About us

Awards and Accreditations

	Customer Service Excellence Customer Service Excellence is the Government's national standard for excellence in customer service. Customer Service Excellence holders must have demonstrated that they offer choice to their customers so that a wide range of needs are catered for. The benefits of new technology are maximised. Users and staff are consulted on where choices can be made. Communities have a say in the design and delivery of local services.To gain the award HFI had to provide evidence to show we met the key criteria: Setting standards and performing well Actively engaging with customers, partners and staff Being fair and accessible to everyone and promoting choice Continuously developing and improving Using resources effectively and imaginatively Contributing to improving opportunities and quality of life in the community we serve. The assessors spoke to staff, senior management, Board members, customers and partners (including Kier Islington, the police and Islington Council) as well as visiting HFI’s offices around the borough. Feedback from the assessors report included comments that: There was general agreement from customers that there has been a marked improvement in the quality of service in all areas since the handover to HFI. This is particularly true in terms of improved communication. There were excellent examples of the use of technology for the benefit of customers both through the use of electronic key fobs and through video diary facilities and electronic voting systems to gather users' views and concerns. HFI Direct is extremely well managed and every effort is made to use the information gained through direct interaction with customers to influence and improve the overall quality of service the organisation provides.'
	ISO 9001:2000 Certification (International Standard Organisation) Property Services Division achieved BS EN ISO9001: 2000 certification to Quality Management Systems following a three-day inspection by BM TRADA an external multi-sector certification body accredited by UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) in October 2004. The accreditation covers all aspects of the work undertaken by staff within Property Services. ISO (International Standard Organisation) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies. BS EN 9001:2000 is the official version of the international ISO9001: 2000 standard for Quality Management Systems.
	Investors in People The Investors in People Standard provides a framework that helps organisations to improve performance and realise objectives through the effective management and development of their people. In December 2009 HFI was awarded ‘silver’ status which is an increase in two levels since the last assessment. This also puts HFI amongst the top 1% of organisations that have IIP accreditation.
	OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems) OHSAS 18001 is the internationally recognised assessment specification for occupational health and safety management systems. It was developed by a selection of leading trade bodies, international standards and certification bodies to address a gap where no third-party certifiable international standard exists. OHSAS 18001 has been designed to be compatible with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, to help organisations meet their health and safety obligations in an efficient manner. The following key areas are addressed by OHSAS 18001: Planning for hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control OHSAS management programme Structure and responsibility Training, awareness and competence Consultation and communication Operational control Emergency preparedness and response Performance measuring, monitoring and improvement
	BSC 5 stars (British Safety Council) HFI was the first ALMO to be awarded a maximum 5 star rating in its health and safety audit. Auditors from the British Safety Council (BSC) came in during July 2006 to meet a whole range of staff as part of the assessment. They looked for information on the organisation’s safety, management control systems, safety culture, emergency control systems, management of accident reporting and workplace implementation.
	Stonewall Diversity Champion Stonewall's Diversity Champion programme is Britain's good practice forum in which employers can work with Stonewall, and each other, to promote lesbian, gay and bisexual equality in the workplace. Diversity Champion brings together employers who are at the cutting edge of delivering diversity in business and public service and focuses on the new challenges and opportunities for employers addressing issues of diversity in the workplace.
	Positive about Disabled People (Two Ticks) The symbol reinforces HFI’s continuing commitment to existing and potential employees that they will be treated fairly at every stage of their recruitment, selection and employment taking into account HFI’s business and service needs. This is also furthered by HFI’s commitment to guarantee a disabled candidate an interview and testing session if they meet the minimum agreed short listing criteria agreed by the recruiting panel in line with HFI’s policy on recruitment and selection.
	Age Positive The Age Positive campaign promotes the benefits of employing a mixed-age workforce that includes older and younger people. We encourage employers to make decisions about recruitment, training and retention that do not discriminate against someone because of their age.
	National Federation of ALMOs Won best community initiative for Sports Access for Everyone. During 2006/07 the SAFE programme involved over 1000 young people in a variety of sporting activities including coaching, competitions and accredited training courses throughout Islington. The activities were targeted at young people aged 8–19 on estates around the borough. The training programme also offered opportunities to anyone aged 16 and above to gain qualifications as a sports coach or leader. The project had two key objectives: To combat antisocial behaviour amongst young people To increase positive activities and opportunities for young people and adults living on estates in Islington
	National Federation of ALMOs (Commended) Commended for most inspired resident led programme for Brecknock Road playground. This project has shown how HFI and the local authority can work together with residents; and demonstrates that residents can have a positive impact on their local community and can take an active role in improving their environment.
	Special Achievements Award from the London Fire Brigade The Fire Brigade's staff awards have a special category for external partners. We were one of four external organisations to receive special recognition at the ceremony. The wording on the certificate is: "I am writing to congratulate you for the outstanding work of Homes for Islington in consistently demonstrating commitment to improving community fire safety in Islington. Through the installation of smoke alarms in all of your 25,000 homes, your organisation has actively helped raise fire safety awareness among tenants. Together with the London Fire Brigade, Homes for Islington has secured Crime and Disorder Partnership funding to provide smoke alarms for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, which has had a significant impact on the safety of some of Islington's most vulnerable residents. Homes for Islington has proved itself to be an excellent partner consistently helping to promote community and fire safety messages."