SOUTH Essex Homes has been named as one of the most innovative housing employers in the UK.

The housing organisation was named as the best performing arm’s length management organisation (ALMO) on Inside Housing’s Innovation Index 2016.

South Essex Homes is placed sixth on a list of 45 housing organisations from across the UK - the highest place of any ALMO.

An ALMO is a a not-for-profit company that provides housing services on behalf of a local authority. 

The index is formed using opinions gauged from a 68-part questionnaire that staff members completed online with their thoughts and feelings about their employment.

This questionnaire was completed voluntarily by members of staff and was not instigated by the company.

Mike Gatrell, Chief Executive of South Essex Homes, said: “We are pleased to see that staff have recognised how our culture is responding so positively at a time when the sector is facing a period of unparalleled change.

"This great endorsement is all the more valuable as it was organically generated by staff members themselves.”

Mark Flewitt, councilor responsible for Housing, added: "I am delighted that South Essex Homes have been recognised in this way and is a recognition of how they not only get the basics right for our local tenants but are also looking at innovative ways to improve the way they work in what is a difficult time for the housing sector.

"The fact that this has been achieved by staff members voluntarily taking the time to put forward their organisation says good things about their culture and their desire to continually improve."