About Peaks & Plains Housing Trust

The SMT demonstrate all of their values on a daily basis by thanking people when a piece of work is outstanding, by questioning what they do to always find a better way in their processes and by always putting the customers first and explaining why this is to the wider audience. One example of displaying their values was that this year the senior management team of the Trust engaged staff by holding listening sessions as to how they could make the Trust a better place to work. They did this by sharing the results of Best Companies for last year and reviewing what great things had been achieved and by looking at what they could do different/better to make it a better workplace. They did this by choosing the top 3 scoring factors per employment group and reviewing the bottom 3 thus celebrating what that employment group is great at and reviewing what areas are required for improvement. This seemed to work well as it involved front line managers sharing this message with their teams which gave them autonomy and gravitas to show they believe and want to make the Trust a better place to work. This displays 'question what we do to find a better way' whilst also celebrating successes of last years achievements.

They offer to refund up to 3 prescriptions per year per employee in support of them giving up smoking. This can be used on any aid the employee chooses to support their individual need. In line with their healthy eating regime they provide all staff with free fruit twice a week. They have declined the option of a on-site vending machine because they felt this goes against the healthy eating style, since the supply of products would be dictated by supply and demand. They have a big focus on mental health as part of their everyday life since a large proportion of the customers suffer from it. They run internal training and awareness sessions for all staff. Mental health has been a key focus for them in the last 2 years covering key elements of mental health and how staff can spot the signs and sign post customers if required.

The staff charity group have set themselves a target of £6000 annual fund raising for their chosen cause, East Cheshire Hospice. This amount was chosen because it is the amount needed to keep the hospice open for a single day. They have match funded this £6000 this year, and the charity group will have the option of giving it to the hospice or using it to support other local causes.