Pathway to health and social care jobs offered by Leeds housing association

BME-led housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise is playing a lead role in supporting young people in Leeds to pursue a career in health and social care.

Unity has been chosen to engage with individuals aged 16-25 through Healthier Working Futures Leeds, a new partnership of health, care and third sector organisations which has received more than £300,000 from the Government’s UK Community Renewal Fund. 

The partners aim to connect with over 600 unemployed and economically inactive young people across the city, with a particular emphasis on those facing barriers to employment such as learning difficulties or disabilities, mental health issues, family breakdown and homelessness.

Unity’s Employment Services team will provide one to one support for up to 90 young people including assisting with job applications including the preparation of CVs, interview role play exercises and attending events and job fairs to help candidates with confidence building. 

Group sessions and workshops will also be delivered to improve digital skills and share useful information and job finding tips.    

Employment Outreach Officers Lorraine Charlton (right) and Kelly Jennings at Unity’s head office in Chapeltown, Leeds

Lorraine Charlton, Unity Employment Outreach Officer, said: “We are excited to be playing our part in facilitating talented young people to work in health and social care.

“Over the past three years, our Employment Services team have helped almost 400 clients into jobs, more than 600 into training and 40 into voluntary roles.

“Of the 104 individuals aged 16-25, 34 gained employment, 41 entered training and six became volunteers.

“There is no shortage of capable young people out there who simply need informed advice and signposting to find the right opportunities.

“Unity looks forward to playing this role.”   

Cedric Boston, Unity Chief Executive, said: “Unity is much more than an affordable housing provider and is absolutely committed to creating opportunities for individuals and families to progress, gain decent jobs and play their full part in regenerating local communities.

“Since it was established more than 10 years ago, Unity’s Employment Services team has directly assisted more than 2,500 clients.  Over the next five years, our target is to help another 2,500.     

“The past two years, dominated by the pandemic, have put health and social care properly in the spotlight.

“Those dedicated professionals who work in the sector have never been held in higher regard. 

“We are proud to be playing an active role in recruiting more committed young people into these critically important roles.”    

New digital services to improve customer experience for housing association tenants

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has launched a new digital platform to enable tenants in Bradford and Keighley to access its wide array of services at any time of the day.

The MyMHA portal was developed after the association asked customers about their online experience and what digital services they could benefit from.

Tenants can now carry out a series of tasks online including paying their rent, booking a repair, checking due dates for gas and electricity safety checks and keeping updated on MHA’s extensive calendar of events.      

They can also interact with an innovative chatbot facility which can answer questions and offer advice to users in more than 160 languages.    

Ulfat Hussain, MHA Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations, said: “MyMHA is the next stage in the roll out of our ambitious digital strategy.    

Ulfat Hussain, MHA Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations

 “There has been a seismic shift in how our customers access services and we have sought to respond to this change.

 “Despite the pandemic, our levels of customer satisfaction have remained at remarkably high levels over the last two years.

 “However, we have listened to our customers, particularly younger customers.  MHA previously worked on the assumption that our customers preferred to come into the office, often to pay their rent, but that has changed. 

 “Thanks to our new digital portal, everyone can access many more services online - but can still visit our head office if they would prefer a face to face meeting.

 “The chatbot facility, together with our recently revamped and upgraded website, is cutting edge and provides instant answers to queries including a selection of self-help videos.

 “We have also included a live-chat facility with the chatbot so our tenants can chat to us during office hours rather than call us.”  

Barrington Billings, MHA Chair

 Barrington Billings, MHA Chair, said: “The portal is impressive and easy to use.

 “It has been subjected to rigorous stress tests with MHA staff and board members invited to try to find areas where services could further improve.

 “Thankfully, few teething problems were encountered but there can be no room for complacency and we will listen closely to the thoughts of our customers and conduct further internal testing.  

 “I am proud that MHA has taken another significant step in cementing our reputation as one of the most forward-thinking and customer-focussed housing associations in the country.”

Chancellor’s Spring Statement has left those in need greatly exposed

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive

The chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has said the Chancellor of the Exchequer has failed to recognise the seriousness of the cost of living crisis now facing people on the lowest incomes.

 Responding to Rishi Sunak’s Spring Statement delivered earlier today, Lee Bloomfield said:

“People on the bottom rung of the income ladder are facing a tsunami of significantly higher energy bills and shopping bills increasing week upon week as inflation risks spiralling out of control.

“The imminent rise in National Insurance, which will not be properly mitigated by the rise in the personal threshold, amounts to a real terms pay cut from next month.

“There is no extra money for those on Universal Credit and the £500 million allocated to local authorities supposedly to help the poorest in society is miniscule given the numbers of people requiring help.

“I had hoped that the Chancellor, who stepped forward to do the right thing in the early months of the pandemic, would choose to support those in greatest need as we enter a new national crisis.

“Instead, he has failed to recognise the seriousness of the situation and left them greatly exposed.”

Unity provides Kickstart to young career prospects

Leeds housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise is giving four talented young people the opportunity to develop their workplace experience and skills with six-month placements through the Kickstart scheme.  Funded by the Government, Kickstart is open to individuals aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. 

Unity Employment Outreach Officers Kelly Jennings (far left) and Lorraine Charlton (far right) with Kickstart employees Shannon, Deshanti, Samit and Ben

 Unity, based in Chapeltown, has provided four placements across four different parts of the organisation.  Two recruits are working in housing, with the regeneration and finance teams welcoming one new employee to their ranks.

 Each successful candidate was selected following a challenging selection process including a panel interview.  Since taking up their posts, the young people have been having monthly one to one meetings with their line managers to review progress and explore any training needs that will help them to fulfil their respective job requirements.

 Members of Unity’s employment services team also meet with each of the trainees fortnightly to talk about their individual goals and expectations. These conversations help the advisors prepare the candidates for their future job search.

 Between three and six months into the placement, bespoke skills sessions are delivered in-house including CV building, completing application forms, interview preparation and techniques, understanding strengths and weaknesses, and achieving a positive work/life balance through efficient time management.

 The central aim of the training is to enable the candidates to recognise the skills and knowledge they have gained throughout their placements and better understand their choice of career paths including next steps.

 Wayne Noteman, Unity Regeneration Director, said: “I’m a firm believer in growing our own so it’s fantastic to have these impressive young people working with us. Each of them comes from local surrounding communities and has their own unique life stories to tell. What they share are youthful energy, high levels of ability in the workplace, a willingness to learn and a burning desire to succeed.

 “All of which will increase their confidence and make them more marketable in the workplace. We look forward to helping them to continue flourishing with Unity, before using the experience and new skills they have gained to progress their future careers.”  

 Cedric Boston, Unity Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer placements to our four recruits. I heard nothing but positive comments for their work, with each already regarded as a valued member of staff.

 “They also encapsulate Unity’s social purpose which is to fight inequality and empower BME people to improve their lives by creating opportunities and helping to regenerate communities.  Through our involvement in Kickstart, in addition to other projects aimed at boosting the employment prospects of young people, we are making a real difference.”  

 Shannon has completed a Level 3 - BTEC National Diploma in sports and exercise science and is currently assisting the maintenance team with arranging customer appointments, data input and liaising with contractors. She has also spent time with the housing income management and customer service departments.

 She said: “I have learnt a lot so far.  I have really benefitted from shadowing the housing officers and seeing at first hand the wide variety of work they do.”

 Samit has completed A-Level economics, mathematics and physics, and would like to go to university this year to study economics and finance. He is currently assisting the finance team with inputting and raising invoices.

 Samit said: “This is a genuinely great opportunity, setting me up for anything I may want to do in the future. With great colleagues and a wonderful work environment, joining Unity was one of the best decisions I could have made.”

 Deshanti has experience within customer service and cashier roles, having completed GCSE business studies, electronic document preparation, principles of accounts and family resource and management.  She is currently working with the housing team, directly managing a small number of tenancies, shadowing housing officers and assisting tenants with their queries.

 Deshanti said: “I find the team very supportive in helping me gain customer service and IT skills.  Unity has motivated me to work harder and be more confident with leadership roles, developing interpersonal skills and problem solving skills in a positive environment.”

 Ben has worked in a Jobcentre and completed NVQ Level 2 qualifications in business administration and customer service.  He is already a valued member of the regeneration team, visiting development sites and learning how Unity provides new homes for local communities in Leeds.  

 Ben said: “The regeneration team has shown me how Unity goes through the process of acquiring new properties.  I enjoy being on site and meeting with the construction teams.”  

Burendo announce new Finance Director

Leeds-based agile business transformation leader Burendo has appointed Sadie Alton as Finance Director.

Sadie Alton Adam, Burendo Associate Director

She joins from a competitor technical consultancy where her outstanding work led to her being shortlisted for the 2021 Northern Finance Director Award.   

A graduate of Newcastle University, Sadie arrives at Burendo with more than two decades of experience in corporate finance, restructuring and as a Finance Director.

She is the latest high profile recruit to an almost 150-strong team at Burendo which specialises in empowering large organisations and SMEs to improve their agile adoption and delivery processes.

Set up in 2018 by Gary Green, Glenn Crossley and Austen Bell, the firm is on course to achieve an £18 million turnover in the current financial year. 

Gary Green, Burendo People Director, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Sadie.  She is a leader in her field and a perfect fit for Burendo.    

 “Sadie has an impressive career history, having worked for some of the biggest names in business.

 “She also headed her own consultancy for a significant period and is someone who leads from the front.  

 “It is fantastic to have her onboard as the Burendo continues to grow rapidly.” 

 Sadie Alton said: “I am excited to be joining Burendo which, in its short history, has established a formidable reputation for delivering large scale business transformation nationally and globally.

 “The company attracts talented and motivated individuals who flourish in a culture which puts people first.

 “It is a privilege to be taking up the role of Finance Director at such an exhilarating stage of Burendo’s development.”   

Partnership trio set to boost health and wellbeing in Bradford

Manningham Housing Association (MHA), Hollings Youth Association and the Meridian Centre have been chosen to deliver an ambitious schedule of activities to improve the health and wellbeing of young people in the one of the most deprived neighbourhoods in Bradford.

The JU:MP Programme, led by Active Bradford, is one of 12 delivery pilots funded by Sport England to test and learn how to build healthier, more active communities across the country.

The three Bradford-based partners will focus on Manningham where they have worked for together for many years.

Hollings Youth Association will lead on the provision of sporting sessions including football, cricket, rounders, basketball, netball and swimming.

The Meridian Centre will be at the forefront of delivering other get fit activities such as family ‘walk ‘n’ talks,’ yoga-cise, zumba-cise and bangra-cise, together with healthy eating and cooking sessions.

MHA will support the full range of offerings and also provide online help to people with mobility issues, caring responsibilities and disabilities, as well as those who may be encountering cultural barriers.

Last year, Manningham Housing Association won a Chartered Institute of Housing Northern Award for its outstanding work in caring for the needs of its tenants and surrounding communities during the pandemic.

It was also shortlisted for two UK Housing Awards including Landlord of the Year.

Nasir Hussain, MHA Community Partnerships and Investment Manager, said: “It has been an incredibly challenging two years for everyone because of Covid, but throughout this period we have been more determined than ever to do everything we can to help local communities in Bradford and Keighley.

Nasir Hussain, MHA Community Partnerships and Investment Manager (left), with Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive

“Our hugely successful Building Bridges Bradford project has sought to bolster community resilience through social action activities and supported people experiencing mental health challenges, loss of income and isolation.

“With the end of the pandemic now hopefully in sight, we look forward to working with Hollings Youth Association and the Meridian Centre to further enhance the mental and physical wellbeing of young people in Manningham.

“We are grateful to Active Bradford for choosing our partnership to deliver this exciting initiative and look forward to changing many lives for the better.”

Tausif Mohammed, Hollings Youth Association Director, said: “Hollings Youth Association is delighted to be collaborating with MHA and Meridian Centre on the newly awarded JU:MP tender.

 "This project will have a significant impact on the lives of young people and families in Manningham.

 "Changes to green spaces will be made as part of the project, as well as the creation of new play areas for youngsters.

 "HYA is ecstatic to be on the cutting edge with MHA and Meridian Centre."

Manningham Housing Association’s head office in Bradford

 Shamim Khan, Meridian Centre Trustee, said: “Given the difficulties of the past 24 months, this funding will make a significant difference to the health and wellbeing of the young people of Manningham.

 “The unfortunate historical association with childhood obesity and the closure of services for young people mean this offering is most welcome and provides new and exciting opportunities for our youth to better manage their health whilst having lots of fun. 

 “We extend our gratitude to Sport England and the National Lottery.”

 Sonia Fayyaz, Community Engagement Manager for JU:MP, said: "It is fantastic to see organisations in Manningham working together to encourage children and families to get active in their local community.

“Physical activity contributes to a wide range of outcomes including good mental health, wellbeing, education and life skills.

“The focus of the JU:MP programme is to support small and subtle changes through its delivery that will make a big difference in people’s lives. 

“We welcome the partnership between Manningham Housing Association, the Meridian Centre and Hollings Youth Association to play its pivotal part in inspiring local families to make those small changes with the support of schools, mosques and madrassahs and community organisations in the area."

White Paper is unfocussed and lacks the funds needed to truly level up

The Government’s Levelling Up White Paper contains blurred aspirations and little real investment for left behind communities, the chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has said.

Lee Bloomfield

In a statement issued after Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove presented the 332-page document to MPs earlier today, Lee Bloomfield said: “The present Government was propelled to power off the back of a promise to make swift progress in improving the quality of life of people living in the most deprived neighbourhoods in the country.

 “Whilst I accept that Covid-19 has got in the way of progress, it did buy Ministers more time to transform their campaign slogans into a carefully considered and detailed plan for major investment in left behind communities.

 “Instead, we have a long-winded, unfocussed document with blurred ambitions that lacks the level of new funds required to make a real difference in the short, medium and long-terms.

 “Bradford district has been at the sharp end of an endless stream of broken promises over many years, most recently when commitments to build a new Northern Powerhouse Rail link between Leeds and Manchester - including a through station in Bradford city centre - were found to be empty.

“Young people from Bradford and Keighley, including large numbers from BAME communities, want the chance to achieve their potential through greater access to educational opportunities, more good jobs and many more affordable homes.

 “There is so much talent in the district and we want these aspiring individuals to stay, benefit the economy and lead fulfilling lives.

 “I fear that they have been let down yet again.”       

‘BAME communities must be at the heart of levelling up’ – Manningham Housing Association

The needs of neighbourhoods with high proportions of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) residents must be central to the Government’s levelling-up agenda, the Chair and Chief Executive of Manningham Housing Association (MHA) have said.

Barrington Billings

In a joint New Year message, Barrington Billings and Lee Bloomfield warned that the Covid-19 pandemic continued to highlight the inequalities BAME communities have endured for decades.

They said: “2020 has been another desperately difficult year for everyone, but particularly for those who have least.

“If Boris Johnson and Michael Gove are serious in their quest to level up society, they should look no further than the most deprived neighbourhoods across the country which often have large numbers of BAME people living there.

“MHA is enormously proud of the work we do in these communities in Bradford and Keighley but, whilst we have high aspirations, our resources are limited.

“After several delays, the Government’s levelling-up White Paper is finally due to be published in January.   Rather than reheated rhetoric, it is our earnest hope that the needs of BAME communities will be at the heart of this document which will become a roadmap for improving the lives of those who require most help.”   

Founded in 1986, MHA manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley.  It is the first housing association in the country to be officially accredited for its work in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.  In 2020, MHA won the Northern Housing Outstanding Approaches to Communications Award for its work in supporting tenants during the pandemic and was shortlisted for two UK Housing Awards including Landlord of the Year.

Lee Bloomfield

In their joint statement, Mr Billings and Mr Bloomfield said that specialist BAME housing providers such as MHA are more than just landlords:

“The untrained eye might think that many of the more overt forms of racism that characterised the second part of the 20th century have disappeared today, but events of the last few years have shown clearly how important it still is to have a strong BAME housing sector. 

“We go beyond the delivery of good quality, affordable housing. We are advocates for our communities, delivering culturally sensitive services and giving individuals and families from BAME backgrounds real opportunities to improve their lives. 

Despite the challenges, they said that MHA was entering 2022 with great optimism: “We are incredibly proud of our staff, all of whom have worked so hard to support each other and the communities we serve during such unprecedented times.  They have risen to the challenge and will continue to do so.

“But we now need the Government to step up and deliver on its promise to truly level up our country, with the needs of BAME people high on that agenda.”      

First time Leeds author breaks menopause taboo

Leeds author Jacqueline Golding has launched her debut novel which centres on the taboo subject of the menopause.

Leeds author Jacqueline Golding at the launch of ‘The Secret Diaries of Menopausal Women’   

‘The Secret Diaries of Menopausal Women’ is a compilation of stories woven into Jacqueline’s personal quest to create a unique ‘Sisterhood.’

She recited passages from the book in a special event at Unity Business Centre in Chapeltown, where she has been a tenant for many years, and took part in a lively question and answer session with invited guests.

Jacqueline, a businesswoman of British/Irish and Jamaican heritage, has spent her career supporting underprivileged and vulnerable members of society as a youth worker, family support worker, children’s residential worker and independent skills advisor.

She said: “Menopause is finally being spoken about but simply having a voice isn’t enough.

“My book is about breaking the taboo with transparent stories that I hope will pave the way for future generations of women to own their truths.

“After meeting my own menopause head-on and realising how the transition affects mental health, I set myself the challenge of writing a book as a source of support for women during their own transition.

“It features the highs, the lows, the hot flushes, finding enlightenment and everything in between.

“I hope women and men take the opportunity to read my book with a smile.” 

‘The Secret Diaries of Menopausal Women’ has already had its first review.

Roshan Pitteea wrote: “Parts of this book will make you roar with laughter as you realise that you've already met these women (and their menopause) in some form or another - maybe a friend, family member or even yourself?

“But far from using humour to gloss over the profound, life-changing impact of menopause, Golding fearlessly tackles the symptoms and issues in a warm yet unflinching manner to give her readers a real 'chin-hairs and all' perspective. 

“Make no mistake, this book isn't just for women. Men need to pick this book up too so that they can better support the women in their lives.”

Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive Cedric Boston: “We were delighted to host the launch of Jacqueline’s debut novel at Unity Business Centre where she is a popular and long-standing tenant.  

“Her love and flair for writing is well known. I have no doubt that the book will be a huge success.”   

‘The Secret Diaries of Menopausal Women’ is available to order online at www.menodiaries.co.uk priced £12.99.

Manningham Housing Association lifts high profile award for ‘incredible’ work during lockdown

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has triumphed in the Outstanding Approaches to Communications category at the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Northern Awards 2021.

Staff at MHA, which manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 people in Bradford and Keighley, were praised by the judges “for their incredible work with tenants and residents during the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The awards covering 13 different categories recognise the creativity, passion and innovation of housing organisations and individuals across the sector in the North of England.

As well as the association lifting the trophy for Outstanding Approaches to Communications, MHA’s Community Investment and Partnerships team was shortlisted in the Team of the Year category.

 The award was collected at a ceremony held at the Hilton Gateshead by MHA’s Assistant Chief Executive Ulfat Hussain and Community Project Development Officer Aisha Begum.

 Ulfat Hussain said: “I am always proud of the team at MHA but, since the onset of the pandemic, their dedication to caring for the needs of our tenants and surrounding communities has reached new heights.

 “MHA may be one of the smaller housing associations in the country, but we are also one of the best that punches well above our weight.

 “It was satisfying to fly the flag for the BAME sector which is perennially underrepresented when awards are given out.

 “I hope MHA’s success will serve as a catalyst for change and we see more BAME housing associations in the running at future ceremonies.”    

 MHA Chair Barrington Billings said: “On behalf of the Board, I want to pay tribute to our staff for their remarkable efforts stretching right back to the introduction of the first Covid restrictions.

“In those early days, every tenant was contacted to ensure they were safe and receiving additional support required whilst self-isolating. Hundreds of online events were arranged for tenants and the wider community, ranging from yoga sessions to CV writing. Those without access to a laptop were given or loaned machines.

“Alongside MHA’s inhouse magazine, which is delivered to the doorsteps of all tenants, weekly newsletters were sent out by email with information on activities that tenants could get involved in, together with the latest national Covid updates.  All of this wonderful work was further enhanced by the boundless energy of Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira, our Corporate Services Officer, who has done so much to boost MHA’s social media presence.

“It has been a real team effort and every single member of the team played their part in winning this award.”

‘Bradford has been let down and left disappointed yet again’ - housing association CEO

The Government’s decision not to support plans to build a new Northern Powerhouse Rail link between Leeds and Manchester including a through station in Bradford city centre has been strongly criticised by the chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association.

In a statement, Lee Bloomfield said: “This is a major blow for Bradford district.

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive

“The city centre masterplan is partly predicated on the high speed link with plans to build apartment blocks around the new station for commuters working outside the area.

“These would have been much more affordable than in Manchester and Leeds and been in high demand.

“Being included on the promised high speed route, slashing journey times to 10 minutes to Leeds and 22 minutes to Manchester, would also have provided a major boost to Bradford’s night time economy and created many new jobs. 

“As the youngest city in the UK, Bradford deserved this chance which it has waited far too long to be given.

“The city and its people have been let down and left disappointed yet again.”     

New Associate Director joins high-flying Burendo

Andrew Adam has been appointed as a new Associate Director at Leeds-based agile consultancy Burendo to strengthen the firm’s leadership capability to facilitate growth.

He joins Amy De-Balsi and Josh Holdsworth who have been in post since March 2021. 

Burendo Associate Directors Andrew Adam (centre), Amy De-Balsi and Josh Holdsworth

Andrew is tasked with engaging new customers and growing the company’s brand as the global market for agile delivery methods continues to flourish. 

A graduate of Huddersfield University, he began his career as Senior Software Engineer at BAE Systems and has worked with major brands including HBOS, Lloyds Banking Group and Equifax. 

Andrew joins Burendo from fintech start-up Auden where he was Director of Engineering bringing together new ways for customers to borrow and manage their money.

Burendo, founded in 2018 by Glenn Crossley, Gary Green and Austen Bell, specialises in supporting large organisations and SMEs to improve their agile adoption and delivery processes. 

The trio also collaborated to launch the Blended Agile Delivery (BAD) Toolkit, providing open access to agile techniques and processes.

Burendo is forecast to turnover £18 million in the current financial year and recently celebrated the appointment of its 100th team member. 

Its growing client list spans multiple industries and countries with the firm’s consultants and coaches using their practical experience to devise a blend of tools and techniques that enable clients to improve their delivery capability.

Glenn Crossley, Burendo Commercial Director, said: “Andrew is an ideal fit for Burendo and an excellent addition to the team.

“He is an innovative digital technology leader with a track record of delivering large scale agile transformation programmes and complex product initiatives.

“Burendo’s global client base is constantly expanding and diversifying. Andrew’s experience of working with geographically dispersed teams is a valuable asset as the company continues its rapid growth trend.”

Andrew Adam said: “In its brief history, Burendo has established a formidable reputation as a vibrant company that invests in its people, is passionate about its work and has high ambitions for clients and team members.

“I am excited by the opportunity to work with Glenn and the leadership team to progress our consultancy model, develop relationships with new customers and raise awareness of the Burendo brand.

“Burendo’s story is still in its infancy and there are many chapters still to be written. I look forward to playing a lead role in what comes next.”       

‘Exceptional’ housing association reaches new heights after glowing reports from assessor

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has again achieved the highest standard of Customer Service Excellence and been officially reaccredited for its work in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion after becoming the first housing association in the country to receive both accolades in 2019.

In two glowing reports from the Centre for Assessment, MHA - which manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley - was described as “excellent” and “an exceptional organisation.”

MHA head office in Bradford

The verdict on the association retaining the BS76005 Standard for Valuing People through Diversity and Inclusion said: “The entire MHA team is focused on exceeding customers’ expectations, delivering excellent customer service by providing more homes, looking after the existing homes, investing in the community, developing partnerships and, as the only BME landlord in Bradford, MHA has the leverage and standing within the city to become a lead voice for BME communities.”  

The report continued: “MHA is clearly a values driven organisation and people are strongly committed to the work of the association.  Diversity and inclusion are deeply embedded in the DNA of the organisation, the association was founded some 35 years ago and it is clear that those principles have not only endured over the decades and the sense of inclusion has increased as the organisation reaches out to wider communities.”

In a separate document confirming MHA had also kept its Customer Service Excellence accreditation, including the award of Compliance Plus status across 10 separate assessment areas, the official assessor praised the efforts staff had made to expand services to tenants and the wider community during the COVID-19 lockdown.

He wrote: “The extent to which MHA has not only continued to deliver core services but has extended the offer - totally incorporating online delivery models - is particularly noteworthy. The activities were flexible and delivered during the day, evenings and weekends to ensure that those struggling during this pandemic could access the necessary support.

“Support sessions and activities ranged from confidence building, mental health management, online money management, therapeutic wellbeing support, online healthy eating/cooking and physical mobility support sessions such as yoga and online seated exercises for people with disabilities.”

Ulfat Hussain

Ulfat Hussain, MHA Assistant Chief Executive, said: “The assessor’s conclusions are a testament to all at Manningham Housing Association who have outperformed even my highest expectations since the pandemic took hold.

“We were never content with seeking to ride out that period of time and hope that COVID would go away.  Instead, we endeavoured to do everything we could to support our tenants and the wider communities, as well as each other.

“It is heartening that these efforts have been recognised by the Centre for Assessment. Every one of the team at every level should feel mightily proud of themselves.”

Cath Bacon

Cath Bacon, an MHA tenant and Chair of the association’s Customer Panel who also serves on the Housing Ombudsman Resident Panel, said: “I am thrilled that we have retained both accreditations so spectacularly. 

“I speak to fellow MHA residents in Keighley and Bradford every day and I know how grateful they have felt at the quality and nature of support received. 

“Manningham Housing Association is a truly remarkable organisation and it is wonderful to see that this has been properly recognised once again.”

Barrington Billings

Barrington Billings, MHA Chair, said: “It was major milestone when MHA became the first housing association in England to achieve the BS76005 Standard for Valuing People through Diversity and Inclusion.  

“Retaining this and the Customer Service Excellence accreditation confirms the total commitment everyone in the association has to the people we serve and the ambitions we hold for the neighbourhoods they live in.

“On behalf of my Board colleagues, I pay tribute to all the staff for their achievements and look forward to many more.”     

Grenfell Tower Inquiry Panel member and ex-housing association chief executive receives OBE

Ali Akbor, the former chief executive of Leeds-based housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise and now one of three members of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Panel, has received his OBE from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in a ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Ali Akbor after receiving his OBE at Windsor Castle

The award for services to the community in Leeds was announced in the 2019 New Year Honours List but the investiture was delayed because of the pandemic.

Born in Bangladesh, Mr Akbor began his career as a Youth Opportunities Programme trainee at Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council before qualifying as an accountant and later joining Salford City Council as head of finance in the Community and Social Services Directorate.

He became Unity chief executive in January 1999, holding the position for more than two decades and establishing the organisation as one of the most prominent and respected BME-led housing associations in the country.

He was appointed as a full-time member of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Panel in October 2020.

Mr Akbor was accompanied at this week’s investiture by his wife Safia.

He said: “It was a truly memorable and humbling experience to receive my OBE from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

“It has been almost two years since the honour was announced but the time that has elapsed allowed me to reflect even more on how proud I feel to be recognised in this way.

“It was wonderful to be able to share the day with my wife, Safia, and my daughters who travelled with us to Windsor Castle.

“It was an experience we will never forget.” 

Housing association CEO concerned over Chancellor’s failure to protect people facing cost of living crisis

The chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has spoken of his disappointment that today’s Budget did not include more measures to support those on the lowest incomes.

Manningham Housing Association

 Lee Bloomfield said:  “I welcome the cut in the Universal Credit taper rate but this will only benefit a minority of those already losing £20 per week after the Government chose not to extend the uplift.

“With Rishi Sunak admitting that inflation will average at least 4% next year and with National Insurance and other tax increases on the horizon, any perceived benefits from the rise in the National Living Wage and the removal of the pay freeze for public sector workers will be eaten up.

“As energy prices continue to rocket, many people on the lowest incomes, including MHA residents and the wider communities we serve, are likely to be in an even worse financial position as a result of the Chancellor’s failure to properly protect them.”  

UK Government Minister backs peer’s plea to support Northern Ireland pig farmers

Northern Ireland peer Lord Rogan has received a commitment from Rural Affairs Minister Lord Benyon that the growing crisis facing pig farmers will be tackled on UK-wide basis.

Lord Rogan

Speaking in the House of Lords earlier today, Lord Rogan said:  “Over recent days, a succession of Government Ministers has told us how much they value Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom.  As a Unionist, I warmly welcome that.”

But he added: “Almost a month ago, Victor Chestnutt, the President of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, warned publicly that the Province’s pig farmers may have to start culling their animals because of labour shortages.”

Lord Rogan, an Ulster Unionist, asked the Minister: “Can you tell us what contacts you or your officials have had in the intervening weeks with the Department of Agriculture in Northern Ireland and the Ulster Farmers’ Union to help address this perilous situation?” 

Responding, Lord Benyon said that Victoria Prentis, a Minster of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, had held “very frequent conversations with all the devolved governments on these issues.”

He continued: “It is absolutely vital that we look at this problem not just within the constituent parts of the United Kingdom. 

“This is an issue that runs entirely across the Union and we want to make sure that we’re protecting pig farmers everywhere.”

Award winning Leeds agile firm celebrates 100th team member

A Leeds-based agile business transformation specialist, with an annual turnover of £16 million just over three years after start-up, has celebrated the appointment of its 100th recruit.  

Burendo team members gather to celebrate the appointment of their 100th recruit  

Burendo provides clients in the UK and overseas with experts skilled in tackling software development challenges in short sprints before rapidly reviewing the results to determine the next step in the project.   

Last month the consultancy triumphed in the International category at the Leeds Digital Festival Awards 2021 following its work to design and deliver an agile operating model to US pharmaceutical giant McKesson.

In addition to running training sessions for hundreds of McKesson’s staff, Burendo team members devised a tailored solution for the RelayHealth division of McKesson which focussed on the reduction of its delivery cycle from 18 months to just three months.

Burendo was founded in 2018 by Gary Green, Austen Bell and Glenn Crossley who also collaborated to launch the Blended Agile Delivery (BAD) Toolkit, providing open access to agile techniques and processes.

Despite the considerable obstacles to growth posed to many businesses by the pandemic, Burendo has continued to gain new clients and expand employee numbers.

Speaking at a special event in Leeds to mark the recruitment of the firm’s 100th team member, Gary Green, People Director, said: “We are proud of every one of our team and delighted to celebrate this landmark moment. 

“Our high-skilled professionals work in challenging environments and on complex projects with some of the brightest minds and agile thinkers.

“With many new roles being advertised on our website, Burendo looks forward to increasing our strength even further in the weeks and months ahead.”

Austen Bell, Operations Director, said: “We have travelled a long way in a short space of time.

“Our success comes from harnessing the pool of talent in the Burendo family and having a clear plan and direction at every level of the business.

“To build on what has been achieved, we must stay lean, efficient and responsive to customer needs.”

Glenn Crossley, Commercial Director, said: “It is tremendous to witness the vibrancy and creativity that Burendo embodies.  Alongside Austen and Gary, I have enjoyed being part of a business finding pragmatic solutions to the business challenges that are out there.

“We are surrounded by a team of incredibly talented people and I look forward to building new relationships and working with organisations to turn possibilities into outcomes.”

New Chief Executive sets out vision for Unity

The Chief Executive of Leeds-based housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise has told its Annual General Meeting that he will be guided by the organisation’s BME status and social purpose during his time at the helm.  

Cedric Boston, whose appointment was announced last week, told a large audience of stakeholders, guests and staff gathered at The Sheepscar in Chapeltown that Unity’s BME status and social purpose “are going to motivate us to move forward, keep us on track when things get difficult and keep us moving in the right direction.” 

Cedric Boston

He said: “We’re not an ordinary housing association.  Unity is much more than a housing association.  Yes, we let houses, we provide housing services and we maintain those houses.  But we are primarily concerned with the people who live in those houses. And what we are quintessentially about is improving the lives of those people.  

“Our social purpose is to fight inequality, regenerate communities and provide opportunities for people.  What motivates me and what Unity is about is giving those people within our communities, who suffer discrimination and disadvantage, an opportunity for their voices to be heard, an opportunity to showcase their talent and an opportunity to make the best of their lives.” 

Mr Boston, who has more than 30 years of senior level experience in social housing, paid tribute to “Unity people past and present because, through their efforts, we have a good platform upon which to build.”

And he commended the Unity Board for “setting really tough challenges,” adding, “they want us to become the best housing association around.”

He said: “We want to be a great landlord.  That means delighting our customers, providing high quality services, engaging well with the community we serve, earning their respect and enabling them to become our cheerleaders – the people that are pushing us forward to do more than we are already doing.

“We want to do a lot more to improve people’s lives, which requires the business to continue to grow through Unity’s great work.

“It also means looking at potential new income streams, ways in which we can attract additional resources to the business and partnering with other organisations, because we are a small organisation with big ambitions.  We know we can do more if we collaborate with the right people who share our aspirations.  We can produce more together than we can individually.”

Welcoming Mr Boston to his role, Unity Chair Shruti Bhargava said she was “absolutely confident in the abilities both of our new Chief Executive and our staff to drive through the ambitious challenges set out in our corporate plan.”    

Shruti Bhargava and Cedric Boston enjoy a lighter moment at Unity’s AGM

She said: “Despite the pandemic, we’ve continued to have an impact in our communities, improve neighbourhoods, build homes, help people into employment and provide space and support for their businesses in our business centres.” 

Ms Bhargava acknowledged that other societal challenges had been highlighted since Unity’s last in-person Annual General Meeting two years ago.

She said: “The murder of George Floyd in America drew attention to the realities of racism, especially anti-black racism.  That and the Black Lives Matter movement has led to a much stronger awareness of the levels of structural racism in our society and the things we really need to do to tackle race inequalities.  So much of that was seen in the really stark impact of how Covid-19 has affected our BME communities, highlighting the poor housing, insecure employment and health inequalities which expose them to greater risk and a disproportionate level of deaths.”

Attendees also heard moving speeches from Leeds West Indian Carnival founder Arthur France, together with Christina Cambridge and Sheila Howarth who have deep connections with Unity and play pivotal roles in the association’s ongoing exhibition showcasing the immense contribution of the Windrush Generation to business success and social reform in Leeds.

Unity Business Centre tenant Christina Cambridge delivering an impassioned speech

The evening included dazzling stage performances from local vocalists Christella Litras and Carmen Brown, plus surprise guest and Five Star lead singer Denice Pearson who performed You Raise Me Up, a charity single she released as a tribute to NHS and social care workers who lost their lives to Covid-19.

Manningham Housing Association in running for two UK Housing Awards

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has been shortlisted for two UK Housing Awards.

The BME-led association, which manages more than 1,400 homes for 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley, is in the final running for the Neighbourhood Transformation Award as well as the coveted title of Landlord of the Year.

Now in their 25th year, the UK Housing Awards celebrate landlords who have gone above and beyond for their tenants across 19 categories.

Entries are judged by an esteemed panel of sector leaders, and shortlisted entrants including MHA have been invited to showcase their work next month as part of the final judging process.

The winners will be announced at a prestigious ceremony at the InterContinental London – The O2 on Thursday 25 November.

Ulfat Hussain

Ulfat Hussain, MHA Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Operations, said: “I am incredibly proud of the team who have worked so hard throughout the last 18 months to help residents and the surrounding communities cope with the immense challenges created by the pandemic.

“MHA’s shortlisting for the Neighbourhood Transformation Award is the result of our Building Bridges Bradford project which has sought to bolster community resilience and challenge racism, prejudice and community division through social action activities.  It has also supported people affected by Covid including those experiencing mental health challenges, loss of income and isolation.

“As a relatively small housing association, being in the final running in the Landlord of the Year category is a huge achievement.

Barrington Billings

“MHA is a wonderful organisation doing remarkable work.  I am thrilled that this has been recognised by the UK Housing Awards judges.”

Barrington Billings, MHA Chair, said: “This is great news and fully deserved.

“The team at every level have worked tirelessly to ensure the needs of all MHA residents have been catered for including during the periods of stringent lockdown.

“Initiatives such as Building Bridges Bradford have also made a major difference in providing much needed social contact for people of all ages, together with opportunities for physical exercise.

“Being shortlisted for two national awards underlines that MHA is now regarded as one of the outstanding housing associations in the country.  This should be source of deep pride for all of our staff and residents.”