Ref: PRSH114 Date: May 17, 2016 

SARH TEAMS IN LINE FOR HOUSING HEROES HONOUR

Two teams from Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) are in the running to be named ‘Housing Heroes' after being shortlisted for awards in a prestigious national competition.
 

Launched in 2009, The Housing Heroes Awards aim to shine the spotlight on the teams and individuals that make housing such a vibrant and caring sector.

Organised by Inside Housing magazine, they celebrate unsung heroes of the housing world, and SARH has been shortlisted in the Development or Maintenance Team and Central Service Team categories.  

The winners will be announced at a special event at the Exchange Hall in Manchester, and SARH Chief Executive, Karen Armitage, said she was delighted that Stafford's leading housing association will be so well represented.

"The fact they have reached this stage of the competition reflects the dedication, professionalism and hard work of everyone in the organisation," she said. "These accolades are highly regarded within the housing industry, and to be shortlisted is a huge achievement in itself."

The Central Service Team of the Year Award is open to teams in the sector that don't work on the frontline but instead support others in the delivery of housing services. The talented Organisational Development Team at SARH - led by Karen and Assistant Director of Organisational Development, Jo Hough - is responsible for human resources, health and safety, marketing and corporate services.

It impressed judges with the way it had engaged both customers and employees and its promotion of the core SARH values: Communication, Approachable, Respect, Empowerment and Support (CARES).

Meanwhile, founded just last year, the housing association's in-house Development Team is leading an ambitious building programme that is currently delivering 406 new affordable homes across 14 sites. By 2017 this will bring the total to more than 500 new homes, 50 per cent above original targets against a background of economic uncertainty.

Led by Chris Poulton, Director of Asset Management & Development, they have built strategic relationships with local authorities and construction companies whilst providing training opportunities in construction and employment for local contractors.

Karen added: "Both teams have shown they are real housing heroes, and their efforts demonstrate how SARH is committed to meeting local housing needs and building stronger communities. We wish them well at the forthcoming awards and hope they give us another reason to celebrate in our tenth anniversary year."

The Housing Heroes Awards 2016 will take place at the Exchange Hall at Manchester Central on Monday 27 June, hosted by broadcaster, author and former MP, Gyles Brandreth.

- - - ENDS - - -

Editor's Notes

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