As 2025 draws to a close, we wanted to pick out a few of these highlights and to reflect on our 60th anniversary.
Here’s a look back at what’s defined the last 12 month for us.
Celebrating 60 years of impact
Anniversaries are opportune moments to reflect on what’s been accomplished, how a team has grown, recognise contributions that have shaped the journey, and look ahead to the future.
We’ve done this throughout the year. We showcased some of our work that’s made a real impact and difference over the years across our sectors, such as our Employer Skills Survey and research on patient escalation for the Covid-19 Inquiry. We celebrated in style with a party in June at the National Theatre. We’ve thought about the lessons that we’ve learnt along the way.
It’s made us feel grateful, inspired us and reinforced our purpose and values that have made IFF what it is today.
Exploring the future of work
From those values and sense of purpose and using the 60th as a chance to look ahead, another major moment for us in 2025 has been the choice to trial a 4-day week.
At IFF, driving a human-first culture and flexible approach is central to everything we do, so we introduced the trial to see whether it could strengthen these values: through better balance and wellbeing for our people while boosting productivity and engagement to benefit the business overall.
As we’ve been experimenting, adapting and gathering insight as we go, there’s been lots of progress and benefits alongside honest learnings and challenges. It’s been fascinating and exciting to be a part of so far, with the team diving in enthusiastically. And we’re looking forward to continuing the trial into 2026.
Making a difference
That passion extends beyond the projects we deliver too. This year, we partnered with Single Homeless Project to support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
For our 60th anniversary, we gathered and donated items to build 60 care packages and volunteered to renovate one of their service spaces. A small group of IFFers helped run SHP’s annual Sports Day event, supporting over 200 of their clients. For Christmas, we decorated another service to make it warm and festive, as well as donating winter coats and Christmas hampers to bring some care and comfort to those in need. And our CEO, Jan, took part in the CEO Sleepout, raising over £2,800.
Being recognised for what we do
Our work and efforts didn’t go unnoticed either. We were thrilled to be acknowledged for our training and development, with an MRS Oppies award win and a Princess Royal Training Award for our excellent Trainee Research Executive programme.
We also secured three MRS Awards nominations and were finalists at the Lloyds British Business Awards for the culture and workplace we’ve cultivated.
Looking ahead
All in all, our year has been busy, exploratory and filled with reasons to be proud and celebrate. We want to thank you to everyone who’s helped make it such a successful and significant one – our clients, partners and our brilliant team.
We’ll be back in 2026 with lots more to come.