TRH first HA to receive Certification for QHS Excellence in Governance

Published by Jenny George for Two Rivers Housing in Housing and also in Education

Hard work pays off as Two Rivers Housing announces exciting news of their Certification against the Quality Housing Services (QHS) Criteria for Excellence in Governance.

Two Rivers’ success, as the first housing association to be recognised for this Certification, is attributed to the project management skills of its Governance Coordinator, Anthea Tawney from Coleford. She was nominated by the association’s Search and Governance Committee to construct the extensive submission documentation, which took several months to complete. With the support and approval of the Board of Management, Anthea drew on internal resources, staff contributions and other evidence to support the submission.

Previously in the role of Executive PA, Anthea set her sights on developing her skills and with the support of Two Rivers has already successfully completed her HNC, HND and degree in Business Management as well as been promoted to the more specialised role of Governance Coordinator. This latest success demonstrates her commitment to the organisation and is the culmination of months of preparation and personal development.

The QHS process itself is broken down to seven key areas which include the structure of the Board, strategic planning, decision making and policy. Members of the Board of Management were also involved in one-to-one interviews to verify information. Anthea now joins a team of QHS Reviewers to help assess peer submissions as others strive to achieve the Certification for Excellence in Governance.

Anthea Tawney, said:

“I’m delighted that Two Rivers has been recognised by QHS for our commitment to deliver Excellence in Governance, and now look forward to joining members of QHS as part of a peer review process as other organisations work towards this Certification. Whilst working on this submission I have learnt a great deal and would like to thank all the team for helping to source evidence and Jean Birkett the Vice Chair of our Board for her support and guidance.”

Dr. David Garnett, Chair of Two Rivers’ Board said:

“Firstly we are thrilled to receive this prestigious Certification from QHS and to be the first housing association recognised in this field. We’re pleased that we’ve been able to invest in Anthea as she develops her skills and knowledge working on this submission. Whilst the organisation benefits immensely from this Certification, I hope Anthea also feels proud of her achievement.”

Andrew Greenhill CEO, QHS added:

“In the current climate of change for the social housing sector we are seeing less Government based regulatory control and input it is therefore vital that social housing providers step up to the mark. By becoming the first social housing provider to successfully complete the process and achieve this certification Two Rivers partners and tenants can be confident that they (Two Rivers) have the necessary governance structure and processes in place to meet any challenges ahead.”