Housing group leads by shining example

Platinum perfection has been secured by East Kilbride Housing Association (EKHA) after it scooped the highest possible award under the Investors in People accreditation system.

The organisation was re-assessed as part of the accreditation it originally earned in 2017 and was delighted to learn it had been upgraded from Gold to Platinum standard.

EKHA is one of the few Scottish housing associations to attain this level – and the first under the new panel system of accreditation. Chief executive Andy Young said: “We are delighted to be recognised in this way.

“Every person involved in EKHA can feel very proud of this award, because when we talk about a ‘one team culture’, we do include board, staff and tenants, who are all integral to running our organisation in the best way we all can.

“However, there will be no resting on our laurels and we already have an action plan for improvement, which we will be working on to try and maintain our Platinum standard. Well done everybody.”

Nicola Dillon, the Investors in People assessor who has worked with EKHA for the past six years and helped it on its improvement path, added: “Since EKHA’s initial assessment in 2017, I have witnessed a fantastic journey of success to achieve a culture of strong leadership and empowerment at every level.

“Participation, collaboration and teamwork are all at the heart of EKHA’s approach to decision-making. Their board, chief executive and senior leaders are inspirational through giving everyone a voice and ensuring people feel heard.

“They provide high levels of empowerment, ownership, trust, mentoring and coaching to support people to take the lead and make decisions without permission.

“A collaborative one-team approach is at the heart of decision making.”