Partnership up for Prestigious Award

Published by Kate Hughes for Wolverhampton Homes in Housing

The partnership which delivers Wolverhampton’s Decent Homes programme to upgrade council properties in the city has been nominated for a prestigious award.

The partnership of Wolverhampton Homes, Bullock, Frank Haslam Milan and Thomas Vale Construction is up for the ‘Leadership and People Development’ award at the West Midlands Constructing Excellence Awards.

It has been recognised for providing sustainable employment, its impact on the local economy and its work with local schools, colleges and universities.

Since the partnership was established in 2007, it has increased employment and training opportunities in the city, taking on more than 100 apprentices and trainees and helping 95 employees achieve NVQs. The partnership has also given 50 local youngsters work experience placements and regularly carries out safety talks at local schools.

To promote and encourage further diversity in the workforce carrying out the Decent Homes programme, the partnership has worked with local organisations, such as All Cultures One Voice and The Timken Centre, and has arranged a number of events and training courses to ensure that all communities are engaged in the project.

Shaun Aldis, Director of Property at Wolverhampton Homes, said: “As a partnership we have worked to ensure that the Decent Homes programme has engaged, up-skilled and provided employment for the local community and given opportunities to local university, college and school goers.

“We are delighted that this work has been recognised with this award nomination.”

The West Midlands Constructing Excellence Awards are the leading awards for the industry and celebrate innovation and best practise. The winners will be announced at the Celebrating Construction Dinner in Birmingham on 1 July 2011.