Partner Article

Silver lining for housing association

A housing association has found a silver lining after achieving a prestigious international people management award.

Railway Housing Association has been awarded the Investors in People (IIP) Silver Accreditation, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to high performance through the way it manages its staff.

The recently reviewed and now more onerous accreditation required the Association to demonstrate it was meeting 9 key indicators – learning and inspiring people, living the organisation’s value and behaviours, managing performance, recognising and rewarding high performance, structuring work, building capacity, delivering continuous improvement and creating sustainable success.

The assessment was carried out using surveys, interviews, meetings and observations. This included an online survey, which was completed by 90% of Railway Housing Association’s staff. The Association has its head office in Darlington but staff are also based in areas where the organisation has housing stock, including Newcastle, York, Leeds, Doncaster, Hull and Hereford.

The Investors in People assessor reported that there was clear evidence that staff are involved and empowered effectively; staff described communication as excellent; and the way that the Association listens to residents is a considerable strength.

The Association’s Chief Executive, Anne Rowlands, said: “Our staff have always been at the forefront of our success as a housing association, ensuring we provide high quality homes and services.

“We trust them to make their own decisions and empower them to be innovative and suggest new approaches and ideas.

“For an employer it is extremely encouraging when staff comment that the Association is a great place to work and they feel that they are making a difference to people’s lives.”

Steve Burrows, Managing Director of Investors in People North of England said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Railway Housing Association and I would like to congratulate all of the team.

“We believe that staff make the difference and by investing in them the Association is looking to create sustainable success ensuring that their employees realise their full potential.”

The accreditation is valid for three years and the Association is aiming for Gold in 2019, the Association’s centenary year.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Neil Shaefer .