Scottish & Newcastle's (S&N) food development centre has been awarded Investor in People (IIP) status - despite the uncertainty surrounding its sale to Spirit Group.
The centre went through the rigorous assessment procedure for IIP at a time when it was not known which company would succeed in its bid for S&N's pubs.
Although its 22 staff did not know whether their jobs were safe - and still do not - they worked hard to make sure the assessment was a success.
Director of food development Nick Moore said he was enormously proud of his team.
"The assessment was so glowing it was almost embarrassing - they did not pick up on any faults," he said.
"It was the time of the sale and no one knew what was happening. Even so, the whole team worked hard and kept morale high. They all just got on with it and I'm very proud of them."
S&N's food development centre, which is now owned by Spirit Group, has a 22-strong team and is based in Northampton.
It is responsible for developing menus for S&N outlets and operating its award-winning training scheme, the Guild. It is accredited for awarding NVQs and City & Guilds.
IIP assessors look at every "people" part of a business, from its equal opportunities policies to training, commitment and development.
They described the food development centre as a "thoughtful and carefully managed business with a clear vision, effective planning processes and active development strategies".
They also said the food team was "a well-informed, well-qualified and productive workforce who feel valued and respected".
And they were well aware that the future of the department was uncertain.
"The immediate future of this part of the business is unsure," the assessors' report said. "But the management and staff are remarkably positive about their prospects and feel their new skills and high visibility within the group will be a valuable asset to any new owner."
Spirit Group has said S&N's strong food operation, which includes food-led brands such as Chef & Brewer and Henry's, was an attraction of the sale and it is keen to continue its high standards.
Pictured: members of the S&N food development team.