Article: Awards and Accolades
In 2009 we were awarded a three stars excellent rating with excellent prospects for improvement by the Audit Commission, following an inspection.
It is our mission to deliver excellent customer services and continue to listen to our customers, partners, staff and board so we can constantly develop the service we provide to you. Since launching in 2002 we have received several awards and accolades in recognition for this. Here’s our list so far….
TPAS Quality Mark Accreditation (Awarded May 2009)
The TPAS Resident Involvement Quality Standard recognises the approach to involving our customers in service development, delivery and improvement. At the time of the award Berneslai Homes were only the third ALMO (arms length management organisation) in the UK to receive this coveted award.
Michelle Reid, TPAS Chief Executive adds, "I take my TPAS hat off to Berneslai Homes and their tenants for the huge amount of work in receiving this award. They have proven to be a good listener and have a great ability to respond to views, suggestions and criticism from their customers."
TPAS is the leading national tenant participation organisation working to promote tenant empowerment. The TPAS Kite Mark lasts for three years and demonstrates that Berneslai Homes delivers a resident involvement service that is accessible to all and which has a customer led impact on service delivery.
You can visit the TPAS website for further information.
Social Housing Equality Framework (SHEF) (Awarded October 2011)
In October 2011 we were awarded ‘Excellent Standard’ within the Social Housing Equality Framework (SHEF), the highest standard attainable.
This major achievement was awarded following an independent assessment. It makes Berneslai Homes only the third arms length management organisation (ALMO) in the country to receive this award and the first ALMO in the country to achieve ‘Excellent’ under the newly revised framework.
SHEF is aimed at ALMOs and housing associations and is a performance and improvement tool. It allows the organisation to check how well they are doing when putting equality and diversity into practice and ensures it is embedded across the company. The five key areas for performance under the framework are: knowing your customers; leadership, partnership and organisational commitment; customer engagement and satisfaction; responsive services, access and customer care; and a progressive and diverse workforce. Visit the SHEF website for further information. You can view our video clip on You Tube regarding our SHEF Excellence Achievement.
Investors In People (Awarded July 2011)
In July 2011 Berneslai Homes were successful in its reaccreditation for the Investors In People (IIP) standard and also achieved Silver recognition.
The IIP standard is the recognised benchmark for quality employers. Achieving Investors in People Silver shows a forward thinking and expansive approach to cascading best practice through every level of the organisation and demonstrates a progressive approach to business improvement through poeple. Only 29 organisations in Yorkshire and Humber have achieved the IIP Silver recognition and 331 nationally, which makes up only 1.47% of total IIP recognitions across the UK. For further information visit the Investors In People website. You can view our video clip on You Tube regarding our IIP Assessment.
Stonewall Diversity Champions (Awarded January 2012)
Berneslai Homes are proud to have been listed in this year's index of top 100 gay friendly workplaces by Stonewall Diversity Champions. We have been ranked 83 out of 363 entries in this year’s index and are one of only 7 housing organisations represented nationally.
The Stonewall Workplace Equality Index was set up to challenge Britain's leading organisations to improve their workplaces for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) staff. It is widely respected as a robust and challenging process, requiring organisations to consider how they support their LGB staff and the LGBT community, and encouraging them to make continuous improvements year on year, applying lessons learned to support all staff and customers.
Berneslai Homes have gained recognition for their partnership with the Barnsley LGBT Forum, and their groundbreaking work in developing the Rainbow Tick, an award for organisations who can show they are inclusive and supportive of LGBT people, which is due to be launched in February 2012.
Two Tick Disability Symbol
In August 2008 we were recognised for our commitment to best practice in employing people with disabilities. The 2 Tick Disability Symbol aims to ensure that people with disabilities feel confident that their employer (or potential employer) will be positive about their abilities.
Berneslai Homes Chief Executive Helen Jaggar adds, ”By using this symbol we are committed to employing, keeping and training disabled people and developing their careers. It helps make it clear to disabled people that applications are welcomed from them and we are positive about their abilities. It also shows existing employees that we value their contribution and will treat them fairly if they become disabled.”
You can visit the Positive about Disabled People website for further information.
Respect Agenda
In 2006 Berneslai Homes signed up to the RESPECT Agenda. This is a government initiative to improve communities and combat Anti–Social Behaviour (ASB). The RESPECT Agenda is about central government, local agencies, local communities and ultimately every citizen working together to build a society in which we can respect one another – where anti-social behaviour is rare and tackled effectively, and communities can live in peace together.
Eco Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme
In February 2010 we signed up to the award winning ECO (Efficient and Cleaner Operations) Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme. The free South Yorkshire scheme offers an exciting opportunity for all commercial vehicles to cut costs and improve environmental performance by reducing fuel consumption.
Berneslai Homes signed up 147 vehicles to the ECO Stars Scheme and received the maximum five star rating. To reach the maximum star rating, Berneslai Homes had fully robust fleet management policies and procedures in place, covering all key aspects of the operation. You can visit the Eco Stars press release or visit www.care4air.org for further information.
