NORTH Ayrshire Council’s Housing Services team has received top recognition for their work in leading, managing and supporting staff to deliver excellent services to tenants and customers.

The Housing Services team picked up Investors in People Platinum status for putting customers first, going the extra mile, being ambitious and constantly looking for better ways to deliver services.

They are now one of only 41 organisations across the UK and the first Council in Scotland to have secured platinum status. During two assessments – in October 2016 and March this year - the IIP team confirmed that the Housing Services team demonstrated high levels of performance in all nine areas that are assessed.

This was reinforced by carrying out a survey with staff. Members of the IIP team joined Housing staff to present the award at a special celebration at Saltcoats Town Hall.

Yvonne Baulk, Head of Service (Physical Environment), said: “This is a fantastic award which recognises the great work our Housing staff do on a daily basis.

“Good quality Housing staff and support services make a real difference to the lives of our tenants and residents and this accreditation provides independent confirmation that we are delivering these services to a very high standard.

“There is some great humanitarian work being done with the Syrian refugees, while our work with gypsy travellers is also proving hugely successful.

“We are continuing to build high-quality social housing, while our extensive refurbishment programme is ensuring tenants are happy and comfortable in their homes.

“A huge well done to all the team.” Investors in People is the international standard for people management, defining what it takes to lead, support and manage people effectively to achieve sustainable results. It enables organisations to benchmark against the best in the business on an international scale."

Paul Devoy, Head of Investors in People, said: “We’d like to congratulate Housing Services at North Ayrshire Council. Investors in People Platinum accreditation is the sign of a great employer, an outperforming place to work and a clear commitment to success.

“The Housing Services team should be extremely proud of their achievement.”