Snap inspection says Soha is top of its league

A LOCAL housing association has become the first in the country to receive the top rating possible from a Government watchdog.

Members of the Audit Commission, which monitors whether public money is being spent efficiently, swooped on Soha Housing at five days? notice to study the landlord?s services. It found that in two areas ? the way it involves its residents and its approach to value for money ? Soha achieved top marks. To date no other housing association having a ?short notice? inspection has achieved this result.

Richard Peacock, Chief Executive of Soha said: “We?ve worked tirelessly over the last couple of years to develop the services that residents want. This was echoed when all our staff went out and about talking to residents recently. They told us that we listened to them. Now this significant independent review has said the same. We?re also really pleased that Soha?s great value for money has been recognised as this means direct benefit to tenants in the form of better services delivered more efficiently.”

The Audit Commission report to be published on Thursday, states that Soha?s residents have many effective ways and opportunities to be involved, and clearly influence how services are delivered, developed and improved.

A spokesperson for Soha locally added: “Residents have made a real difference to their community and the way Soha delivers their service. Soha strives to provide services that are value for money and has made several efficiency savings across the organisation while maintaining a high quality service.”

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SOHA HOUSING

(1) Soha Housing manages 5,200 properties across South Oxon and beyond providing homes for around 12,000 people.

(2) These national ?first? Inspection results come immediately after a major industry accolade when Soha Housing?s Chair of Board (a tenant from Sonning Common) was shortlisted for a national UK Housing Award. In addition, Soha won the Community award for the Customer Service category of the Didcot First Business and Community Awards.

(3) Soha has for some years had its own Tenant Inspectors. These are residents who inspect a different area of the organisation of their choice at least once a year and report back to senior Management.

The lead Audit Commission Inspector discussed the Commission?s methods with nine of Soha’s Tenant inspectors, the first time that this has been done.

(4) Soha has around 15 other ways of involving its residents, apart from Tenant Inspectors. They include having them ?mystery shop? various aspects of the organisation. Many of the items from the ?menu of involvement? see residents receive training and/or support to help them make their mark on the company as well as make new friends and get new or consolidate existing skills.