Housing associations in Sunday best

Housing associations have demonstrated a strong performance in this year’s Sunday Times’ list of Top 100 companies to work for, with 14 making the grade as good employers.

The top performance was by Luminus Group, coming in at number two in the ranking, and it also scooped the award for Best for Leadership. Coming up behind in sixth place was New Charter Housing Group, marking a tremendous leap forward from its position at 52 in last year’s top 100.

“Every one of my managers and supervisors looked carefully at what we could improve,” said New Charter’s chief executive Ian Munro. “It’s no coincidence that appreciation of this level of management has distinguished the very best performers. We had confidence we’d improve in the listing – but this is above my expectation. And it underscores what our customers have consistently told us – a great company is made by its great people.”

Gentoo proved to be the only company headquartered in the North East that gained a ranking in the Sunday Times’ latest ranking, coming within the top 50 at number 32, singling it out as the best employer in the region.

“This is a fantastic achievement for Gentoo, to be recognised both regionally and nationally as a top employer is a great honour and the fact that it is based on staff’s feedback and opinions make it even better,” said Peter Walls, Gentoo’s chief executive. “Staff are really what make Gentoo tick. We believe in them and listen to their ideas to help shape the future direction of the business. Our staff truly are our greatest asset.”

Chester & District Housing Trust (CDHT) contributed to the North West’s strong showing by coming in at number 47 in the ranking. John Denny, the organisation’s chief executive said: “Being listed alongside well-known high street and boardroom names is a real achievement. To be in the list for three years running and in the top 50 is a cracking result we can all be really proud of.”

Other organisation in the Top 50 were Calico at 15; Plus Dane Group at 29; L&Q at 39; and Look Ahead Housing & Care at 46. Those in the Top 100 were Weaver Vale Housing Trust (53), Great Places Housing Group (58), Trafford Housing Trust (65), Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association (74), Cambridge Housing Society (75), and Pennaf Housing Group (92).

“The latest Sunday Times results are fantastic news for housing associations,” said David Orr, chief executive of the National Housing Federation (NHF). “The housing association movement has more companies in the Top 100 than any other sector. These results show that housing associations not only provide a great deal for people who live in their homes and neighbourhoods, but also for the people who work for them. We’re extremely proud that so many housing associations are rated as such great places to work.”