Announced this morning in the RSH’s list of the outcomes of its latest inspections of social housing landlords, the grading confirms that council and ALMO are delivering homes and services that meet the Regulator’s Consumer Standards and are safe and well maintained. RSH inspectors also check whether landlords are listening to tenants and delivering the services they need.

To gather information, RSH inspectors spoke to involved tenants and observed Berneslai’s Customer Services Committee and a Berneslai Homes Board meeting. All ALMOs are overseen not only by their parent council, but also by independent boards that bring together tenants, councillors and experts from other sectors. The inspectors also met with the council and senior leadership team and looked at the full spectrum of housing management performance.

Among several areas of good practice highlighted by the inspection was the range of opportunities Berneslai tenants have to give feedback on how their homes are run. The ALMO has now promised to strive to make sure more and different voices are heard to help shape services.

Amanda Garrard, Chief Executive of Berneslai Homes, said: “We welcomed the changes brought to housing regulation in recent years and we’re really encouraged by the outcome of the inspection here in Barnsley during a challenging time for the whole sector.

“It provides an opportunity to reflect on and feel proud about what’s working well while also understanding our weaknesses and identifying those areas where we can do better to deliver the best service we can to customers.

“We’re determined to address the ongoing challenges of maintaining an older housing stock, including improvements to the repairs and maintenance service, as we understand the impact this has on customers. We’re committed to moving forward together with tenants, making sure that more and different voices are heard, helping to meet their evolving needs and shaping better services for everyone.”

NFA managing director Eamon McGoldrick congratulated the Barnsley council, ALMO and tenants on their achievement.

“Our members do know, as the Regulator Kate Dodsworth said today, that a top grade doesn’t mean there is no room for improvement – and I think that culture of looking for continuous improvement, which runs through the whole ALMO sector, has played its part in winning the Barnsley team this accolade,” he said.

“And, hard on the heels of our members’ outstanding first full year of TSM results, it demonstrates again that the ALMO model is an excellent choice for any council looking for a tried and trusted way of delivering quality and compliant council-owned social housing management.”