The Housing Corporation's Gold Award for Excellence competition was launched in October; entries must be submitted by 5pm on Friday 6 January 2006. The application form, along with a comprehensive set of supporting guidance notes, is available from the Corporation's website at www.housingcorp.gov.uk.
Over 140 housing associations have already expressed an interest in taking part in the competition, which is based on the ODPM's Beacon Council scheme.
Associations that have achieved notable excellence or innovation are invited to complete an application form, detailing why their work should be recognised. In this first round of the annual Award, the Corporation is seeking applications on two themes: Tackling Homelessness and Innovation in Procurement.
The nine-strong judging panel for the award includes leading figures from the ODPM, the National Housing Federation, the Audit Commission, and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. The panel will work alongside four expert advisors, and identify winners through a rigorous and transparent assessment process.
The prize of £50,000 for each winning association is designed to help fund their involvement in a year long programme of knowledge dissemination, to be coordinated by the Housing Corporation. Winners will also be entitled to display the Gold Award logo on their stationery and websites.