Housing association’s lessons for success

The housing association was named a winner at the East Midlands Learn Direct Achievement Awards.

The awards recognise and celebrate the positive impact that learning has on people and businesses. The award for Wellingborough Homes follows a training programme which saw all 10 members of the customer services team complete an NVQ Level 3 in customer service. In addition two members of the business administration team also completed NVQs, all in partnership with Learn Direct.

Three organisations went through to the East Midlands final in the small and medium sized business category, and Wellingborough Homes was named the winner at an event at Nottingham Racecourse on Thursday, July 8.

Maureen Baker, head of customer services for Wellingborough Homes, said: “Our culture is built around the fact that our customers come first. They are at the centre of what we do and the NVQ training has equipped our customer services and business administration teams with the skills and expertise to deliver a professional service.

“That means listening to what our customers say and being able to respond to all manner of requests promptly, and to their satisfaction. All of the team worked hard to complete their NVQs and it is really nice that their efforts have been recognised in this way.

“We are a learning organisation and continue to invest in the development of our teams to help them provide the best possible services.”

Wellingborough Homes will now progress through to the national Learn Direct Awards, due to be announced in October.

John Cobbledick, deputy chief executive for Business Advice Direct which delivers training for Learn Direct, said: “As soon as I met with Wellingborough Homes I knew they were 100 per cent committed to progressing staff development and training.

“It was refreshing to meet an organisation which was so willing to get involved and give staff training and development opportunities. I am delighted Wellingborough Homes has won the award. This is their third regional award win in a matter of months which demonstrates their commitment and desire to succeed.”