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trust shapes up for 'excellent' outlook
12 July 2007
The services provided by the Bradford Community Housing Trust Group have been rated ‘fair’ (one star) with ‘excellent’ (three star) prospects for improvement by the Audit Commission.
In March 2007 an Inspection Team spent two weeks on site talking to tenants, staff, partners and other organisations about the services provided by BCHT.
BCHT is delighted that the Audit Commission report has recognised the Trust’s many strengths including its ‘focused leadership and skilled and competent board’ ….. ‘its robust approach to dealing with anti-social behaviour’ ….’the delivery of its stock (housing) investment programme’… ‘its highly effective approach to partnership working …’the Trust’s contribution to community cohesion’ and … ‘the positive work to provide access to housing and offer choice’ (through Bradford Homehunter).
The report also highlights BCHT’s strong commitment to putting customers first and the positive approach of staff across the organisation.
BCHT is determined to make improvements in key service areas highlighted. This includes further reducing the time taken to carry out repairs and re-let vacant properties. Action plans are being drawn up to make sure we deliver these improvements as soon as possible.
Geraldine Howley, BCHT Group Chief Executive said: “The Audit Commission has carried out a thorough inspection of BCHT’s housing services and their report provides an excellent platform to take the organisation forward and ensure we continue to improve our services to all our customers.
“In the four years since BCHT was set up, the organisation has faced some difficult challenges including managing one of the largest stock transfers in the country. We have also completed a major governance and structural review to create a more responsive and customer focused operation. I am delighted that the Audit Commission has recognised these operational improvements and our excellent prospects for the future.
“The report highlights many key strengths in important areas such as customer care, tackling anti-social behaviour, community cohesion work and tenancy support services. We will continue to build on providing responsive services tailored to meet the needs of customers.
“We are now focusing on making improvements in the areas highlighted by the Audit Commission.
“Importantly, the Audit Commission highlighted the organisation’s strong leadership and recognised that BCHT has the skills and commitment of board members, executive management and staff to improve services and performance.”
Martin Smith, BCHT Group Chair said: “This report shows clearly where progress has been made by the organisation since it’s formation in 2003. It has been a period of major and rapid changes and everyone from board members to staff remains focused on delivering the promises we made to our customers at Stock Transfer. This includes BCHT’s multi million pound investment programme which has so far seen £149 million go into improving thousands of tenants’ homes to a level in excess of the Government’s Decent Homes Standard.
“BCHT is taking on board all the feedback from the Audit Commission’s report and is working on action plans to make sure that, where needed, the appropriate service improvements are made for the benefit of BCHT’s customers.
“BCHT remains strong and focused on delivering our vision to be a landlord, employer and partner of 1st choice.”
12.07.07