The UK housing association, which is already in the top ten places to work in the UK, has been ranked 27th in the Best Workplaces in Europe by the Great Places to Work survey - one of only two UK companies in the top 30 places.

The social enterprise, which has around 3,300 staff, jumped into the top 30 for national companies with more than 500 employees.

Susan Fulton, director of people and corporate services at Home Group, said: “We are extremely proud of this achievement, especially given that it comes from our colleagues via a survey, not a polished submission.

“To have been in the top ten in the UK for the past few years was praise enough but to break into the top 30 in Europe is fantastic.

“I’m so proud to work with such amazing people. I’m constantly blown away by the passion and commitment they show to support each other and our customers. It is so motivating.

“We’ll enjoy this announcement that’s for sure, but we won’t become complacent – we never do – as there is always room for improvement. We want to keep finding ways to enhance Home Group’s offer, to both new and existing colleagues, by learning from the results and continuing to improve our wonderful organisation.”

As well as being placed in the top ten in the UK for the best workplace once again this year, Home Group, which has staff across the country, was also named the best place to work for women in the UK.

The Best Workplaces in Europe award recognises the company’s ability to support its staff and provide a welcoming environment and is judged on employee feedback.

The European award covers four categories: multinational businesses; those with 500 or more employees, which Home Group qualifies in; those with between 50 and 499 employees; and those with 10 to 49 employees.

Headquartered in Newcastle upon Tyne, Home Group is responsible for around 55,000 homes across England and Scotland.

Home Group were the only housing association to make the list across all four categories of winners.