The housing association, which employs over 100 staff, invited nominations from all staff across the organisation to recognise colleagues who had gone the extra mile to deliver great services for customers and tenants.
The ‘Golden’ awards, acknowledging a range of staff for their commitment to customers and Loreburn’s activities, included categories such as ‘Lockdown Legend’, ‘Motivational Colleague’ and ‘Team of the Year’.
During lockdown Loreburn put in place extra measures to support their most vulnerable tenants – from regular calls to delivering essential food supplies and medication. There were many ‘lockdown legends’ as they’d become known. From the Loreburn repairs team who assisted customers across the region who were shielding, to those individual stories of support. One included a staff member who bought a family a fish supper when their cooker wasn’t working.
Lorraine Usher, chief executive said “We’re all proud to be a part of the Loreburn Team and despite this year’s challenges, we’ve maintained a positive spirit. Our management committee recognised the efforts of the team to give their best for our customers and the Golden Awards were a simple and fun way to acknowledge their hard work and commitment. The awards were a good way for us to stay connected to one another and to welcome those new members of staff who have joined us recently.”
Gemma Kelly, who began working with Loreburn earlier this year, commented: “Everyone is so welcoming. I feel really proud to have joined such an amazing group of people and to be part of a winning team.”
Winner of the ‘Rising Star’ award went to Danielle Grant who joined the Association in 2018 as a Modern Apprentice. After gaining experience across several of Loreburn’s operational activities Danielle went on to secure a full-time role as a repairs scheduler earlier this year. Elkie Astley, head of people and culture, described Danielle as always pleasant, happy to help and embodied Loreburn’s ‘Together’ value.
Winner of ‘Most Motivational Colleague’ was Maureen Davidson, a member of the customer and business support team. Maureen was described as “always taking time to check on others’, offering encouragement and kind words”.
Earlier in the year all staff were given a Golden Ticket to nominate a colleague who they thought was deserving of the highlight of the awards, the prestigious ‘Golden Award’ – given to the person who consistently delivered a great customer experience, always going the extra mile for Loreburn’s customers.
The winner was John Holt, an electrician in Loreburn’s repairs service. Presenting the award, Lorraine said “John is always putting our customers first, he never walks away from a job unless he’s satisfied it’s right and shares his expertise with colleagues who admire his attitude and great work ethic. This is a much-deserved award for someone who never fails to go the extra mile for customers”.
Russell Brown, convener, said: “This year, when we faced so many challenges yet received so much praise from customers it felt only right, we should take a moment to acknowledge everyone’s dedication. We’d already said a thank you to customers who we knew had been good neighbours in our communities and it felt right that we honour our staff too with these simple and fun awards.”
Loreburn provide homes to 2500 households across Dumfries and Galloway, including family housing, housing for older people and supported accommodation.
To find out more please visit the website www.loreburn.org.uk
To register for a Loreburn home, please visit www.loreburnlettings.org.uk
Loreburn wishes all tenants, customers and partners a peaceful Christmas holiday and a brighter 2021.
