Young Housing Trust celebrates Investors in People status » Housing » 24dash.com

Trafford Housing Trust has been awarded Investors In People status and been encouraged to apply for IIP’s Champion accolade.

The three-year-old Manchester-based housing association, which owns and manages 9,000 homes and has 385 staff, was praised for its remarkable achievements by Investors in People assessors and described as an “exemplar organisation”.

IIP status recognises companies and organisations that have helped create a good working environment for employees and which manage and develop their staff. IIP Champion status is awarded to those who excel in promoting the values and principles of Investors in People.

Matthew Gardiner, Chief Executive of Trafford Housing Trust, said: “Receiving Investors In People status is a fantastic achievement for an organisation of our age and size.

”We recognise that our employees are the heart of the organisation. By investing in our people we have created a strong team of ambassadors for our work within the social housing sector.

“Being encouraged to apply for Champion status is a great reward for the Trust too. Our application for IIP’s premier status will be progressed in the coming months.”

IIP assessors confirmed that the Trust’s approach to investing in its people, especially within such a short time, is remarkable.

The Trust was described as a “truly values-driven organisation” and was particularly praised for its strategic corporate plan conveyed through an apple tree, a pictorial representation of how every member of staff plays a part in the organisation achieving its aims and objectives.

The tree, described as “supremely effective in its simplicity” by the assessors helps the Trust communicate the bigger picture to employees.

Its Rising Stars personal development scheme, introduced in 2006, which gives every employee clear objectives to work towards, was also commended as “exceptionally innovative and effective”.