Your chance to get involved in Best Employers Eastern Region 2025

The Best Employers Eastern Region 2025 initiative has launched and will help to drive up employee engagement at organisations that take part.

The programme, which has been running since 2012, culminates in awards and accreditations that highlight the most forward-thinking employers in the East.

Run by Histon-based professional recruitment agency Pure, the not-for-profit programme has raised more than £56,000 for regional charities so far, with the entry fees and ticket sales from participants donated. This year, Best Employers will support Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.

The programme, which the Cambridge Independent is supporting this year, begins with a survey designed by psychometrics experts at eras to capture the data needed to monitor and evolve workplace culture.

It is completely anonymous, to ensure people can answer as honestly as possible. After the survey, the results are sent back to the participating organisation in a report with tailored recommendations, and an action plan based on the feedback. Benchmarking data is provided to show comparisons with similar organisations.

If an organisation achieves a high engagement score in the survey, they will be invited to apply for silver, gold or platinum accreditation. Organisations can win an award and be showcased as an outstanding employer.

Lynn Walters, the programme co-founder and director of Pure, said: “There is no other programme like this. It delivers employee insight, a forum to share and shape ideas and also gives back to the local community. If you are interested in finding out how Best Employers Eastern Region can benefit regional organisations, please get in touch with our team.”

The survey helps employers show their employees that their opinions and thoughts are valued and can help create a sense of belonging and a more committed workforce.

There is evidence that engaged employees lead to increased profitability and help their organisation outperform competitors.

Being part of Best Employers can improve an employer’s brand, making it easier to recruit and retain top talent. The programme has also created a community of like-minded organisations across the East.

Two conferences are included in the programme, creating networking opportunities and featuring a chance to hear from high-profile thought leaders and speakers sharing tips on improving the employee experience.

Some 45,000 employees have completed the Best Employers’ survey since it began, from more than 560 organisations.

Among them is this year’s charity beneficiary, Arthur Rank Hospice, which cares for people in Cambridgeshire with serious illnesses or life-limiting conditions, as well as those who need end-of-life care.

Another organisation that has taken part is the Holkham Estate in North Norfolk.

“We’ve used our results to shape our whole HR strategy. Not only does Best Employers give you great insights into things you can celebrate, it also shines a light on ways to become an even better place to work,” said Alex Triplow, head of HR at the Holkham Estate.

Ian White, managing director at Becketts Investment Management Group, said: “Best Employers allowed us to formulate our overall wellbeing strategy based on feedback received from the team, rather than one-off, anecdotal comments. The benchmarking data enabled us to put those results into context.”

And Sarah Atkins, of East Anglian Air Ambulance, said: “We’ve seen a real change in the organisation as a direct result of taking part in this. I’m extremely proud of what we’ve managed to do. It’s an amazing reward for all of us to see the impact of running this process.”

Visit bestemployers.prs.uk.com to find out more and register.