The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), in association with International Performance Excellence (IPE), a UAE-based research and training consultancy, recently organised the first joint seminar to create awareness among enterprises and organisational leaders on the “Investing in People (IIP)” standard of excellence.

The one-day seminar, held at the Business Village, followed a partnership agreement signed between DED and IPE to encourage enterprises to achieve organisational excellence and improve business performance by investing in people. DED and IPE have agreed to conduct a series of knowledge-sharing programmes aimed to enable organisations to qualify as a model investor in people.

Over 25 senior employees from various organisations attended the seminar, led by Dr Alaa Garad, CEO of International Performance Excellence and an expert in Organisational Excellence and Total Quality Management. Dr Garad explained how organisations can integrate IIP standard in their human resources approach and eventually get accredited by UK-based IIP International. International Performance Excellence is the exclusive partner of IIP International in the UAE.

Developed in the UK two decades ago, IIP has since then proved to be of great value in helping organisations cope with change and economic uncertainties. It has also become an international benchmark and practical tool for organisational excellence and human resource development.

DED and IPE have also agreed to institute an “Investors in People” award for exemplary IIP leadership. The new award will complement the Dubai Quality Award, Dubai Human Development Award, and the Dubai Service Excellence Scheme of DED and will be distributed at the prestigious annual Business Excellence Award ceremony. Only IIP-accredited organisations will be considered for the new award.

“DED and IPE have taken a major step towards improving standards in people development and capacity building across organisations in the UAE with our first joint seminar. Our partnership is unique since it inspires organisations to invest in people, educates them on investment practices that bring better business returns, qualifies them for international accreditation and rewards them for their success with a prestigious award,” said Mohammed Juma Bushnain Al Amri, executive director of Corporate Quality and Management Excellence at DED.

'This seminar will be followed by series of events including tutorials, forums, workshops and roundtable discussions to raise awareness on the international IIP standard, which is the only proven and validated standard worldwide. As of today, more than 35,000 organisations have been accredited including six organisations in the UAE. Over the last two years IIP licenses have been granted in 20 countries,' said Dr Alaa.

He added: 'What differentiates the IIP from other standards and frameworks is that it was established as a non-profit government organisation and has been built around the best practices in Human Resource Investment. It helps companies understand what it means to invest in people and provide a structured approach towards organisational excellence and achieving strategic objectives through people.' - TradeArabia News Service