Ref:PRSH173
Date: 30^thMay 2017 

More Gold for SARH

High resolution image for download

High resolution image for download

Stafford's leading provider of affordable homes have scooped a prestigious award from an organisation that leads the way in promoting safer workplaces.

Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) has achieved a Gold Medal award, for the ninth year, in a highly regarded scheme run by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

Since winning the award for the first time in 2007 SARH has continued to build on high standards of performance that are committed to health and safety in its core objectives and customer services.

This year, RoSPA judges were impressed by a submission from the housing association that outlined how the senior management team had taken overall responsibility for health and safety, together with the setting up of a strategic Health and Safety Group to identify key risks and set performance targets.

This approach is supported by an open culture where any employee can speak to members of the management or leadership team to express any concerns whilst SARH also works closely with partner organisations, such as the Police and Fire Service, as well as professional consultants to further drive health and safety improvements.

Chris Poulton, Executive Director of Operations at SARH said: "We are delighted to have won the Gold award for the ninth consecutive year. Good health and safety is a vital part of everything we do and is delivered by listening to our teams and our customers about how we can improve both workplaces and communities.

"We are constantly looking at ways to further improve the way we work by creating a safer working environment for our employees, customers and guests visiting our premises."

Julia Small, RoSPA's head of awards and events, said: "The RoSPA Awards are the most prestigious in the world of occupational health and safety, and held in high regard around the world, as winning one demonstrates an organisation's commitment to maintaining an excellent health and safety record. Achieving the standard required is no mean feat.

"This is a special year in the history of RoSPA, and we congratulate all of our winners in this, our centenary year."

Karen Armitage, SARH Chief Executive added: "We are thrilled that our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our employees and customers has once again been recognised as part of this prestigious awards scheme. Massive congratulations must go to all members of the SARH team for their hard work and dedication in making the housing association such a fantastic, and safe place, to work."

The latest accolade for SARH will be presented at RoSPA's annual awards ceremony at the ExCel, London on Tuesday June 20.

Caption:SARH has earned a Gold Medal from RoSPA for its commitment to the health and safety of its employees. Pictured: Kieran Peake, a Gas Engineer at SARH

- - - ENDS - - -

About Stafford and Rural Homes

Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) is the largest social landlord in Stafford with around 6,000 homes across Stafford, Stone and the rural villages across the Borough. Established in 2006 to own and manage the former Stafford Borough Council housing stock, SARH set up a trading subsidiary company Housing Worx, to deliver planned maintenance works to its properties and fulfil commercial contracts in 2012. SARH also offers 18 Independent Living schemes for people aged over 55 and an award winning Telecare home safety and personal security system for the elderly and vulnerable. SARH has invested more than £100 million on improvement and regeneration programmes and building over 500 high quality new homes for rent and shared ownership which have benefited SARH customers by improving neighbourhoods and creating job opportunities for local people. The housing association works in partnership with local authorities, health trusts, statutory bodies and a range of voluntary organisations to create safe, sustainable communities where residents can ‘Live, Work and Grow'.

Follow SARH on Twitter@SARHomes

Media contact:

Martin Farrow

CHANGEWORKS Communications
t:  + 44 (0) 1785 247588

m: +44 (0)7771 970025

e: mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk

Stafford and Rural Homes contact:

Mara Hargreaves
Marketing Manager

t:01785 216793 (Direct) 

m:07800 619 863 (Mobile)  

e:mara.hargreaves@sarh.co.uk