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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.
Equality Framework for Local Government (Awarded January 2009)
In January 2009 Berneslai Homes was classed as ‘Achieving’ under the new Equality Framework. We have set ourselves a target to achieve ‘Excellence’ by April 2011.
Alongside numerous legal duties aligned to equality legislation (with which Berneslai Homes complies), there is a voluntary standard that many local authorities and their partners work to achieve, called the Equality Framework for Local Government. This complements the public sector duties, and the Framework reflects the government’s cohesion and integration agenda, where people’s access to fair and equal ‘life chances’ is crucial.
Berneslai Homes has been involved in developing a framework for Social Housing which will be more relevant to our organisation. Consultation finishes in April 2010, after which we hope to see the implementation of an Equality Framework for Social Housing, likely to dovetail with the housing sector regulatory framework.
You can visit the Equality Framework website for further information.
Investors In People (Awarded April 2008)
In April 2008 Berneslai Homes received continued recognition and was accredited with Investors In People (IIP) status.
The IIP standard is the recognised benchmark for quality employers and over 30,000 organisations in the UK are recognised as Investors in People. The standard provides a national framework for improving business performance through a planned approach to setting and communicating business objectives and developing people to meet these objectives. For further information visit the Investors In People website.
Stonewall 100 Employers Index
In January 2010, for the second year running Berneslai Homes has been listed in the index of the top 100 gay friendly workplaces. 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.
Against more entries than in 2009, Berneslai Homes moved up from 92nd to 82nd. But the scores aren’t what really matters – they are just a way of showing the work Berneslai Homes has done to support LGB staff, and people in the wider Barnsley community. We are ranked as one of the top 3 housing organisations for LGB equality in the country, as measured by the index. You can visit the Stonewall website for further information.
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.