(MENAFN- Mid-East.Info) The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research has been awarded We Invest in People accreditation by Investors in People (IIP). A UK-based, globally recognized organization, IIP sets the benchmark in people management. The organization operates in 80 countries and has so far accredited over 50,000 companies around the globe. The Al Qasimi Foundation now shares this recognition with only 13 other accredited organizations in the UAE and is the first entity in Ras Al Khaimah to receive the endorsement.
“Our talent is our most critical asset,” says Dr. Natasha Ridge, Executive Director of the Al Qasimi Foundation.“We believe the key to maximizing our impact in Ras Al Khaimah is empowering our employees, which we do by maintaining a positive, supportive work environment and investing in our team’s professional development. The initial Investors in People accreditation is a testament to the efforts of our team and, in particular, the HR department who works tirelessly to ensure the wellbeing of each staff.”
Since the Foundation was established more than 10 years ago, it has emphasized the importance of supporting and developing its people. This has included a strong focus on setting and aligning goals across the Foundation annually, developing policies in line with international best practices, and enacting a wide range of learning and development initiatives catered to enhancing the skillsets of individual employees to build organizational capacity. The Al Qasimi Foundation prides itself on developing a collaborative, open, and creative working environment among its 42 staff from more than 17 countries.
IIP praised the Foundation for the quality of its application and overall approach to people management during its review. Of the nine indicators comprising the assessment, IIP highlighted“Empowering and Involving People,”“Building Capacity,” and“Leading and Inspiring People” as among the most notable characteristics of the Al Qasimi Foundation. These are all clearly present in Katrina Gomez's professional journey with the Foundation.
Currently the Assistant Human Resource Manager, Katrina joined the Foundation in 2014 as a receptionist. In recognition of her success and potential, she was promoted to Personal Assistant to the Executive Director before moving to the Human Resources department as an assistant manager. Reflecting on her journey, Katrina shares:
“I feel proud and grateful to be a member of the Al Qasimi Foundation team. For the last seven years, the Foundation has pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and explore different career paths that I didn’t know I could. It’s great working with people who treat you like a family. As the Assistant HR Manager, I hope to create a better working environment where our employees can reach their full potential and continue learning like how I was able to.”
Aaesha Al Ahmed, Communications Manager has also appreciated the Foundation's working environment.“My experience with the Foundation has allowed me to learn more about myself. Our actions are what make us grow. To know yourself, I believe, is to know your goals and how to achieve the best possible outcome.”
The Foundation plans to build on its success and the recommendations IIP provided as part of its initial accreditation review. In 2022, it will pursue IIP's We Invest In People, Platinum Accreditation, which is only awarded to less than 20% of the organizations assessed each year.
John Kennedy, the Foundation's training and support officer, stated “Our top priority is the development and well-being of all members of our team, and we believe that the Investors in People framework is an excellent mechanism for measuring and guiding. As we grow as a team, we will be more effective while maintaining clarity and structure.”
About the Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research :
The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research was established in 2009 to aid in the social, cultural, and economic development of Ras Al Khaimah. Established through Emiri decree by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the Foundation is considered a non-profit, quasi-governmental organization. The Al Qasimi Foundation seeks to generate a world-class body of research on Ras Al Khaimah and the broader UAE, develop local capacity in the public sector, and engage the community in its work. Initially focused on education, the Foundation has expanded its priority areas to include health and wellness, urban and community development, and arts and culture. Signature initiatives include competitive international research grants, teacher and student professional development programs, and the annual Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival.
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