Global benchmark

Launched in 1991, IiP is an internationally recognised benchmark for leading, supporting and managing people to achieve better results at work.

Today, over 15,000 organisations in 75 countries hold IiP accreditation – but only 16% of them reach the Gold Standard.

We achieved our gold status again after a four-month assessment, during which IiP assessors interviewed colleagues in all areas of our business about the reality of working at Sainsbury’s.

Speaking Openly

IiP assessors visited our supermarkets, convenience stores, support centres and depots to meet colleagues, team leaders, managers and executives.

They spoke openly with our colleagues and raised a range of questions. For example: how well do we listen and act on feedback? How do we develop and support our colleagues through learning? And how do we attract and retain talent?

Development Opportunities

IiP then evaluate its findings against a rigorous framework that focuses on nine different indicators in key areas of our business. To achieve Gold, we had to meet all nine indicators at the ‘developed’ and ‘established’ level, and seven of the nine at ‘advanced’ level.

The IiP report praised the way that change has been implemented across our business and our work to develop and improve our people management processes. The report also praised the ‘level of diversity and the genuine culture of inclusivity’ that we have in our business and the fact that ‘colleagues can genuinely be themselves’. IiP said “There is no doubt that the business is true to its values…Your colleagues see you as a caring employer, where people feel they are treated with respect and looked after”. They went on to say that this ‘Gold’ is ‘Platinum edged’ and an improvement on the quality of our Gold accreditation of 2016.