Local housing organisation TRIM (Tenants and Residents in Muirhouse) and Friends of West Pilton was named Tenants Group of the Year at the annual Tenant Information Service National Excellence awards in Glasgow on Saturday. The awards recognise and honour landlords, tenants, residents, and community groups who are leading the way and making a difference within the Scottish social housing sector.
TRIM chairman Robert Pearson said: “As a group, we were delighted to be nominated then become a finalist. Tonight at TIS awards we couldn’t believe when they announced us as the 2017 RTO of the year.
“Our group works tirelessly to better Muirhouse and West Pilton. This award gives us the recognition we believe we deserve. It goes to show just what volunteers can achieve.”
There were eight award categories this year and the finalists were selected from a longlist of applicants by an independent judging panel that consisted of representatives from organisations including Cunninghame Housing Association, Dundee City Council and The Scottish Government.
TIS Chief Executive, Ilene Campbell, commented: “The exceptional quality of entries really shined through this year. The strength of applications highlight the fantastic developments that organisations are taking to lead the way throughout the sector.”
The award ceremony and Gala Dinner took place at the Westerwood Hotel and Resort in GlasgowThe awards were presented by actress Libby McArthur and keynote speaker was Social Byte’s Josh Littlejohn.
The Award categories and nominees were:
Tenant Participation Excellence Award
This award recognises excellence in tenant participation and engagement practice led by a housing organisation that others can learn from and that will inspire future tenant participation development. It will reward exceptional joint working in tenant participation activities which have created an outstanding improvement or change to individuals, the wider community, the housing organisation and housing services. 2017 finalists are:
- Aberdeen City Council
- Link Housing Association
- West Lothian Council Tenant Participation Team
Scrutiny Excellence Award, sponsored by Hillcrest Housing Association
This award recognises excellence in scrutiny practice from a housing organisation that others can learn from and that will inspire future tenant scrutiny in Scotland. It will reward exceptional tenant led scrutiny activities which have created an outstanding improvement or change to individuals, the wider community, the housing organisation and housing services. 2017 finalists are:
- Aberdeen City Council
- Link Housing Association
- Perth & Kinross Council
Tenant Participation Champion, sponsored by The Scottish Government
This award recognises the outstanding contribution of an individual staff member to develop effective tenant participation and empower tenants and service users. 2017 finalists are:
- Charles Tippet, Blackwood Homes & Care
- Douglas Mutrie, Blackwood Homes & Care
- Gary Craig, East Ayrshire Council
- Laura Strang, Glen Oaks Housing Association
Most Inspiring Scrutiny Group
This award recognises excellence in scrutiny practice that others can learn from and that will inspire future tenant scrutiny development. It will recognise the outstanding contribution of a scrutiny group who has created outstanding improvements for tenants and service users in the delivery of housing services. 2017 finalists are:
- Aberdeen City Council Housing Service Review Group
- Castle Rock Edinvar Scrutiny Focus Panel
- Trust Housing Association Customer Panel
Most Inspiring Scrutiny Newcomer
This award recognises excellence in scrutiny practice that others can learn from and that will inspire future tenant scrutiny development in Scotland. It will reward the work of a newly formed group who have created an outstanding improvement or change to tenants and service users, the wider community and housing services. 2017 finalists are:
- Cunninghame Housing Association Scrutiny Group
- Glen Oaks Housing Association Service Improvement Group
- Queens Cross Housing Association Resident Task Force
Frances Nelson MBE Excellence Award, sponsored by Dundee City Council
The Frances Nelson MBE Award was introduced in recognition of our previous Chair and celebrates the commitment and hard work of an individual who has made a real difference in their community or wider area. 2017 finalists are:
- Colin Stewart, Castlehill Housing Association
- Liz Dewar, Letham Residents’ Association
- Mark Ormiston, East Lothian Tenants & Residents Panel
- Paul McMenemy, Aberdeen City Council
Community Development Excellence Award, sponsored by the CIH
This award recognises organisations that have achieved positive change and contributed to community development in their local or wider community. 2017 finalists are:
- East Ayrshire Tenants and Residents Federation
- Muirpark Steading View Tenants and Residents Association
- The Letham Community Hub Project
Tenants and Residents Organisation of the Year, sponsored by the International Union of Tenants (IUT)
This award is for Tenants and Residents Organisations or Community Groups who have made an outstanding contribution to make a real difference at a local or national level. 2017 finalists are:
- Edinburgh Tenants Federation
- Longpark and Gladstone Tenants and Residents Association Ltd
- Tenants and Residents in Muirhouse/Friends of West Pilton
Congratulations to all finalists!
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