Golding Homes were delighted to win two awards at the national Housing Heroes and Women in Housing awards on 27 June at the Chartered Institute of Housing conference in Manchester.
The award for “best company health and wellbeing initiative” recognised Golding Home’s “We Care” approach which is based on one of the company values. It includes a variety of ways in which Golding goes the extra mile to support its customers, from hardship fund to wellbeing calls, through to practical help with managing money, finding work, community activities and mental health support.
Chief Executive of Golding Homes Steph Goad said: “I’m so proud that Golding has won these awards, our teams work really hard to help customers and make a positive difference. We know with the cost-of-living crisis, people need our help more than ever before, so we’ll continue to do everything we can to give support.”
I’m also thrilled that Annemarie has been recognised as “Woman of the Year”. Her energy and commitment to Golding and our customers is amazing. Beyond that she’s an inspirational role model to so many women out there combining a very successful career with raising a family.”
Last year Golding Home’s welfare benefits team saved customers £434,473 through their expert advice and awarded 350 Golding Giving hardship funds to help customers who were struggling financially. Before Christmas Golding worked with local partners to launch a 24/7 tenant support service which offers free (telephone or online) advice and counselling services to customers whenever they need it.
The award for Woman of the Year recognised the accomplishments of Annemarie Roberts, who has been Operations Director at Golding Homes since November 2019.
Annemarie has worked tirelessly to drive improvements in customer service and customer engagement, and the safety of their homes all of which were key to Golding regaining its top G1 rating earlier this year. A housing professional for over 12 years, she was the creator of the organisation’s “What about Shirley?” campaign which has refocussed and energised Golding’s commitment to putting customers first.
Speaking at the awards evening Annemarie said: “I’m absolutely delighted and totally blown away. I feel really honoured and humbled to be recognised. I couldn’t have achieved this without the support of my amazing mentors, peers, colleagues and family. I’m really fortunate to do a job I love, at an organisation I love, every day.”
Annemarie is an inspirational leader, openly balancing the demands of her role with leading an active and healthy lifestyle and being a wife and mother of young children. She’s always open about the demands that these roles place on her physically and emotionally and uses her experiences to support both customers and colleagues.
Annemarie is a strong advocate of women in leadership roles and always goes the extra mile to support women across the business, to be the best they can be. This is best seen in Golding Homes new inhouse repairs service, traditionally a male dominated environment, which is led by a team of five women. One colleague who Annemarie has mentored said:
“I’ve struggled with confidence and believing in myself and at times have wondered if what I am doing is right for me, any time I have spoken with Annemarie those feelings disappear and I feel like I could do anything. I really wouldn’t be in the position I am without the ongoing support; the honest chats and general kindness Annemarie has shown me.”
These national housing awards celebrate the unsung heroes of the housing sector.
