A YORK-BASED health care provider has risen several places in the Sunday Times Best Companies rankings.

Benenden Health secured 45th place in the Sunday Times Not-For-Profit category, an improvement of 17 places after they finished 62th last year.

The award means the company is now one of the top 50 not-for-profits in the country to work for, having been ranked alongside other large UK not-for-profits, such as Great Ormond Street Children’s Charity, the National Trust and Chester Zoo.

The improved placement follows a year-long programme of improved employee engagement initiatives, which resulted in the company being rated as a ‘one star’ best company to work for.

CEO Bob Andrews said: “The Sunday Times Best Companies Awards shine a light on some of the best companies in the UK.

"I am delighted that Benenden Health have ranked highly on such a prestigious list in the not-for-profit category.

"To secure our one star rating in the Best Companies index is an honour, but to jump up into the top 50 not-for-profits is a real coup for our team.

“I’m also really proud that we that we’ve come 39th in the top 75 Best Companies to work for in Yorkshire and the Humber. These fantastic achievements bear testament to our colleagues, and their passion for health and wellbeing.

"It’s an important step on our journey as we strive to be an ‘extraordinarily engaged’ organisation with three-star accreditation.”

The Best Companies index and awards celebrate engaged workplaces and the innovative ways that businesses can support employee engagement.

Benenden Health was acknowledged by Best Companies for their commitment to employee wellbeing, by offering staff physical and mental health support, as well as access to an on-site gym.

The organisation’s charity work in York throughout the year was also commended.