Award nomination for social landlord that faced financial disaster

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities

A social landlord has been shortlisted for a national industry award - two years after facing financial disaster.

Sadeh Lok Housing Group is a finalist in this year's UK Housing Award's Business Transformation category.

In 2010, the housing association - which owns and manages over 1,000 homes in Kirklees and Wakefield - was facing a £2m loss and was under the close scrutiny of the housing regulator.

However, a comprehensive business improvement programme, developed by the new management team and Board, has seen the organisation turn around its financial position, performance and reputation across the housing sector.

The Group managed to invest over £1.3m into its housing stock last year.

Chief executive Paul Dolan said: “Being shortlisted for this national award proves just how dramatic our transformation has been.

“To get us back on a firm footing we had to take some very tough decisions. Through the collective commitment and dedication of our staff, board members and residents we have transformed Sadeh Lok during a very short period of time into a high performing housing business.

“In what is our 25th anniversary year, we are now delivering UK-leading customer satisfaction and operational performance. The changes made will allow us to continue to provide high quality homes and services to current and future generations across all of the communities in which we work."

Now in their 17th year, the Housing Awards are organised by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and are designed to recognise the work social landlords do to improve the lives of their tenants.

The CIH's chief executive, Grainia Long, said: “The UK Housing Awards are about celebrating the dedication and commitment of organisations and professionals across the industry.

“They not only recognise success, they also give housing providers the opportunity to learn from each others’ excellent work and innovation.

“For CIH, they help us to fulfil our role in maintaining, improving and promoting standards in an increasingly challenging environment.

“The quality of the entries we’ve received this year is evident from the fantastic standard of the finalists, and I’d like to congratulate all the organisations that have been shortlisted. Their work can inspire us all.”