Severnside awarded IIP Gold!

Published by Matt Critchley for Severnside Housing in Housing and also in Communities

Severnside Housing is celebrating after recently being awarded Investor in People Gold accreditation, placing them among the top two per cent of IIP accredited organisations in the country.

The award follows a comprehensive two-week Investor in People assessment in January this year, when around 45 of Severnside’s 240 members of staff were selected randomly to be interviewed. Throughout the interviews, Severnside performance and working practises were assessed against Investor in People’s national standard, which sets out a level of good practice for the training and development of people in order to achieve business goals.

Following the assessment, Severnside was awarded the Investor in People Gold standard in recognition of its commitment to the training and development of its staff. Just two per cent of all Investor in People accredited organisations achieve this Gold standard.

The assessors report highlighted several areas of strength where Severnside demonstrated good practice including equality and diversity, and community cohesion and social responsibility.

Carol Dudson, IIP assessor, said: “Severnside Housing has continued to improve performance and this has been recognised both internally and externally by its customers and a number of external accreditations and awards.”

She continued: “The quality of the people at every level and in every role is the key differentiator for a small local housing and social enterprise focussed organisation.  The knowledge, skill and exemplary attitudes and behaviours of the staff at Severnside ensure excellence in all areas of the business. The leadership team have created a culture that encourages continuous learning and promotes the development of skills and knowledge an every level.”

Sue Barker, Head of HR at Severnside Housing, said: “Receiving the Investor in People Gold accreditation is a real feather in Severnside’s cap and builds on our initial IIP accreditation in January 2009. To be recognised within the top two per cent of all IIP accredited organisations in the country recognises the value we put upon our employees and the training and development we offer so that they can build their skills and experience. An organisation can only be as good as its employees, so by appreciating them, and encouraging and investing in our employees, we can ensure that we are delivering the best services possible to our customers.”

Investors in People will now carry out annual visits and assessments of Severnside, to ensure that high standards of performance continue and that Severnside continues to meet the criteria of an Investor in People Gold standard organisation.

Ends

Notes to editors

Severnside was first accredited with Investor in People status in January 2009.

IIP Gold represents the achievement of world-class best practice. It shows that the company operates at the very highest levels of people management practice, demonstrating a commitment to the learning and development of employees.

Severnside Housing manages 5,320 homes in and around Shrewsbury following the transfer of stock from Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council on October 1, 2001.

A not for profit local housing company, Severnside Housing is committed to making a positive difference by providing affordable housing and services to support the customers who live in its homes.

For further information about Severnside Housing, please contact

Matt Critchley on 01743 285088 or matt.critchley@severnsidehousing.co.uk