The Castlemilk-based association is in line for the top award in the UK Employer of the Year (2-49 employees) category.

Investors in People’s purpose is to ‘Make Work Better’ and their awards showcase best practice from businesses the length and breadth of the country and across a variety of sectors.

Ardenglen’s chief executive, David Byfield, said: “For a small organisation like ours to be in the running for a UK-wide award is recognition that all our employees are completely bought in to improving the way we all work.

“Over the last two years, we have been looking in detail at the organisational culture of the association. We saw improving our colleagues overall behaviours to be key in enhancing the housing, neighbourhood and community services which we provide to people in south Glasgow.”

Ardenglen’s small team of 20 manage around a thousand homes in the area.

“Through meaningful dialogue with the colleague team and with the support of our Board we have created a structured approach to culture change making Ardenglen a place our employees are proud to work,” said David.

Ardenglen has focused in on two areas of staffing: development and wellbeing. They have introduced a new appraisal system which included monthly check-ins between managers and employees strengthen relationships within the organisation increased learning and development opportunities.

“Following colleague consultation we’ve developed a new Health and Wellbeing Strategy which we are currently rolling out. This included a mental health training surgery for all colleagues, which we intend to follow up regularly, the introduction of mental health first aiders and a new social and wellbeing group to deliver a calendar of events across the year,” he added.

“We’ve also introduced a number of other small changes to make working life more family friendly.”

The awards presentation take place in London on November 14.