Housing Corporation News Release

Investors in People report finds high levels of commitment and dedication by Housing Corporation staff

Wednesday 6 August 2008      62/08

The release of an Investors in People (IIP) report, focused on Housing Corporation employees and their levels of commitment to the organisation, has found that the social housing regulator is in very good stead as it moves into a new era.

The report, conducted in accordance with national guidelines and the quality assurance requirements of Capital Quality Limited, says the Corporation has achieved excellent levels of attainment against IIP measures and sees it regain accreditation to the organisation.

Housing Corporation Chief Executive Steve Douglas said, “The report is a positive endorsement of our approach to learning and development and shows the level of commitment that our staff have, particularly at a time of great change for us and the sector.

“One comment made in the report by a staff member says that, ‘We have never been in better shape and have reached a level we did not think possible. This applies to all areas’.”

“Going forward this puts us in a strong position to provide a strong platform as the new Homes and Communities Agency and the Tenant Services Authority, set to be established 1 December, will inherit this strong commitment and dedication to people, places and communities.”

Investor in People Assessor Sylvia Zachariah said, “The Housing Corporation has a culture which embraces continuous improvements and this review has demonstrated the progress that has been made as part of this endeavour. I was very impressed with the dedication and professionalism with which this area is being approached.”

Ends.

For more press information please contact Terry Sefton on 0207 393 2118.

Notes to editors

1) The Housing Corporation is responsible for regulating housing associations, which provide some two million homes across England.

2) The Housing Corporation is the Government's national affordable homes agency, responsible for investing in new affordable homes and regulating nearly 2,000 housing associations across England. The Corporation's £8.4 billion investment programme for 2008-11 is its biggest ever. Its previous investment programme of £3.9 billion for 2006-08 funded 92,752 homes; 52,929 of these for affordable rent, and 39,823 for affordable sale through the Government's HomeBuy initiatives, helping people to get a foot on the property ladder.

3) The Housing Corporation is working with English Partnerships and Communities and Local Government to establish the proposed Homes and Communities Agency and Tenant Services Authority by early December.