It’s official: having become one of only 38 housing associations across the country to achieve TPAS accreditation, Letchworth Garden City’s Howard Cottage Housing Association is a landlord that goes the extra mile to ensure its residents are at the heart of its business.

 

TPAS Chief Executive Michelle Reid said: “The TPAS accreditation is not given lightly. Over the past two years we have put Howard Cottage Housing Association under the microscope, including interviewing many residents and members of staff.

 

“I’m delighted to confirm that we found Howard Cottage to be a landlord that takes pride in involving residents in all that it does. Its culture of embracing involvement came across loud and clear in our investigations, and was also highlighted in the TPAS judging panel’s final report.

 

“Howard Cottage is the smallest – and the oldest – housing association ever to receive this award.”

 

Howard Cottage Chief Executive John Welch said: “This accreditation is really great news for us. It acknowledges the positive relationships we build with our residents and the many participation opportunities we offer them. Importantly, it also provides confirmation that resident involvement helps us deliver excellent services.” 

 

Four resident focus groups and a residents’ Independent Scrutiny Group (ISG) are key to the association’s drive towards continuous improvement. ISG member Rose Clark said: “We provide a voice for the concerns and aspirations of residents.

 

“Our role is to examine the housing services Howard Cottage provides, and to challenge how things are done. We meet on a monthly basis to identify areas where Howard Cottage is performing well – and not so well – and to make recommendations for improvement.”

 

Congratulations to Howard Cottage for this achievement in its centenary year – it just goes to show that size really isn’t everything!