Sort Group, the Derby-based property, legal and financial services specialist, has secured the coveted Investors in People Gold accreditation, underlining its position as a leading employer for staff development and organisational excellence.
The accreditation places the company, which operates the Sort Legal and SortRefer brands, among the top 17% of IIP-recognised organisations nationwide. It follows a comprehensive assessment process that examined leadership, values, internal communication, career development opportunities and employee wellbeing.
Investors in People Gold is recognised globally as a mark of excellence in people management, awarded only to those companies that meet stringent criteria in cultivating a high-performing, supportive and forward-thinking workplace.
LEADERSHIP STRENGTH
Sort Group was commended in particular for its strengths in leadership, team empowerment, innovation, and its commitment to continuous improvement. The assessors also highlighted the group’s emphasis on open communication and employee engagement, as well as its consistent investment in staff training and development.

Chief executive Kevin Tunnicliffe (also main picture, right) said the Gold award was an opportunity to reflect on how the business had evolved in recent years.
“Receiving the Investors in People Gold accreditation is a great achievement and an amazing chance to reflect on all the great improvements we have made throughout the business over the past few years,” he said.
“At Sort Group, we recognise that our people are our greatest asset, and this award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of our incredible team.
“We have built a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow, and we’re committed to continuing this journey.”
PEOPLE FIRST
Group head of HR Carolyn Mars said the accreditation confirmed that the company’s people-first approach was delivering tangible results.
“We are immensely proud of this achievement. Our team is at the heart of everything we do, and this Gold accreditation reflects our commitment to investing in their success.
“We will continue striving to create an environment where our people thrive, and this recognition from Investors in People confirms that we are on the right path.”
Since its foundation in 1991, the Investors in People framework has helped more than 59,000 organisations across 101 countries improve the working lives of more than 12 million employees. Tracy Duggan of Investors in People praised Sort Group for its achievement.
INVESTING IN PEOPLE
Mars added: “Reaching the Gold standard is a significant achievement and reflects a strong commitment to investing in people.
“Sort Group continues to demonstrate a clear focus on building a positive culture, developing its people, and leading with purpose – it’s fantastic to see their efforts recognised at this level.”
Sort Group said it will continue to build on its success by driving innovation, strengthening workplace culture and maintaining its reputation as an employer of choice in the legal, property and financial services sectors.
SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT

Tracy Duggan from Investors in People, said: “Reaching the Gold standard is a significant achievement and reflects a strong commitment to investing in people.
“Sort Group continues to demonstrate a clear focus on building a positive culture, developing its people, and leading with purpose – it’s fantastic to see their efforts recognised at this level.”