, and has distinct activities, participants and outcomes which are detailed comprehensively in the People In Aid Code Implementation Manual.

Stage 1 – Commitment involves scoping the implementation process; planning for reviewing organisational practices; and ensuring senior management commitment and resources for the process of implementing the Code.

In this stage an organisation provides evidence of a written and public commitment to the People In Aid Code of Good Practice made by the Chief Executive or Chair and that they have met the criteria for the first Quality Mark in option 2 above.

Stage 2 – Stakeholder Engagement involves reviewing an organisation’s current vision, values and policies, as well as any measurement that is taking place. It also involves identifying and consulting with stakeholders and generating commitment to the process of review and actions resulting from it. This is when the bulk of the data-gathering occurs. Through this process of stakeholder engagement key issues are identified. The Principles and Indicators of the People In Aid Code provide a framework for the review. The organisation collects information regarding these indicators and allows full dialogue with the stakeholders. The information is then analysed and targets for improvement are set.

Stage 3 – Reporting & Auditing. At this stage a full report is prepared by the organisation. This clearly shows how the organisation has performed against its values, targets and objectives, and includes a plan for future action. This is then externally audited and communicated to stakeholders. The audit process looks for accuracy of data, balance of presentation and a true and fair reflection of performance. With the Auditor's assurance, the organisation is awarded the second Quality Mark and is verified by the People In Aid Code of Good Practice.

Stage 4 – Continuous Improvement. The organisation continues to strengthen its people management systems by implementing the above action plan and monitoring achievements against objectives. The organisation also works to establish systems to embed the process and continues to collect information and audit in accordance with the social audit cycle.

Because implementing the Code focuses on staff engagement and ultimately affects everyone in your organisation, it is vital that staff understand what’s involved and buy in to the process. Getting colleagues on board is crucial and successful implementation depends on the support of senior management and the chair or chief executive. Implementing the Code therefore typically begins with informal discussions with key decision makers and by sharing the Code and People In Aid materials throughout the organisation.

Our auditors

People In Aid’s current assurance provider is ethics.etc. Richard Evans, Director of ethics.etc has an established track record in providing assurance and services related to social auditing.