Ref: PRSH72 Date: September 22, 2015

SARH celebrates BEST achievements of staff and customers

A Stafford-based social landlord has recognised the commitment of its staff over the past 12 months as scores of customers, board members and key stakeholders turned out to support the organisation's annual general meeting.

As Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) approaches its 10^thbirthday, the housing association was placed at number 10 by the Sunday Times in this year's BEST 100 list of not-for-profit places to work - an achievement reflected in the theme for the meeting.

Once the formal part of the AGM, including the election of the strategic board, was completed departments from across the organisation took to the stage to demonstrate how SARH is BEST for the Borough of Stafford.

Karen Armitage, SARH Chief Executive, explained: "During an Oscars award-style presentation, guests at the meeting were shown videos demonstrating the huge investment SARH makes in Building new homes, protecting the Environment, delivering Social value and offering Training and employment opportunities. Guests were also asked to vote on which one best represented the organisation.

"Over the past year we've been responsible for some landmark housing projects that have delivered affordable homes for communities across Stafford and surrounding areas, so it was no surprise that Build won the vote on the night!"

The event also provided the opportunity to reward individual members of staff who contributed to the organisation's success over the past 12 months and a customer, Daniel Lynch, for his efforts on behalf of the community. Daniel was presented with the SARH Good Neighbour Award after standing up in court as a witness in a case involving anti-social behaviour.

In addition to the Good Neighbour Award, accolades were also presented to a number SARH staff. Keira Morton, SARH Money Advisor was named Ambassador of the Year whilst Sasha Turnbull, now a permanent employee, was named Apprentice of the Year.

Karen added: "This has been a very challenging year, both for housing associations and customers, with the introduction of welfare reforms and ever tightening budgets.

"Just as many of our customers have needed to make less money go even further, we have managed to do more with less and this is down to the dedication of the SARH team." 

Caption: Mayor of Stafford Borough Peter Jones, Mayoress Mrs Joy Jones and Jeremy Pert, Cabinet Member for Community, Stafford Borough Council at the 2015 SARH AGM.

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Editor's Notes

About Stafford and Rural Homes:

Stafford and Rural Homes is a Times Top 100 'Not for Profit' organisation and registered charity formed in 2006. We own and manage over 6,000 homes across Stafford and the surrounding area as well as delivering a number of local Independent Living schemes. Operating as a business, profits are used to fund our social housing and community schemes.  We also work in partnership with local authorities, health trusts, statutory bodies and a range of voluntary organisations to create safe, sustainable communities.  

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