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Date: 17 July 2017 

SARH scoops national award for employee wellbeing

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Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) has scooped a prestigious award in recognition of its commitment to the wellbeing of employees.

At an awards event in London, Stafford's leading provider of affordable homes was presented with the RoSPA Occupational Health Award Trophy for 2017.

Each year, the highly-regarded organisation presents a trophy to the company or not-for-profit body demonstrating the best management of occupational health.

At the same event, SARH also collectedits ninth RoSPA Gold Medal award, an accolade presented to businesses that have demonstrated a continued commitment to improving health and safety standards.

After accepting the awards on behalf of the housing association, SARH Chief Executive Karen Armitage commented: "We've always put the health and safety of both our employees and customers at the very heart of our operations, and this double achievement is testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire SARH team.

"We're particularly proud of the fact we've been named national winners of the Occupational Health Award as it recognises that the wellbeing of employees is vital to the delivery of exceptional service to customers."

RoSPA judges were impressed by the way SARH had put into place systems and procedures to address mental health issues alongside effective monitoring and reporting of absences relating to illness as well as introducing a range of initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles.

Responsibility for Occupational Health and Wellbeing within SARH sits with the Organisational Development Team, and a key part of its strategy is engagement with staff.

Jo Hough, Director of Organisational Development at SARH, explained: "We've always encouraged our employees to ‘Be the Best You Can Be', a core value that's supported by a policy of empowerment and support.

"Alongside training and career development opportunities, this has included initiatives such as the introduction of employee benefits. These include subsidised eye tests, discounted local gym membership, regular occupational health clinics, and various health and wellbeing events.

"This approach has contributed to our reputation as one of the best organisations to work for, and we're delighted that our efforts have been recognised nationally by RoSPA."

Caption: Pictured at the awards ceremony are, (from left to right) are: Lord Jordan of Bournville CBE, RoSPA Vice President; Karen Armitage, SARH Chief Executive; Lisa McCaulder, Interim Head of Health & Safety, SARH and Errol Taylor, RoSPA Acting Chief Executive.

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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