A FOSTERING agency is celebrating after being awarded Investors in People gold status for the second time.

Reach Out Care Fostering Services, which is based in Newton Aycliffe and works with local authorities across the region, also has an Outstanding rating with Ofsted.

Director Dot Butler said: “We are delighted to have been awarded gold status for a second time.

“It’s testament to the high standards we continuously strive for and how we invest in our people.”

Investors in People is the UK’s leading people management standard.

It reserves its coveted gold status for organisations which demonstrate 'world-class best practice'.

Mrs Butler said the agency had undergone an in-depth two-day assessment to renew its accreditation for the next three years.

She said: “As a director I think one of the best bits of the 14-page report were the comments made by staff during their private interviews with the assessor. They range from ‘it’s a great place to work and I’m excited for the future’ to ‘I really enjoy it – I’m valued respected and valued.’ Those kind of comments are literally worth their weight in gold.”