NFA Awards 2010: News
News from the NFA Awards 2010
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF ALMOS 2008 AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Download... Press Release (Microsoft Word Document)
Sustained initiatives to improve the quality of life on some of the country''s most challenging housing estates have been recognised in a prestigious National Awards programme by the National Federation of ALMOs (NFA) whose 70 member organisations oversee more than one million council owned properties across England. Supported by Lovell Partnerships Ltd, one of Britain''s leading providers of affordable housing, the winners of the 2008 NFA Awards were announced at a ceremony last night at the Royal York Hotel, York.
Representatives from the 21 short-listed ALMOs (Arms Length Management Organisations) across the country all gathered for the awards ceremony, hosted by Nik Wood of BBC TV''s "Working Lunch". The audience of 350 viewed a filmed address from Rt Hon Iain Wright, MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, who praised the work of the ALMO movement saying that it was an important part of future housing provision and community development.
The ceremony, part of the NFA's annual two day conference and AGM, also featured an address by Clive Betts MP, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for ALMOs, who praised the high quality of the award entries this year.
From individuals who have stood up to anti-social behaviour to projects which provide palliative care to patients who leave hospital to live out their days in their own accommodation, all manner of individuals and projects were recognised, with the overwhelming theme being to reward the people who have had a positive impact on their communities around the country.
Over 200 entries were received across the seven categories that made up the 2008 Awards; Most Outstanding Resident, Best Community Initiative, Best Use of Communication, Most Effective Partnership Project, Board Member of the Year, ALMO Team Member of the Year and Most Innovative Project.
The "Most Innovative Project" category winners were Colchester Borough Homes with their "Extra Care Scheme" which provides 24hour home care to the terminally ill and older individuals in their final days who would like to pass on in the home environment (over 50% of adults). The ALMO has established two fully managed extra-care schemes, where residents have access to an enhanced package of care and support 24 hours a day.
Valerie Schneider, from Nottingham City Homes, who has been a council tenant for more than 29 years and an active board member since July 2006, has been announced as "Board Member of the Year". She was rewarded for her passion and enthusiasm in establishing a Disability Forum to address and overcome disability issues in housing services. Valerie has also been integral to the launch of the "Homes 4 Us" initiative - a new inclusive service for disabled tenants and leaseholders.
Brent Housing Partnership has been recognised as the "Most Effective Partnership Project" for the collaboration between Brent Housing Partnership and Brent Action for Responsible K9s (BARK). The partnership includes the Police, the RSPCA, Brent Council and the Mayhew Animal home. The aim is to reduce anti-social behaviour, irresponsible dog ownership and mistreatment of pets, as well as providing an outlet for the young. As a result reported anti-social behaviour has been reduced by 47% and environmental crimes by 52% with 100% of those involved in schemes not re-offending.
The Awards were judged by an independent panel of industry experts; Roy Irwin, the Chief Inspector of Housing at the Audit Commission Housing Inspectorate; Janet Dean, the Strategic Housing Advisor for the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA), Michael Gelling, Chairman of the Tenants and Residents Organisations of England (TAROE) and Steve Hale from Awards sponsors Lovell Partnerships.
Dennis Rees, NFA Chair, was enthused by the quality of entries: "The 2008 NFA awards have received an overwhelming response and the quality of entry was excellent. I would like to thank the judges for undertaking the very challenging task, Lovell Partnerships for their support and ALMO representatives around the UK for taking the time to enter the awards."
The fact that the government has begun to recognise the quality of the ALMO framework and extend the role of ALMOs, giving us broader responsibilities and functions, is testament to the great work being done around the country."
Designed to honour and credit the individuals and teams who do so much at ground level and beyond, the awards have been developed to recognise and celebrate the hard work and achievements of the 68 live and 2 aspirant social housing organisations - which manage more than one million council homes, over half of all council housing in England.
