Home-Start UK is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted for the prestigious Employer of the Year, Silver award at the Investors in People Awards 2025.

The recognition highlights the charity’s ongoing commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where people can thrive.

The Investors in People Awards celebrate organisations from across the UK that are making a difference by investing in their teams and building cultures that drive success. Being named a finalist for Employer of the Year is a testament to how Home-Start UK empowers its staff so they can in turn, better support families across the country.

 Home-Start UK has transformed its workplace culture through a comprehensive People Strategy built around four pillars:

Fixing the basics: Streamlining recruitment, ensuring fair and transparent pay and using accurate data to drive better decisions.

Good people management: Strengthening feedback, recognition and development opportunities, with new pathways to support leadership and career growth.

Culture and wellbeing: Embedding values into daily practice, championing equality, diversity and inclusion and prioritising wellbeing through flexible working, support services, and connection days.

Driving efficiency: Modernising policies, introducing a new HR Information System and planning ahead to meet future workforce needs.

This people-first approach has already delivered results. Staff survey scores show stronger leadership communication (up from 69% to 77.5%) and almost universal alignment with the charity’s mission (98%, up from 75%). “This is the first company where I feel truly seen and supported—not just as an employee, but as a person.” — Employee feedback, 2025 Pulse Survey

Crucially, the strategy was co-created with colleagues, ensuring it reflects their voices and priorities. Pursuing Investors in People accreditation has provided an external benchmark, embedding continuous improvement and giving staff a sense of pride in the culture they have built together.

Ella Neale, Head of HR at Home-Start UK said "We are thrilled to be shortlisted for this award. At Home-Start UK we believe that supporting our people is just as important as supporting our families and volunteers. This recognition reflects the hard work, compassion and commitment of every member of our team, and we’re proud of the culture we’ve built together."

Co-CEOs Jodie Reed and Natalie Acton said:

"Home-Start aims to be recognised not just as a great employer, but as a workplace that sets the standard for what’s possible when people are truly empowered. The charity is building a future where work is not only productive but human, meaningful, and transformative. Continuing to create positive outcomes for everyone at Home–Start UK and all those we support."

The winners will be announced at The Investors in People Awards, taking place on 12th November at Old Billingsgate, London.