TENANTS IN MORE than 8,600 homes belonging to Golden Gates Housing Trust (GGHT) are benefiting from energy-efficient double-glazed windows and new doors, which should save them about £860,000 a year on heating bills. The recently completed four-year project was undertaken by the trust after a transfer of stock from Warrington borough council in 2010. GGHT, which provides social housing in Warrington and has ecofriendly headquarters, is doing its bit for the environment (a 71% positive score, ranked 16th among mid-size NFP organisations). Staff are encouraged to leave their cars at home and share lifts, cycle to work or use public transport. The housing association moves 16 places up the list this year, reflecting the positive responses of its 406 employees. They applaud GGHT's strong social conscience (78%) and love their job (72%), not least because they feel they can make a significant contribution (81%). The new open-plan office fosters inclusive and collaborative working, and the strong camaraderie is strengthened by awaydays, team-building activities and staff conferences at Haydock Park. Working with colleagues is fun (74%) and people in their team go out of their way to help each other (77%), report staff , who were involved in naming meeting rooms and choosing chairs and desks. More than 80% of the workforce earn between £15,000 and £35,000 a year and under GGHT's appraisal system, those meeting their five set objectives receive a pay increase on top of their cost-of-living rise. People feel paid fairly for the work they do relative to others within the organisation (58%) and they are happy with their overall remuneration package. GGHT, which encourages charitable activities (82%), is run on sound moral principles by the chief executive, Peter Mercer (74%), and staff are happy with the balance between work and home life (69%). www.gght.org.uk
