Rhondda Housing Association wins national award for excellence

Rhondda Housing Association’s commitment to the local community has seen it triumph at the annual Business in the Community (BITC) Awards for Excellence, becoming only the second Welsh organisation ever to achieve this standard.

The award was presented to Rhondda Housing Association’s Chair, John Andrews, by HRH The Prince of Wales, President of BITC, at a garden party at his home, Clarence House.

Having been recognised, along with seven other companies, for its Together We Can programme at BITC’s Wales Awards for Excellence last week, Rhondda Housing Association won the Active Communities category, fighting off strong competition from PFIZER, EDF Energy, BT, Anglian Water and Network Rail to become the UK’s leading example.

Now in their twelfth year, the awards recognise businesses able to demonstrate significant impact and high quality management of their responsible business practices with a positive impact on both society and the business.

Through Together We Can, Rhondda Housing Association has created nine apprenticeships, engaged with 2,216 residents, trained 424 and linked 131 of the most disadvantaged young people in the area with youth workers.
 
The programme has also reduced tenancy turnover to 6.9%, compared to an 11% average, resulting in an average saving of £5,000 per property and shown a reduction in rent arrears and anti-social behaviour.

Lesley Davies, Chief Executive, Rhondda Housing Association said: “Strong communities are vital to quality of life, and we believe that the regeneration of communities is fundamental to sustainability in the long term.

“The Together We Can programme makes a real difference, allowing us to connect positively with local communities, create opportunities for all ages and improve life chances for young and older residents.

“We are thrilled to have won this accolade and I’d like to thank all of those that were involved. None of our work would have been possible without the support and commitment of our tenants, funders and all of our staff.”

Director of Community Regeneration, Lottie Miller, commented: “This award recognises not only the achievement of the Association but also the dedicated contribution of many tenant volunteers including our Youth Forum who support the programme. It is their support and guidance that ultimately underpins everything we do.”

Owen Evans, Director, Business in the Community Wales said: “Congratulations to Rhondda Housing Association who are thoroughly deserving of this award.  It’s heartening to know that so many organisations in Wales remain committed to their social, ethical and environmental goals.

“Registered social landlords are an important economic driver as affordable housing increases in importance and Rhondda Housing Association has demonstrated how to develop communities as well as housing.

“The award winners in Wales are certainly flying the flag for responsible business here and I hope will prove valuable inspiration for others to follow in their footsteps.”

Claire Cooper, Director, Department for Communities and Local Government and Chair of Judges said: “This was a really excellent entry and showed how empowering communities can result in clear business benefits and how community regeneration can be integrated into an organisation with limited resources.

"Rhondda Housing Association is to be applauded for their successful efforts to impact on all sections of their local area, resulting in active and engaged communities.”