About Willow Park Housing Trust

The provision of a Quiet Room has helped the wellbeing of employees. This is now provided in the Headquarters and the Greenwood Road Centre which contains 90% of the employees. This environment provides a tranquil space for staff to use anytime during their work time to reflect or have some time away from any stressful situations. The Trust has also provided excellent rest facilities for staff which provides free drinks and a place away from desks where they can eat in pleasant surroundings. The Trust has also introduced a no eating lunch at desk policy. This is to encourage staff to take a break away from their work to refuel and re-energise ready for work in the afternoon. The Trust also provides an employee assistance programme and talks on health subjects throughout the year.

The staff Winter Celebration Event is held each year in December which combines the Trust's staff awards and a Christmas party. 250 employees attend the event which is a mixture of information about the Trust, a celebration of the year and the awarding of staff awards. Staff take part in organising the event and some staff take part in the event such as singing and games. All staff who attend receive free transport to and from the event, vouchers for drinks, a meal and a day off.

The Trust has launched the Willow Futures Academy which provides training and work opportunities for local school leavers and unemployed people. This was set up in response to the withdrawal of the Future Job Funds programme and an organisational need for succession planning especially within the Property Services Department. The academy provides trainee ships, apprenticeships and work opportunities. The Trust with its partners Parkway Green Housing Trust and Job Centre plus provides opportunities for unemployed local people to increase their skills and experience, offer entry to a talent pool whereby they can apply for the work opportunities and placements within the organisation. The Trust has funded this by savings elsewhere in the organisation.