Workplace Giving Scoops Best Campaign

Published by Rose Obianwu for Homes for Haringey in Communities and also in Housing

A year from joining the charitable Workplace Giving scheme, housing management organisation, Homes for Haringey, has won the Best Third Sector Employee Campaign category for its comprehensive promotion of the Workplace Giving scheme.

The national award was presented at a ceremony in November at HM Treasury by Nick Hurd, Minister of Civil Society and Economic Secretary, Justine Greening MP.  Principal HR Advisor, Tina Kamilaris, collected the award on behalf of the organisation’s 700 + front line and office based employees.

In April 2009, thanks to the generous contributions of staff, it was also awarded the Silver Government Quality Mark. Only organisations that both offer and actively promote Workplace Giving to their employees and have over 5% of their workforce giving through their pay are given the accolade.

Methods used to publicise the scheme included;
• regular blogs by the Chief Executive
• posters
• briefings
• emails
• as well as publicity at events including the staff conference and on the intranet

Over 700 staff are located across eight sites spanning Wood Green, Hornsey and south and north Tottenham. Homes for Haringey’s Chief Executive, Paul Bridge, said; “We are really pleased by the way colleagues have responded to the scheme.  Workplace Giving allows each colleague to nominate a charity that is personal to them and we are now donating over £5,000 a year.”

Representatives from Workplace Giving are also visiting offices in Wood Green for a promotional visit of the scheme on 30 November and December 1. 

Peter O’Hara of Workplace Giving UK, said: “Well done to the employees at Homes for Haringey. During these tough times it is really important to ensure that it is made easy for employees to give to the charities they care about tax efficiently. Homes for Haringey and their employees should be congratulated.”

Background

Owned by Haringey Council, Homes for Haringey is run by a Board made up of residents, councillors and independent experts.
It is responsible for:
* Meeting the Decent Home Standard
* Services to approx 21,000 council owned properties: 16,700 tenanted and 4, 500 leasehold
* Tenancy and estate management
* Housing management of supported housing
* Rent collection and arrears management
* Repairs and maintenance
* Leasehold management
* Resident involvement

Workplace Giving is a simple, tax efficient, scheme which allows employees to give to any charity they choose by having a deduction taken straight from their gross pay.  Workplace Giving is also known as Payroll Giving or Give As You Earn.

For details about introducing Workplace Giving visit:
www.workplacegiving.co.uk