Servite a trailblazer for new Housing Respect Standard

As a housing association used to leading the way in tackling anti-social behaviour, Servite Houses was the first housing association to sign up for the Government’s new Respect Standard for Housing Management.

The Standard is part of the Respect Action Plan and aims to ensure registered social landlords tackle anti-social behaviour and improve quality of life for residents – particularly those in disadvantaged communities.

The Standard provides recognition for landlords delivering good services, while providing a benchmark to aim towards for landlords working on improving their services.

Servite Houses anti-social behaviour (ASB) manager Colin Lydon said: "We signed up immediately because the standard really echoes and endorses the work Servite has been doing on ASB.

"We believe in using a full range of methods for prevention and resolution, working in partnership with other agencies and, most importantly, involving residents at every stage. Customer care is a thread which runs through every step of all ASB complaints we receive.”

Servite has a dedicated anti-social behaviour team which includes trained mediators, support staff and an in-house legal team.

Following a recent visit from the Housing Corporation, its chief executive, Jon Rouse, praised Servite’s comprehensive approach to tackling anti-social behaviour.

And on hearing about Servite’s fast response to the new Respect Standard, he said:

"The Standard is an important facet of the work of housing associations and I am absolutely delighted that Servite has responded to this vital agenda so quickly.

"I have personal experience of Servite Houses and have been very impressed to see how the association has taken the initiative with its impressive estate strategies in dealing with anti-social behaviour.

"I urge associations to take the lead from Servite and quickly sign up to the Standard."

Ends

Press release issued: August 22 2006