March 2011 - Financial Matters Survey

Cordale Housing Association recently completed its annual rent review which included an independent affordability survey carried out by Management Information Scotland (MIS).

Each year Cordale uses the Financial Matters Survey to ensure their rent levels are affordable and also to monitor household fuel affordability amongst their tenants.

Due to the current financial climate Cordale Housing Association is seeking ways to assist their tenants to improve their financial situation.

This year Cordale’s Management Committee agreed the rent increase would be set at 4.8% in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI) in January.  For a two apartment property this is an average increase of £2.50 per week.

The survey, which involved interviews with 62 households that do not receive housing benefit, revealed that only two failed the affordability test. And 95% of tenants said the rent was either fairly good or very good value for money.

MIS also questioned tenants on their fuel costs as it is recognised that fuel poverty is a significant problem in Scotland.  In 2002 the Scottish Executive defined a household as being in fuel poverty if it required to spend more than 10% of its income on fuel use.

The Financial Matters Survey found that 29% of the 130 households questioned are living in fuel poverty and the majority of these are households with adults aged 60 – 74. 

All tenants were asked if they would consider switching energy providers if the Association could source a cheaper alternative provider and 59% of respondents said they would be interested in changing.

Householders were also asked if they had financial products such as a bank account and home contents insurance and if they would like to receive a free benefits check or money advice.

Louise Percy, Cordale’s Depute Director, said: “We commission this survey every year because we want to ensure the rents we set are fair and affordable for our tenants. I am pleased to see that even in this difficult economic climate 95% of our tenants agree with the rents represent value for money.

“We intend to examine the results of this survey very carefully and prepare an action plan to assist local people with advice and assistance to help them in these difficult financial times.”

February 2011 - Chilled Out Housing Association Raises Cash for Samaritans

Anyone dropping into Cordale Housing Association’s offices last Friday could have been forgiven for thinking staff had rushed into work that morning and forgotten an important part of their daily routine – getting dressed!

However nothing could have been further from the truth as staff relaxed in their PJs as part of a fun fundraiser for the Samaritans Stress Down Day.

Joining forces with their partners in the Carman Centre and Waterside View Extra Care Housing, staff raised £150 for the Samaritans with their casual approach while also adding extra points towards their Healthy Working Lives accreditation.

Cordale’s receptionist Geraldine McKenzie is co-ordinating the Association’s Healthy Working Lives portfolio. She said: “The Stress Down Day was a great opportunity for us to raise money for an important charity and also look after own emotional well-being.

”We all had a good laugh and it was a real team effort as our partners at the Carman Centre and Waterside View also took part. As well as the money we raised I hope we also managed to raise awareness about the Samaritans and the importance of good mental health.”

The success of the event has prompted Cordale to plan holding an awareness-raising event every quarter.

Geraldine added: “As a staff team we are already doing quite a lot of things to improve our physical health as part of the Healthy Working Lives – we have healthy breakfasts and a staff walking group. Regular awareness raising events about all round healthier lifestyles could benefit both staff and tenants.”

January 2011 - We are now on facebook

Cordale Housing Association (CHA) joined the social networking revolution with the launch of its own Facebook page.

The Association is always looking for new means of communicating with its tenants and believes Facebook is an excellent forum to connect with both current and perspective tenants.

Last year CHA was the first housing association in Scotland to be awarded an Internet Crystal Mark by the Plain English Campaign for the high quality of its website.

Keen to build on this success the Association hopes to reach out to younger people with their new Facebook page.

Louise Percy, Cordale Housing Association's Depute Director, said: "We have always recognised the importance of good communication and social networking is another means for us to keep in touch with our tenants, particularly the younger generation.

"With over 24million people in the UK using Facebook on a regularly basis and over 50% of these being aged 20 - 39 we recognised the huge potential social networking offers us to communicate with our younger tenants and also people who are considering moving to one of our properties.

"This year is going to be an important growth year for Cordale with the first phase of housing at Dalquhurn almost complete and the stock transfer process now underway. That is why it is essential for us to be in regular dialogue with both current and prospective tenants and Facebook is one more communication tool for us to use."

As well as the Facebook page CHA also produces a newsletter, has a news section on its website and features in the local media on a regular basis.

Visit Cordale's Facebook page at:

www.facebook.com/pages/Cordale-Housing-Association/178409935532261

October 2010 - Cordale Housing Association sponsored local young people to organise a community talent show

The Britain’s Got Talent style event was billed as Renton’s Got Talent attracting almost 200 local residents along to be entertained by a line up of local acts.

Archie Thomson congratulated the young people who organised the hugely successful show. Archie told the packed community hall: “This event was only possible by the hard work and determination of young people who took responsibility for organising the event, choreographing their own dances and making the talent contest a reality”.

X Factor contestant Rudey Wade and local drama student Megan Thomson joined forces to coach the contestants before and judging the live acts. Rudey (18) and Megan (20) attended drama classes in Renton in their early teens and were delighted to get the opportunity to put on a show in the Carman Centre.

Rudey said: “Renton’s Got Talent has given the kids a real confidence boost, within 3 days we’ve watched shy and nervous children become confident stage performers.” Megan added, “many of the adults saw Renton’s next generation in a positive light”.

Local girls Shanna Ewing and Katrina Fraser scooped the top prize of £300 for their performance of ‘This is Me’, followed by local boy band JNA with their version of Beat Again by JLS. Third place was shared between a girl street dancer, a dance trio and young male solo artist. Every other young person who performed won £10 each in recognition of their hard work.

Cordale believes the event has united the community, boosting young peoples’ confidence and inspiring local people to volunteer for future events. The Association plans to support another talent show as part of the Association’s Christmas event in partnership with the Carman Centre. Rudey and Megan are keen to work with young people in other communities to promote involvement in music and dance. Renton’s Got Talent was part of Tenants Voice Week promoted by TPAS.

October 2010 - Cordale sets Scottish standard for Plain English

Cordale Housing Association (CHA) has achieved another Scottish first – this time it is for the standard of their website.

The association, which has received local and national acclaim for its innovative work, is now the first housing association in Scotland to be accredited with an Internet Crystal Mark by Plain English Campaign (PEC).

The PEC was set up in 1979 by Chrissie Maher OBE to lobby against gobbledygook, jargon and misleading public information.

It now has 12,000 members in 80 countries and their Crystal Mark is an internationally-recognised guarantee that a document or website is written in plain English.

The Internet Crystal Mark recognises the high quality of the content, design and language used on Cordale’s website.

Marie Clair, a spokesperson for Plain English Campaign, said: “It’s heartening to see the example being set by Cordale with their website which meets the Plain English Campaign’s criteria and is the first housing association in Scotland to achieve an Internet Crystal Mark.

“We would like to see the Scottish Landlords follow Cordale’s example and make this a recommendation for all housing associations in Scotland.

“Chrissie, the founder of PEC, is a huge supporter of any communication that brings a community together with one voice which Cordale appears to be doing.”

Marie Clair said PEC believes it is essential for all landlords to communicate with their tenants in plain English and not use jargon to make sure there is no confusion over the rights and responsibilities of either the tenant or the landlord.

Stephen Gibson, Director of Cordale Housing Association, said: “Cordale has a number of firsts to its name and we are delighted to add the Internet Crystal Mark to that list.

“We always try to make any form of communication with our tenants as straightforward and easy to understand as possible and use a range of methods to communicate our message, including art and drama as well as the written and spoken word. We are proud to champion the campaign for plain English in Scotland.”

October 2010 - Archie Thomson, MBE returns as Cordale's Chairperson

At its first meeting following the Annual General Meeting 2010, Cordale’s new Management Committee has elected a familiar face as the Association’s Chairperson.

Archie Thomson MBE was unanimously elected by the Committee and replaces Tom McKeown who had held the position for the past year.

Archie is delighted to be back and is looking forward to the challenges and changes ahead. He said: “Last year was refreshing for myself to see another Committee member take on the role of Chairperson and perform it in a highly competent manner.  I am heartened that the other members of the Management Committee asked me to come back and stand as Chairperson in these exciting and turbulent times. We are constantly hearing about all the cuts facing the public sector and it will be a challenge to continue providing good quality, affordable services to our tenants but it is a challenge I am more than willing to tackle.”

Archie said West Dunbartonshire Council’s decision to opt for partial stock transfer left Cordale with the choice to get involved and change the scale of their operation or keep the status quo and continue to operate solely in Renton.

The Association has expressed an interest in managing stock transfer properties in Dumbarton and the Vale and has already worked with communities in Brucehill and Alexandria to help them identify solutions to their regeneration problems.

Archie believes it is essential for the tenants and residents in each community to be the ones who recognise and make the changes.

He said: “There are some big challenges ahead for all the communities where the Council has identified properties for stock transfer but it would be bad for Cordale to assume that solutions that worked for Renton are going to be the solutions to problems in Alexandria, Brucehill or any other area of West Dunbartonshire. There will be some commonalities but it is up to the people within these communities to identify what changes they want to make.  There is a lot of potential in these areas and we want to harness the power of the people in each community to come up with their solutions.”

While Cordale will be faced with a range of challenges in other communities as stock transfer progresses, Archie is committed to ensuring the Association continues to deliver good quality services to the people of Renton.

He added: “The Renton’s Got Talent show held for Tenants Voice Week was all organised by the young people who were part of the Wee Kindo drama group 10 years ago. Cordale is now reaping the rewards of their investment in the young people of this community and it shows the benefit of these kind of activities. I intend to ensure we continue investing in future generations of Rentonians in this way.”

Other ideas that Archie is keen to pursue in his position as Chairperson over the coming year include investigating what economic potential the River Leven could bring to Renton and surrounding communities and also new methods of investment which could result in a sustainable financial future for Cordale.

He is also looking forward to seeing the Dalquhurn site be transformed from wasteland into high quality, affordable housing and is delighted with the speed and quality of the work being delivered by the contractor New City Vision.

Archie summed up his hopes for the year ahead saying: “We know we have big challenges ahead of us but with big challenges come big rewards.”

October 2010 - Renton's Got Talent

Tenants Voice Week is a national event that has been set up to give tenants the chance to tell their landlords what they think of their services, and landlords to actively listen. It is also about focusing on what really matters to the tenants. To celebrate this special week Cordale Housing Association is hosting its very own

RENTONS GOT TALENT

So if you have a talent whether you are a singer, dancer or even if it your dog that is talented, join the search for Renton’s newest talent!

THE AUDITIONS

The auditions will take place on:
Wednesday 29 September 2010, at 7.00pm at the Carman Centre, 175 Main Street, Renton

If you are one of the 10 lucky acts to pass the audition stage you will qualify to go on to the next round which will
be:

THE WORKSHOPS

The workshops will take place on:
Friday 1 October 2010, at 7.00pm at the Carman Centre, 175 Main Street, Renton

FREE tickets for the Semi Final and the Final Show are available from Cordale Housing Associations office at 1 Red Row, Renton and are limited  to 2 tickets per household and there are only 80 tickets for each show so call Cordale now on 01389 721216 or email GeraldineMcKenzie@cordalehousing.org.uk to reserve your
ticket.

September 2010 - Cordale Housing Associaiton's AGM 2010

The Carman Centre was packed for Cordale Housing Association’s Annual General Meeting with 60 tenants attending on Friday 17 September 2010.

Chairperson Tom McKeown spoke of the Association’s highlights in Renton over the past year which included contractor New City Vision starting work on the Dalquhurn site in February 2010 and the success and popularity of the extra care housing apartments at Waterside View.

Tom explained the Association’s successes in Renton have been recognised by neighbouring communities and this has resulted in requests for assistance from tenants and residents in Central Alexandria and Brucehill. Over the past year Cordale has carried out feasibility studies in these areas to identify the best means of regeneration.

Elsewhere in West Dunbartonshire the Association has also been investigating the viability of a school building programme and are waiting on the Council’s proposals for partial stock transfer of properties across the local authority area which is expected to take place in October 2010.

He added that Cordale’s investment in local communities has received national recognition with the Association achieving the prestigious Investors in People Gold Standard in April 2010 and accreditation from the Tenant Participation Advisory Service in August 2010. This was also reflected in the latest tenants’ satisfaction survey in July 2010 with 99% of tenants saying they are satisfied with CHA as a landlord.

In keeping with the Management Committee’s rules a quarter of the Committee elected in 2007 and 2008 were required to stand down. Nazerin Wardrop and Peggy McNicol said they were interested in serving on the Committee again while Jim Brogan said he did not wish to stand for re-election.

Stephen Gibson, Director thanked Jim Brogan for his years of service and the contribution he has made to the Management Committee and to the Association.

Since less than six nominations were received Peter Rowan, James Campbell, Libby Brogan, Nazerin Wardrop and Peggy McNicol were automatically elected to the Management Committee.

September 2010 - Minister visits Cordale's latest project

Alex Neil, Minister for Housing and Communities visited Renton again on Thursday, 2 September 2010 to inspect the progress on one of the most challenging housing projects and speak to local apprentices, trainees, employees and businesses that are directly benefitting from this multi million pound investment.

Cordale Housing Association appointed New City Vision to build 111 homes for rent and 18 shared equity properties in the first phase of a housing-led regeneration plan that will transform the former industrial site at Dalquhurn Estate, Renton into one of the most desirable places to live in West Dunbartonshire. Work commenced in February 2010 and is anticipated to be completed on or before March 2012.

The size, scale and complexity of the project combined with Scottish Government investment of nearly £20m and over £6m of private finance contributed by Cordale is a clear indication of the confidence that the Scottish Government has in the ability of Cordale Housing Association to project manage large scale housing projects. In addition to the construction of high quality homes, the project includes raising the 30 acre site to alleviate flood risk; constructing two bridges and the re-introduction of a former mill lade. All of this is within the confines of a site that sits adjacent to the river Leven, which is one of Scotland’s fastest flowing rivers.

Whilst the construction of 111 quality homes for rent will assist Cordale Housing Association to meet the growing demand for new housing in Renton, the focus of this visit by the Minister was to discuss the significant impact it is making on the local economy. Through an economic development based approach, the Dalquhurn project has created 4 apprentices, 2 professional trainees, established new business and supported small to medium sizes companies that might otherwise be struggling in the current economic climate.  In addition an average of 55% of the on-site labour live in West Dunbartonshire.  

Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said: “This significant affordable housing development in Renton is a landmark model for the wider regeneration taking place in West Dunbartonshire. 

“It will act as catalyst for more jobs in the area and will make a tangible impact to the local economy in the short, medium and long-term”.

New City Vision’s Chairperson Harry O’Donnell said:  “we firmly believe that regeneration projects are ideal opportunities for maximising real jobs for local people. We are working closely with Cordale Housing Association to make sure these benefits are delivered”.

Gaining a contract with Cordale Housing Association has also helped secure jobs at Castle Timber, based in Strathleven Industrial Estate, Dumbarton. The contract has secured existing jobs at the firm but also led to the creation of a new full time post and a new training position for two young local people. 

The Association’s Chairperson, Tom McKeown said: “thanks to significant support from the Scottish Government and our genuine partnership with New City Vision, the regeneration of Dalquhurn Estate has created local jobs and will make a tangible impact to the local economy in the short, medium and long-term”.

August 2010 - Innovative approach to participation awarded

Cordale Housing Association has become the latest housing association in Scotland to receive TPAS Accreditation for its innovative approach to tenant participation.

Cordale has earned a reputation as an organisation that continues to use innovative approaches to tenant involvement. We have used live theatre, entertainment and comedy as well as more traditional methods of engaging with tenants over the years. Evidence gathered during the accreditation process shows that we continue to strive to place local people at the heart of everything we do.

Lesley Baird, Chief Executive of TPAS Scotland, said: “We continue to be impressed by Cordale’s ability to find new ways of engaging with the community. Over the past decade Cordale have worked closely with local people to identify problems and come up with solutions to improve the quality of life for people living in Renton.” 

Stephen Gibson, Director of Cordale was "absolutely delighted to receive the TPAS Accreditation Award".

He believes the award is down to the desire and values of a visionary Management Committee and commitment to excellence from exceptional staff team who strive to provide services that people really want.

He said: "The timing of this award is perfect. To become the first landlord in Scotland with under 1,000 units and only the 5th association overall to receive the TPAS Award is a tremendous accomplishment, this is something we are very proud of.

“The recognition from TPAS reflects our organisational approach to ‘Just Say Yes’ and our drive to provide a balance of practical and innovative solutions that truly match the needs, wants and aspirations of the whole community, irrespective of tenure".

We will receive our award at the TPAS Annual conference in October 2010. TPAS will soon be releasing a good practice briefing note on Cordale Housing Association’s approach to tenant participation. TPAS Accreditation is valid for 3 years.

July 2010 - Boost for local business

Gaining a contract with Cordale Housing Association has helped secure jobs at a Dumbarton firm.  Castle Timber, based in Strathleven Industrial Estate, is providing timber materials to our latest housing development at Dalquhurn.

The multi-million pound project will create 111 high quality homes for rent and 18 shared equity properties over the next three years and landing the contract to provide timber products over that period has given Castle Timber a welcome boost.

The contract has secured existing jobs at the firm but also led to the creation of a new full time post for 22-year-old local man David McDonald and a new training position.  David was working with the company which provides timber products to the trade and DIY enthusiasts, through the Employability scheme which aims to get the long-term unemployed back into the world of work. Now thanks to Cordale, David's work experience with Castle Timber has become a full-time job.

Stuart McGilvray, owner of Castle Timber, said: "We are the nominated timber supply firm for the joinery package at the Dalquhurn development.  We will be holding stock for Cordale and providing a daily delivery. This makes the site management run better and keeps costs down is we act as a hub.  The Cordale contract gives us stability and has enabled us to offer David a full-time job as well as guaranteeing other jobs at Castle Timber.  It's probably our biggest contract and it's great to see an organisation such as Cordale using a local firm."  

July 2010 - Police launch

A joint approach to tackling anti-social behaviour has been launched in the area.

Representatives from housing associations in the area along with West Dunbartonshire Council's Anti-Social Investigation and Support Team launched the new policy at Dumbarton police station on 27 July 2010.

Cordale Housing Association, Clydebank Housing Association, Dalmuir Park Housing Association, Faifley Housing Association, Knowes Housing Association, Trafalgar Housing Association, Bellsmyre Housing Association, Cube Housing Association and Dunbritton Housing Association all signed the agreement along with the Council.

The policy aims to create a consistent approach to tackling anti-social behaviour across West Dunbartonshire.

For more information please contact us.

July 2010 - Good Neighbour Awards 2010/2011

Is your neighbour one in a million? Do they make a difference to your life or the lives of the people in the community?

We are looking for nominations for a new award introduced by Cordale this year.  We have introduced this to give residents a chance to say thank you to someone they know who goes out of their way to help others.

The winner will be selected by an independent judge and will receive a £50 shopping voucher and commerative plaque.  All nominees will receive a certificate in recognition of the kindness and recognition they have shown to their neighbours.

The closing date for nominations is 31 July 2010.  Please complete the nomination form below if you would like to nominate your neighbour for an award or please contact the office on 01389 721216 and we can send out a nominations form to you in the post.

Good Neighbour Award 2010/2011 Nomination Form

June 2010 - Rent arrears target exceeded

We have recorded our lowest ever rent arrears figures.  The figures produced for the financial year ended 31 March 2010, even exceeded the Association's own targets.  The rent arrears totalled 1.9% (gross) or 0.8% (net) of the total rental income due for the year. Last year the Association once again set ambitious targets to further drive down arrears - aiming for gross arrears to total 2% and net arrears of 1%.  But the recently released figures show that we went beyond our target.

Cordale's rental income assists the Association in managing and maintaining existing properties and building new homes.  Adopting an effective and efficient rent management policy and procedure, ensures our costs will be kept down, minimising the need to increase rent charges.  Promoting a “rent first” payment culture, We provide advice and guidance to for tenants who have difficulty in paying rent and can also arrange free and confidential interviews with Money Advice and/or Welfare Benefits.

June 2010 - Housing Minister praises Cordale

Cordale Housing Association has once again been hailed by the country’s Housing Minister for its latest development.  Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil visited the Dalquhurn development in Renton in June 2010 to inspect progress on a multi-million housing project which will transform a derelict site into one of the most desirable places to live in West Dunbartonshire.  The 129 home project is one of the most complex housing projects to be undertaken by a housing association in Scotland and included reintroducing the former mill lade.

Mr Neil said: “This is innovative thinking by Cordale Housing Association and is the kind of dynamic and new approach we need in Scotland to house building They have turned a derelict site into a huge asset for Renton and the whole area.  Brilliant would be my description.  Cordale are one of the best performing housing associations in Scotland, not only are they very well run but they are very go-ahead, very innovative and very cost-effective without in any way compromising on the quality of their projects.  The leadership in terms of both the Director and Management Committee is just first-class."

Reintroducing the historical water feature to the site has been a massive engineering project and the lade – which will draw water from the River Leven – will be opened when the 129 homes is completed.  It alleviates any flooding risk and will not only enhance the aesthetics of the site but could also provide valuable income.  The Association is undertaking a feasibility study in partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University to establish the potential of harnessing energy from the water, via a series of micro-hydro turbines, which would be converted into electricity and sold to the national grid.

Cordale Director Stephen Gibson said: “If the results are positive, the mill lade could provide a source of renewable energy that could be sold to the national grid and provide an income stream which we could use to build affordable housing at little cost to the Scottish Government.”

A series of remedial works including decontamination and site clearance has already been undertaken and work is now well underway to raise the 30 acre site to alleviate flood risk, reintroduce the lade, construct two bridges and construct the high-quality homes.

Cordale has appointed New City Vision to build 111 houses for rent and 18 shared equity properties in the first phase of the project. A further 150 houses for outright sale and shared equity will be constructed when market conditions improve.

West Dunbartonshire councillor Ronnie McColl said: "This is a very ambitious project but Cordale are a go-ahead housing association. The Council has partnered with Cordale on a number of projects and they are very good to work with. I have no doubt that when Dalquhurn is completed, it will be held up as a beacon throughout Scotland and will be used as an example to show others how it should be done.”

The Scottish Government has invested almost £20m in Dalquhurn in addition to over £6m of private finance contributed by Cordale.

MSP Jackie Baillie added: "The size, scale and complexity of the 30 acre site at Dalquhurn Estate is a clear indication of the confidence that the Scottish Government has in the ability of Cordale to deliver large scale development projects on time, within budget and to a very high quality standard.  Not many housing associations in Scotland would have the competence to project manage such a challenging 129 unit development. Reintroducing the mill lade has not only dealt with any potential for flooding but in the future could create a revenue stream to enable the Association to build more housing. This is the kind of creative housing we have come to expect from Cordale."

June 2010 - High heating costs assistance

Cordale Housing Association has once again putting its tenants at the top of its agenda by offering assistance with fuel issues.  As part of its housing information and advice service, we support our tenants by providing access to information and help on fuel poverty, utility costs and energy advice.

Our Housing Services Officer Yvonne Reilly has been working with Jim Percival of Dumbarton-based SOLAS, a not for profit company, to help tenants.  Community officer Jim acts as an advocator on behalf of customers who have concerns about fuel services, and his service is completely free.

Cordale is the only housing association in West Dunbartonshire which has enlisted SOLAS to support tenants and around 20 tenants have been assisted in the six months since the partnership was launched.

Yvonne Reilly, of Cordale, said: "We provide a full housing information and advice service to support our tenants on issues which are not specifically related to Cordale. We can provide access to services to help tenants with welfare rights, debt advice and now fuel poverty and energy advice.  When I'm out meeting tenants they will sometimes highlight a high heating bill or concerns they have about gas or electricity costs. I would then contact Jim and he would look at whether the tenant was in fuel poverty, whether they were eligible for any special discounts from their utility company or even just give them advice on how to use their gas and electricity more efficiently.  It is working really well and think it will continue to grow. Anyone who wants information or advice should get in touch to see how we can help."

Jim Percival said Cordale was being very pro-active around the issue of fuel poverty and tenants were reaping the benefits.  He added: "When I visit someone's home, I check the house is adequately insulated, look to make sure they are using their heating system efficiently, offer tips and advice to cut bills and can offer access to a benefits health check to maximise their income. We can also get customers onto a lower cost social tariff where applicable.  There are instances were utility services have been billed incorrectly, maybe meters have been misread, or customers are on the wrong tariff.  In those circumstances, I contact the utility company on a customer's behalf and act as an advocator.  In just two years of running, we have been able to get customers between £40,000 and £45,000 through balances being refunded and grants applied."

For more information on this service please contact Yvonne Reilly, Housing Services Officer by telephoning on 01389 721216.

May 2010 - Cordale ask prospective tenants about their service

Prospective Cordale tenants have given the housing association full marks.  We have high demand for our housing stock but very low turnover and were keen to find out how the service provided to housing applicants could be improved.  An independent survey was carried out on behalf of Cordale by Management Information Scotland Ltd and applicants were asked to rate the Association against a number of criteria to determine strengths and weaknesses and help develop future strategies.

The results speak for themselves: -

* 100% were happy with the whole application process;

* 100% were happy with information given when applying for a home

* 100% were happy with the overall service regarding applying for a property.

Almost all prospective tenants had "very positive views" about Cordale with people commenting that the Association was a good landlord, offered affordable rents and built new houses.  And nine out of ten understood how we allocated our properties. 

Bill Dickson, of MIS, said he worked with over 100 companies on similar satisfaction surveys and Cordale was in the top five.  He added: "Cordale's results are very high and they manage to retain these high levels of satisfaction which is in itself a major challenge.

It shows the high level of staff, how they can compete at that level each time. They are like a blue chip company.  The communication between staff and applicants is excellent. Cordale definitely looks after its tenants, they look at every possible avenue to assist applicants and no stone is left unturned."

More than half of the 200 applicants interviewed rated Cordale's service when approached about applications as "excellent" while 71 per cent thought information provided in application packs was good and 21 per cent rated it as excellent.  More than three quarters of people surveyed found a yearly flyer issued by the Association useful and more than eight in ten were satisfied with an annual review of their application. The biggest reason people sought Cordale as their landlord was because of the properties offered by the Association.

May 2010 - Cordale Gets Gold!

Cordale Housing Association has joined the British business elite by gaining one of the country’s most prestigious awards.  Investors in People has awarded the Association gold status after highlighting the organisation’s effective leadership and management and business strategy as shining examples of good practice.

IIP Specialist Lyn Forbes assessed the Association against 196 requirements and said she was “satisfied beyond any doubt” that we met the standards required for the gold award – which only 27 other businesses in Scotland have achieved.

Ms Forbes stated in her report: “Pride in the area in which they work and/or live and mutual respect for each other is key to the success of Cordale Housing Association.”  She said Cordale‘s new slogan “Just Say Yes” underpinned the core values and reinforced the way people within the organisation were expected to work, and found that information sharing and consultation were an everyday occurrence.

Ms Forbes said social responsibility was at the heart of the way Cordale works and examples included the Association helping trainee estate staff find opportunities to work with sub-contractors in the building trade to enhance their skills. Ms Forbes continued: “Other examples were also provided of CHA’s people using their knowledge and skills not only to help their tenants but also the wider community, to access grants and other benefits particularly in cases of hardship.”

Cordale was also praised for its learning and development strategy which Ms Forbes said embraced innovative and traditional approaches ensuring people remained motivated.  Director, Stephen Gibson and Deputy Director, Louise Percy were described as “excellent role models”. She concluded: “The Director and Deputy Director of Cordale demonstrate the capabilities of leadership; approachable, excellent communication skills, confidence, self-awareness, assertiveness, the ability to work hard and build relationships.  Working with the Management Committee they refused to be daunted by challenges and inspire their team in order to achieve the targets they are set whilst aspiring to great things.”

The report writer said everyone working at Cordale felt valued and complaints were down, customer satisfaction up and the Association continued to receive accolades from external sources including the Minister for Housing and Communities, Alex Neil MSP.

Depute Director Louise Percy said: “Cordale first received accreditation to Investors in People in April 2007.  We are totally focussed on constantly improving the services we deliver to our customers and future customers.

I am delighted that we have gained re-accreditation but to receive accreditation to gold standard is a massive achievement for our Management Committee and staff team. This recognises the work of all us do on a daily basis to meet the aims of our business plan.  Having sufficiently skilled and highly motivated Committee and staff members ultimately benefits our customers and the service they receive.”

April 2010 - Preparing for the future:  Cordale's Committee and staff strategy weekend

“The best training I have ever received” was just one persons feedback from the recent Strategy Weekend organised by Cordale for its Management Committee, staff and potential new Committee Members.  The event took place over a weekend from Friday to Sunday when we took to the road to Dunblane.  We decided to organise the event to take account of Committee training requirements identified during the annual training needs analysis.  It also enabled everyone to reflect on past achievements, concentrate on some of the current work but more importantly prepare for future opportunities. 

It kicked off with some reflection on the Friday, facilitated by Archie Thomson of Renton Community Development Trust.  Everyone shared stories of the past which gave the potential new members an insight as to how far we have come, including some of the tears and laughs along the way but most importantly the massive achievements to date. 

The Saturday morning was an early start with a session focused on allocations facilitated by Jim Bauld of T C Young Solicitors.  This prompted some lively questions and answers.  Caroline Shepherd, Shepherd Agency Services was also on hand to inform everyone about the Scottish Housing Regulator’s role and how they can engage with the Association. 

After a short break, the group returned to a thought provoking session on Project Management.  This session facilitated by Jim McGraw, Lawson McGraw Associates had everyone talking at the tea break.  It was brilliantly delivered and left everyone energised and fully appreciative of how this is the way to do business.  The session included practical work looking at the challenges and opportunities of stock transfer within West Dunbartonshire. 

One of the afternoon sessions reflected on what makes an effective meeting.  The session titled “Meetings, bloody meetings” was facilitated by Brian Barnett, Keylink Partnership.  This was followed by a breakout session on “What makes a good ambassador?” 

The final session was held early on Sunday morning when everyone regrouped to discuss the weekend.  Each person was asked to sum up what they had learned and what to take into the forthcoming business planning year. 

Louise Percy, Depute Director said, “What the team achieved over the weekend was a tremendous amount of work.  The energy throughout the weekend was fantastic.  The real team spirit that is always prominent in Cordale was greatly enhanced over the weekend.  Receiving the individual feedback from everyone on the last day not only demonstrated the training had been successful but also showed the real excitement for the opportunities ahead for Cordale”.

April 2010 - Cordale’s website attracts new visitors

Thousands of visitors have logged on to find out more about Cordale Housing Association in the last year.  Our website recorded 4,718 visits between 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2010 - and of those hits 3095 were new visitors.

The site, which was launched in the summer of 2006, is frequently updated with the latest news on the Association, its projects and its plans for the future.

Specifications for house types at Cordale's multi-million pound development at Dalquhurn will soon be unveiled on the website, which is just one of the tools used by the Association to communicate with current and prospective tenants.

Analytical software purchased by Cordale has enabled staff to collate various information from the site including visitor numbers although it does not collect or store any personal information. 

The site received its highest traffic in September 2009 - which coincided with our AGM - and February/March 2010 - when we advertised job opportunities with New City Vision at Dalquhurn.

Visitors spent an average of four minutes on Cordale's pages and viewed the content in 19 different languages including Polish, Dutch, German and Italian.

While the majority of those logging on used the word Cordale to find the site, other words searched included Carman Centre, Renton Community Development Trust and Dalquhurn Estate.

A recent meeting of the Association's housing and asset management sub-committee agreed to continue to develop the website, with plans for a re-launch in the coming months.