Staff excellence and high tenancy satisfaction ratings at Choice have helped it become the first housing association in the UK and Ireland to receive Platinum Accreditation from Supporting Communities.
The top level award recognises Choice’s sector-leading approach to tenant participation, highlighting its commitment to ensuring tenants have a meaningful voice in shaping housing services across Northern Ireland’s eleven council areas.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA presented Choice’s Michelle McAnespy and William Wilson with the award at a special ceremony at Parliament Buildings this week.
Minister Lyons said: “I warmly congratulate Choice Housing on securing the first-ever Supporting Communities Platinum Accreditation in Northern Ireland. I also want to thank Supporting Communities for its invaluable contribution to promoting tenant involvement in the social housing sector here.
“Northern Ireland has, for many years, set the standard for tenant participation and engagement, and this award recognises Choice’s commitment to ensuring their tenants feel valued and have a meaningful voice when it comes to the policies and decisions that affect their lives.”
“As Minister with responsibility for housing, I have seen the positive impact that tenant participation can have in building stronger communities, and that is why I have prioritised the upcoming launch of a public consultation on a new and refreshed Tenant Participation Strategy which will be help build on the excellent progress made to date.”
Previously awarded ‘Silver’ in the Tenant Participation Standards Accreditation (TP), Choice has now gone two steps better to reinforce its reputation for delivering operational excellence. Achieving the highest tier follows an assessment by Supporting Communities that focused on three components: participation strategies, decision-making processes, and information sharing.
As part of the accreditation, Choice – which maintains fourteen thousand homes across the region and employs more than five hundred members of staff – had to critique its operations, identify potential areas for improvement, and score its performances.
Following an assessment by an independent panel, Choice was awarded with Platinum accreditation. Choice scored highly across the ’10 Standards’, including the information it provides to tenants as a landlord; the effectiveness of its tenant structures; the degree to which tenants help with making decisions; and its commitment to equal opportunities.
Jonathon Blakely – Choice’s Community Development Manager – said: “This Platinum Accreditation is a fantastic achievement for Choice and our tenants and is a clear reflection of the strong partnership that exists between our tenants, staff, and the organisation. It demonstrates a genuine commitment to listening to tenants, valuing their input, and ensuring their voices play a meaningful role in shaping services.
“To see such significant progress in less than two years since Choice achieved Silver status, highlights staff’s tireless dedication to continuous improvement and raising standards across the board. Most importantly, it shows that tenant participation is not just a principle at Choice, it is actively embedded in how services are delivered.”
Colm McDaid, Chief Executive of Supporting Communities, praised the consistently high standards of Choice, adding: “Choice has achieved a landmark accomplishment with the Platinum Tenant Participation Accreditation, demonstrating sector-leading excellence in tenant engagement.
“This award highlights their unwavering commitment to empowering tenants and fostering meaningful collaboration. By setting a new benchmark for tenant participation across the island, Choice is helping to raise the bar for the entire housing sector. Their innovative practices and dedication to inclusivity serve as an inspiring example for others to follow.”
