The team of eight individuals has worked tirelessly to support colleagues, delivering a range of initiatives to help people adapt to new working practices, required to protect staff and customers as a result of the health pandemic.

Barry Johnstone, director of people, at Caledonia Housing Association, said: “I’m so proud of the People team, for all they do, but particularly since last March when the pandemic changed all our lives overnight. Everyone has, without exception, been resilient, creative, and absolutely determined to ensure that Caledonia’s 200-strong workforce received the practical, professional and emotional support they needed to do their jobs and support tenants.

“This award is a testament to their achievements and they thoroughly deserve this recognition.”

The People team’s year culminated in organising the Association’s first virtual employee conference. The four-day “Caledonia Festival of Wellbeing” hosted over 20 ‘drop-in’ sessions on topics such as mental health and home working, having a growth mindset, yoga for mental wellbeing, and caring for themselves and customers.

Julie Cosgrove, chief executive of Caledonia Housing Association, added: “Our pioneering business transformation programme has always put tenants’ needs squarely in focus, and now our People team have stepped up to ensure that colleagues receive the same level of support during such uncertain times. I’m delighted to see them win a CHeRries award for their efforts.”

Now in their 13th year, the awards recognise excellence in the fields of human resources, training and recruitment.