The Association has been awarded the coveted Investors in People (IIP) seal of approval in the form of the Gold Award for the first time.

The news means that Linstone meets Investors in People’s rigorous requirements at the highest level.

And in an additional accolade, Linstone has also been awarded the gold standard with an Investors in Young People accreditation which “highlights pathways and practices which have positive outcomes for young people and creates a talent pool for the future”.

Chief executive Adele Fraser said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive the extremely prestigious Gold Award from Investors in People. This is a fantastic result and an achievement which everyone in the Association can be proud of.

“The quality and personal commitment of staff to continuous improvement both for the Association and for themselves is truly outstanding. In addition, the support and guidance from Linstone’s Board has been vitally important in delivering this achievement.

“It also sends an important message to our tenants and others that they are engaged with a housing association which places high importance on staff development which is always looking at ways we can improve the service we offer.”

Lesley-Anne Junner, director of finance and corporate services, who led Linstone’s work on attaining the accreditation, added: “Gold status has been achieved against the backdrop of a hugely-challenging period for all organisations as we endeavour to continue to deliver our services during the ongoing health emergency.”

In its assessment, Investors in People highlighted key achievements at Linstone:

• It said it was “a real achievement” that Linstone had been designated a community anchor organisation by the Scottish Government to distribute money by staff to local groups in an effort to combat the effects of the pandemic
• It highlighted the ongoing remote working by staff and singled out the estates team which continued to “support the community”
• It said Linstone had been proactive in supporting staff who had to adjust to a new working environment at home with a firm emphasis on mental health wellbeing. The assessment noted: “Staff have been positive in their feedback about the measures that Linstone has put in place to keep them connected, safe and the mental health wellbeing support that has been accessible to all.”
• A detailed “return to work” plan had been formulated with staff kept up to date on events which continue to change.