Active Pathways has been reaccredited with Investors in People Gold for the third consecutive time, reinforcing the strength and consistency of its leadership, culture and people strategy.
The independent assessment involved more than 70% of colleagues across the organisation through surveys, focus groups and site visits. Assessors identified strong Platinum-level characteristics in areas including leadership credibility, values alignment and performance management.
In their feedback, Investors in People recognised a mature, values-led culture, with clear alignment between organisational priorities and colleagues’ day-to-day experience. The assessment highlighted visible and approachable leadership, strong accountability frameworks and a clear “golden thread” connecting board strategy to frontline delivery through Active Pathways’ five Strategic Pillars.
More than 82% of colleagues confirmed they have agreed objectives directly linked to organisational priorities, providing clarity of expectations and shared accountability across services.
Psychological safety was also identified as a strength. Colleagues described confidence in raising concerns, contributing ideas and challenging practice constructively – with clear evidence of issues being addressed transparently.
Co-production remains central to the organisation’s approach. Guided by an ethos of “do with, not for”, Active Pathways works to ensure colleagues and the people supported are actively involved in shaping practice and influencing service development. Through its Champions Model, structured opportunities are created for shared involvement and accountability. This commitment to co-design has previously been recognised with a Great British Care Award for co-production.
The assessment also recognised the organisation’s CARE values – Competent, Accountable, Resilient and Ethical – as an embedded decision-making framework, supporting autonomy while maintaining high standards and consistency across services.
Lizi Marsden, Director of People & Culture, said:
“Achieving Investors in People Gold accreditation for the third consecutive time is a strong endorsement of the culture our colleagues and leaders protect every day. This recognition reflects consistent leadership behaviours, clear governance and a people strategy intentionally aligned to service delivery. Maintaining that alignment between purpose, people and performance is fundamental to delivering safe, high-quality care.”
Active Pathways provides specialist mental health, rehabilitation and community-based support services for adults across the North of England. Working in partnership with NHS and local authority commissioners, the organisation delivers structured, therapeutic environments designed to promote stability, independence and sustainable care pathways for individuals with complex needs.
