At a glance

PCL Group, an IT and cyber security services provider based in Aberdeen, has earned the Investors in People (IIP) Gold Standard accreditation, recognising its excellence in workplace culture and people management. This prestigious certification, achieved by only about 17% of organisations globally, highlights PCL Group's commitment to employee engagement and professional development. The recognition underscores the company's dedication to maintaining high standards and fostering a supportive work environment, benefiting both employees and clients.

PCL Group, global provider of IT and cyber security services, has become one of only around 17% of organisations across the world to gain the prestigious Investors in People (IIP) Gold Standard accreditation. An internationally recognised certification, it is awarded to organisations that have shown excellence in people management, leadership and workplace culture. It was granted after another rigorous three-year evaluation cycle of the company’s performance across various workplace disciplines, by an IIP practitioner. The process included detailed staff surveys and anonymous feedback, one-to-one and group interviews with employees at all levels and a close review of the company documents, policies and key performance indicators.

“A business cannot succeed without the support and input of its people and I’m incredibly proud of the team we have at PCL Group,” said CEO Jeanette Forbes.

“Our people are our greatest asset and achieving this coveted accreditation is testimony to their hard work and commitment, not just during the evaluation process, but at all times.

“Having such a motivated and engaged workforce directly benefits our clients by ensuring that they receive the very highest level of commitment and professionalism that they require and deserve.

“But this is not just about the contribution our current employees make, it’s about committing to setting and maintaining high standards for the future.

PCL Group has an established culture of developing our next generation of engineers and technicians by bringing in new apprentices every year.

“I’m delighted therefore that our newest apprentice, Mohammad Irfani has just graduated as a First Line Engineer for PCL Group, well-deserved recognition of his hard work over the past 12 months. He will now be working towards furthering his development through a structured training plan and a new apprentice will join us in the new year.”

Investors in People was launched by the UK government in 1991 with the ultimate goal of creating better workplaces that prioritise employee engagement and wellbeing as an integral part of a company’s sustainable business success. Achieving Gold recognises that an organisation goes above and beyond basic principles and standards through an active supportive culture. It also sends out a strong signal that a company can be viewed as an employer of choice.

Nicky Clark, Investors in People Practitioner said: “Achieving Investors in People Gold is a fantastic achievement and reflects the strong culture that exists throughout PCL Group. People consistently describe a workplace built on trust, teamwork, empowerment and continuous improvement. This recognition is a testament to the commitment of both leaders and employees in creating an exceptional place to work.”

This is the latest accreditation gained by PCL Group recently. Last month, it became one of only a small handful of IT companies in the region to be awarded ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification by DNV, confirming it meets international-standard best practice in safeguarding client data from risks such as cyber-attacks and data breaches.

At the end of 2025, the company also elected to upgrade and recertify its ISO 9001 certification, the international standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS) with DNV, one of the world’s leading independent providers of accredited management systems certification.

Editorial insight

Recognition at the Gold level from Investors in People places PCL Group among a select group of employers internationally, highlighting a clear commitment to workplace culture and staff development. While such accreditations are not uncommon in the IT sector, the rigorous assessment process required for Gold status can help differentiate companies in a competitive market, particularly when attracting or retaining skilled talent.

For clients and partners, these credentials may offer additional reassurance around the company’s internal standards and long-term approach to people management, which can be particularly relevant in sectors like cyber security where trust and continuity are vital. The timing of this recognition, alongside recent ISO certifications, suggests a focus on both operational excellence and employee engagement as part of PCL Group’s ongoing business strategy.

Story ideas and journalist angles

Local/community

Aberdeen’s Role in PCL Group’s Success with IIP Gold Accreditation

PCL Group's achievement of the IIP Gold Standard highlights Aberdeen's significance as a hub for businesses committed to excellence in workplace culture. This story examines how Aberdeen's local business environment supports such achievements.

Target audience regional-news Story potential 7/10 Industry trend

The Impact of IIP Gold Accreditation on Employee Retention and Satisfaction

With only 17% of companies achieving the IIP Gold Standard, PCL Group's accreditation offers an opportunity to explore the impact of such recognition on employee retention and satisfaction, especially in the IT sector.

Target audience business-finance Story potential 8/10