The IIP framework is a globally-recognised standard for people management, defining what it takes to lead, support, and manage people effectively to achieve sustainable results. IIP give continual advice and support on how to improve workplace culture, specifically in areas around employee engagement, communication, organisational culture and work practices.

For WSHA, achieving ‘Gold’ accreditation reflects the Association’s commitment to creating a positive workplace where teams and individuals feel supported to achieve their career aspirations in a healthy, inclusive and nurturing environment. This, in turn, supports the development of an engaged and passionate staff team ready to deliver the very best in customer service. This result is upheld in the organisation’s latest Customer Satisfaction figures, where 88% of WSHA’s tenants reported themselves as satisfied with the Organisation’s overall service.

WSHA also received an upgrade in their IIP: Wellbeing award and their IPP: Young People award, from Silver and to Gold and from Standard to Silver respectively.

WSHA has in place an extensive wellbeing plan for supporting employee’s physical and mental health and wellbeing, including the options of hybrid working and flexible working, which help staff find a work/life balance that works for them. There is a programme of wellbeing activities including complimentary therapies; access to an Employee Assistance Programme that includes free counselling and mental health advice; staff benefits including an EV Car hire salary sacrifice scheme and discounts on tech and home goods; and a commitment to recognising achievement across all levels of the organisation.

WSHA’s Investors In People: Young People award recognises how WSHA are actively working to recruit more young people into the organisation, working in partnership with local authorities, Universities and the Modern Apprenticeship scheme to provide routes into work. Young people are given support in CV writing and preparing for job interviews, and there are opportunities for entry-level employees to upskill via job-shadowing or secondments within the organisation, giving young people experience of different roles in the Housing sector.

Jennifer Cairns, director of corporate services, said: “We’re incredibly proud that the work we’ve done alongside our whole team to nurture a positive, high performing and values-based culture has been recognised in this way. We want WSHA to be not only a workplace, but an organisation where team members can find encouragement and support in their roles and have a healthy, happy working life.”