Trust Housing Association has been recognised as a finalist at the prestigious Scottish Home Awards 2016 for ‘Housing Association of the Year’ and ‘Customer Service Excellence’.

The housing association’s submissions spoke about its commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion which led to Investors in Diversity accreditation, the first housing association in Scotland to achieve this, and subsequently Leaders in Diversity. Trust also launched its Happy to Translate app, which enables people to overcome language barriers to access the services they need. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called the app a “new and innovative approach” to overcoming language barriers.

The submission also highlighted Trust’s ongoing dedication to its staff group, reinforced by being awarded with Investors in People Gold accreditation.

In the second category Trust highlights its commitment to customers with a dedicated customer engagement officer who makes sure there is a chance for all tenants to be involved as little or as much as they choose.

Rhona McLeod, CEO of Trust, said: “It’s an honour and privilege to be selected for these awards and we’re thrilled to be shortlisted. Time and again I see that the services we deliver really help to maintain independence and improve the quality of our tenants’ lives. I take great pride in that – and in how everyone who is part of Trust demonstrates warmth, caring and a real passion for understanding and meeting our tenants’ needs.

“Internally, we’re confident we are a first-class Housing Association who delivers an excellent service to our customers, so for this to be recognised by the industry as well is a great feeling. We will be on tenterhooks on the night of the 16th June awaiting the results.”