WILLOW the yellow lab, her sister Amber and her uncle Nevis could be part of a winning formula helping a Dorset charity achieve a top national accolade in people management.

The Wareham-based Safe Partnership, protecting victims of domestic abuse has become the first organisation in Dorset to be awarded Investors in People Champion Status.

It comes hot on the heels of being awarded the prestigious Investors in People Gold Award, won by fewer than two per cent of the 22,048 organisations covered by the scheme. Only six in 1,000 become IIP champions.

The charity’s chief executive, Malcolm Macleod, said his staff’s happiness was enhanced by the three Labradors he takes into the office every day.

“We work with the victims of crime and inevitably it can become distressing for staff,” he said. “Having the dogs in the office definitely de-stresses everyone and helps them recover their sense of humour,” he said.

“We were absolutely delighted to be recognised as a gold status Investor in People. Then to be selected as an IIP Champion was the icing on the cake.

“It’s a great accolade and reflects the strong sense of pride shared by trustees and staff in what we do for victims of violence and crime. We’re all looking forward to championing Investors in People.”

They collected their awards at a ceremony in the City of London where they were praised for their strong sense of pride in the charity, the good use of individual talents and excellent communication skills.

Safe Partnership, which protects the homes of those threatened with domestic abuse, helps 3,500 families every year.