EASTHALL PARK HOUSING CO-OPERATIVE RECEIVE SILVER INVESTOR IN PEOPLE AWARD
Easthall Park Housing Co-operative is delighted to have achieved the unique silver Investor in People award.
The Investors in People standard focuses on how organisations approach strategic planning, staff management and development with one of its key stated benefits being business improvement. The validation process involved Investors in People analysing key strategic documents and interviewing a variety of staff to assess compliance against the Investors in People framework.
It is our understanding only a relatively small number of housing associations or co-operatives in Scotland have received this silver award and we are extremely pleased that we have achieved this in our first application to Investors in People.
Investors in People commented in their final report: “{Easthall Park Housing Co-operative} has a very clear idea of what your business is there to do” and “a culture of continuous improvement is clear”.
Joe Gracey, Chairperson of Easthall Park Housing Co-operative, commented:
“This recognition initially intimated in December 11 was a fitting end to a very successful 2011 for the Co-operative. A key change for the organisation in 2011 was producing a new strategic plan that outlined our objectives over the next few years. This plan recognises the continued development of staff is critical to realising our ambitions. That is why we worked with Investors in People for the first time and were delighted to receive silver recognition at our initial assessment. In the year of Easthall Park’s 20th anniversary, the report provides helpful foundations to ensure we continue to adapt and learn and maintain our purpose of making a difference to our community”.
WORKING WITH THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF HOUSING TO TACKLE ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Easthall Park Housing Co-operative organised a successful Chartered Institute of Housing training event on the subject of anti-social behaviour at the Glenburn Centre on the 26th January 12. This event was attended by representatives of nine other housing associations to review practices and experience in dealing effectively with neighbour nuisance and anti-social behaviour problems.
EASTHALL RENT AND SERVICE CHARGES FROM 28 MARCH 12
The Management Committee of Easthall Park agreed an annual rent and service charge increase of 4.25% on 25 January 2012.
This increase will take effect on 28 March 2012.
Over the last three years our average increase has been only 2% despite that fact that the majority of other Landlords have increased their rents between 3% - 5% on average.
In 2012/13, we plan to spend over £500,000 in reactive maintenance and programmed improvement work. We will soon publish on the web site details of what this work will consist of.
EASTHALL PARK HOUSING CO-OPERATIVE TENDER: CYCLICAL PAINTING CONTRACT
Easthall Park Housing Co-operative are inviting expressions of interest to be considered for inclusion on a select list invited to tender for a measured term cyclical painting contract.
It is anticipated the contract will commence on 1 April 2012 for an initial period to 31 March 2014 and, if contractual performance criteria is met, be renewed annually for a further three years.
Interested contractors are invited to complete a Qualification and Quality Questionnaire (QQ). The purpose of this initial exercise is to identify a suitable number of qualified, experienced organisations that will subsequently be invited to tender. The QQ is available by recording your interest via the Public Contracts Scotland website at www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk.
Completed QQ’s should be returned in hard copy to Easthall Park Housing Co-operative, 6 Glenburnie Place, Glasgow G34 9AN. The closing date for the PQQ return is noon 9 February 12.
For further information, please contact Victoria Whyte on 0141 781 2277 or by email at Victoria@easthallpark.org.uk
EASTHALL PARK ALLOCATION POLICY CONSULTATION
We are reviewing our allocation policy and are looking for comments on our draft policy.
The consultation period is from Monday 5 December 11 to Friday 10 February 12.
Our consultation pack (which includes a summary policy) is available from the office.
We are also looking to set up a specific focus group to inform the development of the policy.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of this review or participate in a focus group, please contact our reception.
SAY HELLO TO OUR HNC COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING STUDENTS!
We are delighted to provide Elaine Fisher and Lyndsay Beck, HNC Students on the above course administered by Easthall Park and John Wheatley College, with placement opportunities.
Elaine and Lyndsay are based two days a week in the Glenburn Centre. Gaining experience with the Co-operative and working with our partner organisation, Easthall Residents Association.
EASTHALL PARK POLICY CONSULTATION
We are reviewing our policies as to how we manage abandoned properties and administer succession of tenancies.
The consultation period is from Monday 5 December 11 to Friday 10 February 12.
Our consultation pack is available from the office.
EASTHALL PARK ACHIEVE THE SCOTTISH NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR INFORMATION AND ADVICE PROVIDERS
Easthall Park Housing Co-operative is delighted to have been accredited by the Scottish Government for the quality of the information and advice we provide to tenants and service users.
The Government have established a quality assurance framework to measure and improve information and advice standards for non-profit organisations. This framework introduces national standards for information and advice providers. Our accreditation followed an independent audit of our policies and practices relating to information and advice provision.
Joe Gracey, Chairperson of Easthall Park Housing Co-operative, commented: “We have recently reviewed our strategic plan and a key objective is delivering excellent housing services. This accreditation outlines how we are committed to achieving this objective. We feel it recognises staff efforts and illustrates our commitment to service excellence and achieving continuous improvement.”
Easthall Park recognised by Quality Scotland as being
"Committed to Excellence".
Easthall Park Housing Co-operative are delighted that Quality Scotland has recognised the organisation as being "Committed to Excellence".
"Committed to Excellence" is a Europe-wide recognition scheme that was developed by the European Foundation of Quality Management (EFQM). The purpose of the programme is to help understand organisational performance and drive improvement. Easthall Park have been keen to examine the potential of EFQM as a self-assessment model that can be used to support the delivery of continuous improvement.
Indeed, Easthall Park is the first housing co-operative in Scotland to receive this recognition.
Joe Gracey, Chairperson of Easthall Park Housing Co-operative, commented:
"As an organisation 20 years old, we understand the need to keep adapting to meet the needs of our community. In a period of change and challenge, this recognition illustrates our commitment to tenants, staff and partners to deliver continuous improvement"
Robert Farrelly of Quality Scotland commented:
"Easthall Housing Co-operative stands out as a prime example of how a commitment to sustaining business excellence can bring about transformational change to an organisation in relation to its staff development and best practice programmes.
Staff at Easthall Park acknowledges that business excellence is a continual journey and can take great heart in what they have achieved with this ‘Committed to Excellence’ success."
Easthall Park Housing Co-operative and Quality Scotland are both celebrating 20 years of service to members and service users. Easthall Park developed a partnership with Quality Scotland due to a shared committed to continuous improvement, with both organisations sharing the same goal of making excellence a part of their organisations culture.
EASTHALL PARK SPONSERS LOCAL FOOTBALL TEAM
The Management Committee of Easthall Park were delighted to donate £1,600 to Easthall youth football team to purchase new strips and training kit.
The Co-operative has supported Easthall football club every year since it was first formed some 7 years ago and we wish them well in this season.
