VULNERABLE PEOPLE WHO use the services of Southdown Housing Association are at the heart of everything it does. Based in Lewes, East Sussex, the organisation employs 789 people who try to make a difference in communities it serves around Brighton and the south coast. As well as housing, staff provide support for those with mental illness and learning disabilities. Training for these roles is of great personal benefit to employees (a 72% positive score, ranking third among mid-size organisations). Staff trust that their managers would be quick to act if they showed signs of being under too much pressure (70%) and appreciate that their bosses regularly express appreciation when their team members do a good job (77%). Southdown's senior leaders take a hands-on role, explaining the housing association's values to new recruits and guiding training. Employees say the organisation is run along principled lines (78%) and that budget concerns do not overwhelm other priorities (68%). www.southdownhousing.org
