Ambassadors Awards
Colleagues received Awards at Chester & District Housing Trust’s (CDHT) biannual conference which was attended by more than 350 workers.
Every colleague except those on emergency call attended the CDHT conference at Chester Racecourse. It included a motivational talk from Graham Wilson, of the Successfactory in Burwardsley, a light-hearted talk from Emmanuel Aharoni examining the differences between men and women and a vote of thanks from CDHT Chair Rob Thompson.
After 100s of nominations, awards were presented by CDHT Chief Executive John Denny to colleagues who go that extra mile and are totally committed and passionate about their work. They included: Gemma Barnes, Steve Biggs, Gerry Carrick, Alan Gilibrand, Tony Hayden, Sandra Holmes, Eddie James, Colin Keenan, Paul Knight, Lee Reynolds, Jess Turner and Paul Webster, with the Team Award being presented to Customer Services.
Welcoming colleagues to CDHT’s conference, John Denny said:
“If you think of the journey we’ve been on today is about celebration. It’s not been an easy 10 years – starting off with the transfer which was a hard task for five years and was then turned around. The people responsible for the future of the organisation turned it around and are responsible for the change today. Our first inspection gave us a zero status with uncertain prospects for the future and within 18 months we went from zero to excellent, the first organisation to do this. Times have changed; the original transfer was of its time and was great – the organisation did not concentrate on engaging people. This organisation is now about people, working with people and giving opportunities. We have to respond to changing circumstances – we are on the cusp of taking advantage of that, which is down to a vision and a mission, ‘creating opportunity by doing the right thing’. People are empowered to do the right thing.
“The customer is genuinely at the centre of what we do. We are successful because we are full of interesting and quirky people who challenge and support each other for the future. Our communities are genuinely sustainable. More and more people from our communities work in the Trust, which is currently at 53 per cent and growing. The establishment of our residents’ board has been astonishing.
“Incredible opportunities are coming out of localism, which has never made more sense. We can work in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester to deliver local, integrated services. It is not the end of social housing but the start of a new era with fantastic opportunities.”
Sue Cadwaladr, of the winning Customer Service team, added:
“This was an excellent day, which bought everyone together and makes you want to play a big part in the Trust moving forward.”
Margaret Parker, of CDHT’s Housing Management team, said:
“It was good as a newcomer to meet and talk with other staff members not in my team. I was so impressed by everyone’s enthusiasm for the future. There was so much dedication from all staff who are all working together as a team to build an even better future for CDHT.”
Terry Coppack, of CDHT’s Grounds Maintenance team, added:
“This was a good all round experience, great for team building and meeting other company members who we don’t normally see.”
Ends: 538 words
For more information and photos please visit:
http://www.marketingprojects.co.uk/news/chester-district-housing-trust
CAPTIONS: (L-R)
100_0506: Deputy Chief Executive Su Bramley (centre) talking with colleagues at CDHT’s conference
100_0499: Colleagues taking part in activities at CDHT’s biannual conference
P1000639: Members of CDHT’s Residents’ Board at the biannual conference at Chester Racecourse
DSC_0107: John Denny addressing colleagues at CDHT’s biannual conference
Notes to editors
Chester & District Housing Trust (CDHT) is a dynamic and enterprising organisation at the forefront of delivering positive impacts in the communities with which it works. The Trust’s homes span six communities – Blacon North; Blacon South; Chester City Area; The Rurals; Lache and Handbridge; Upton, Hoole, Newton and Plas Newton.
Committed to the best principles of social enterprise with over 14,000 local customers in 6,200 properties and 53% of its 275 colleagues living within its communities, the Trust adheres to key commitments and principles relating to people, places, partnerships and performance which underpin the Vision to ‘create opportunity’, through its mission, ‘by doing the right thing’.
The Trust is about being transparent and accountable in everything that is done and to this end is one of the first organisations nationally to have established a Residents’ Board, with full delegated powers from the Trust Board, to direct services which impact upon their lives.
The Trust has a comprehensive development programme delivering over 330 new homes including the £12million regeneration of the Treborth Road area of Chester providing new homes for rent, sale and shared ownership, as well as a village green and wildlife habitats.
CDHT also provides services on a partnership basis, to a number of other customers e.g. Telecare services, TrustWorks Maintenance Services, Housing Options advice, waiting list management and choice based lettings to neighbouring local authorities and registered social landlords.
The Trust is rated as two Star excellent by the Audit Commission, has the highest possible rating from Telecare Services Association and is also credited Investors in People and is the overall Employer of the Year For Cheshire West. It has been in the ‘Top 100 Sunday Times best companies to work for’ for the last 3 years, reaching its highest position of 47th this year.
For more details please visit www.cdht.org or request a copy of CDHT’s Corporate Plan 2009-2014.
CDHT Press Contacts: Phil Brotherhood
E: phil@marketingprojects.co.uk M: 07884 493370
Jane Harrad-Roberts
E: jane@marketingprojects.co.uk M: 07785 395705
W: www.marketingprojects.co.uk T: 01244 330000
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