A Yorkshire housing association has joined an exclusive club after reaching the highest possible level of a national business accreditation scheme.
Sadeh Lok Housing Group – which owns and manages more than 1,200 homes in Kirklees and Wakefield – has been awarded the Gold Investors in People status just 18 months after signing up to the initiative.
And, so impressed were the assessors in the housing association’s performance, it has now been asked to become an Investors in People Champion, for transformational cultural change to support both public and private sector businesses.
A comprehensive business improvement programme, developed by the new management team and Board, has seen the organisation dramatically turn around its financial position, performance and reputation across the housing sector.
In their report, the assessor stated that “the pace and extent of progress and change cannot be underestimated. “The turnaround and improvements in operational performance, and more significantly organisational culture within a relatively short timeframe are highly commendable and testament to the commitment, dedication, perseverance and positive ‘can do’ approach of all involved.”
It continued: “The organisation has through its people demonstrated itself to be very resourceful and highly sophisticated for its size, ‘punching well above its weight’ and a formidable force within the Housing Sector”.
Penny Gilyard, Sadeh Lok’s Corporate Resources Director, said: “Through sound HR management processes and organisational development interventions, we have been able to significantly change the culture and drive performance within the business, which shows the value that HR can bring in leading business transformation.”
Paul Dolan, Sadeh Lok’s Chief Executive, said: “The Investors in People Gold Award is an amazing achievement for everyone associated with our business.
“We have now become members of a very exclusive club as nationally, only 3.5 per cent of businesses hold the gold level, with only a handful being housing associations.
“The Gold standard is about excellence in people and culture, the two key ingredients for any successful business. I am lucky to have such a fantastic employee team determined to provide excellence across our business.
“This year will see Sadeh Lok celebrate 25 years as a housing association and there is no doubt this recognition is the most significant success story in those 25 years.
“We will continue to provide innovative solutions for our residents and communities in response to the tough economic environment; nothing will distract us from that.”
The jubilant Sadeh Lok team
For further informationplease contact:
Paul Dolan, Chief Executive, on 01484 435715
David Simister, Different PR, on 0845 389 26 26
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