6 April 2005
ACCREDITATION

NATIONAL ACCREDITATION FOR SHELTERED HOUSING

The Derby Homes sheltered housing service has gained a national award in recognition of its consistently high standard of service to tenants.  

The Centre for Sheltered Housing Services has accredited Derby Homes as having fulfilled all of the requirements of its Code of Practice in the provision of sheltered housing. 

The Code includes 10 key points covering the way in which the service operates, ranging from confidentiality, independence, community development and staff training to the physical environment of the homes themselves.

The Centre requires organisations to demonstrate that they have clear policies and procedures and that these are put into practice. This includes presenting a portfolio of evidence and undergoing an external assessment by an expert in the delivery of sheltered housing services.

Phil Davies, chief executive of Derby Homes said: “This is a major achievement by our sheltered housing staff.  All of our 35 scheme managers had to submit written evidence showing how they were fulfilling the requirements of the Code of Practice.

“In addition a working group was set up, which included representatives of our sheltered tenants, staff and board members. The group met regularly to oversee the accreditation process and to select the final portfolio of evidence. “

Mr Davies added that the accreditation lasts for three years, after which Derby
Homes will have to undergo further accreditation, ensuring that it continues to work to a very high standard.

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The Code of Practice accreditation is already held by a number of local authorities and housing organisations around the country.

Dennis Rees, Chair of Derby Homes, said: “I was part of the working party of staff and tenants that organised the work needed to achieve accreditation. It was a lot of hard work for the staff involved. The sheltered housing schemes in Derby provide a friendly and supportive service for elderly tenants who still want to be independent. Well done to all the sheltered housing staff.”

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ruth Holland       01332 711068 (W)
Sheltered Housing Development Officer  ruth.holland@derby.gov.uk

Robert Hunt       01332 2558401 (W)
Press and Public Relations Officer   robert.hunt@derby.gov.uk