Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

AiB people  

We recognise that our people are our greatest asset in achieving our corporate objectives. By placing a strong emphasis on our workforce, we not only drive organisational success but also create an environment where our staff can thrive.

In May 2025, we will launch our People Strategy (2025-2028), designed to support continuous improvement and foster a modern, inclusive workplace. This strategy aims to introduce refreshed goals, priorities, and initiatives that reflect our evolving needs and is structured around five key people pillars:

1. Continuous improvement – encouraging innovation and learning at all levels
2. Environment – creating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture
3. Leadership and management – developing effective, inspiring leaders
4. Resilience – building adaptability and wellbeing across the organisation
5. Employee engagement – fostering a motivated and connected workforce

Professional & personal development

To maintain their professional accreditation, staff across a range of AIB professions such as Finance, Digital, Data and Technology, Policy, Procurement, and Statistics have undertaken and recorded relevant learning hours.

Training programmes have contributed significantly to the development of key capability areas, including Content Design, Cloud Literacy, Cyber Security, and customised training for our bespoke financial systems.

The People Development team continue to work with business areas to support staff development and promoting collaboration of shared skills across AiB. These include customer service, freedom of information, data protection, inclusive culture and mental health and wellbeing.

Annual UK Civil Service People Survey

Accountant in Bankruptcy participated in the annual UK Civil Service People Survey. This survey measured attitudes and opinions on topics such as workload, managerial effectiveness, leadership, diversity, and work-life balance. Our engagement score for 2024 was 66%, this is based on an 69% response rate. In consultation with senior management, the survey feedback was used to identify corporate improvement measures and local branch actions.

Investors in People

AiB retained Investors in People Gold Award accreditation in 2024.

Health and Wellbeing

AiB Health and Wellbeing group seek to support and promote positive physical and mental health, social and financial wellbeing, and boost staff morale. The group identifies and promotes opportunity to work in ways which sustain and improve staff health and wellbeing. This supports our business strategy and business plan.

Staff numbers - permanent and other (subject to audit)

Total full time equivalent staff

Sickness absence

The average working days lost has decreased during the reporting period from 11.1 to 8.1. This is below the Scottish Government figure of 8.7 days.

Policies in relation to disabled persons

As an Agency of the Scottish Government, AiB follows relevant disability policy and adheres to requirements of The Equality Act 2010. Positive policies are in place in relation to disabled employees. Special facilities are provided where necessary and equal opportunities legislation fully complied with.

Exit packages (subject to audit)

In 2024-25 there were no compensation schemes for departing staff (2023-24 – Nil).

Consultancy costs and other off-payroll costs

In 2024-25 AiB paid £26,830.85 to consultants. All costs for this year relate to an independent review of statutory debt solutions (2023-24 - £50,710).

Off-payroll engagements

During the year there were no off-payroll appointments made (2023-24 – Nil).