Habinteg Housing Association
After a four day assessment, Habinteg HA has been awarded top marks by Investors in People (IiP), the internationally recognised standard for the leadership, management and development of people.
Mike Donnelly, Chief Executive of Habinteg, said:
"We have gone from the simple 'core' standard, awarded under the old system, to the top of the newly introduced system, leapfrogging over bronze and silver.
"Despite a period of rapid change, it shows that Habinteg continues to be a well run organisation, communicating our aims to staff, customers and further afield. In our training and development programme, it shows that we continue to invest wisely in Board and Staff."
The award is a timely achievement for Habinteg, who have recently faced challenge and sadness over the death of Chair, Baroness Nicky Chapman.
Other current challenges include the forthcoming partnership with Livability Housing and the enormous interest across the housing sector in the concept of Lifetime Homes which it champions.
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Leeds Federated Housing Association
The Tenant Services Authority (TSA) removed Leeds Federated Housing Association (LFHA) from supervision following a series of improvements in performance.
LFHA, which owns and manages around 3,800 homes in Leeds, Harrogate and Wakefield, was placed under supervision by the Housing Corporation in February 2008 because of concerns about its governance and management. This followed an Audit Commission Inspection report, which found that service was poor and the prospects for improving these services were uncertain.
The Corporation used its statutory power to make three appointments to the board of LFHA, and these continued under the TSA's authority.
LFHA has delivered all the key actions required to address the regulatory concerns and also took the opportunity to undertake a strategic review. The appointees - Amanda Garrard, Iain Sim and Steve Close - are now standing down.
