Bield has achieved a remarkable double win at two prominent industry award events, solidifying its position as a frontrunner in fostering inclusivity and empowering tenant voices across Scotland.
In a proud moment for us, we were awarded Housing Organisation of the Year at the TIS National Excellence Awards. This esteemed accolade celebrates Bield’s exceptional efforts in tenant engagement, community building and delivering high-quality, person-centred housing services.
In addition, we won the Marion Gibbs Award for Equality in Housing at the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland Awards, a testament to our forward-thinking approach to equality. Spearheaded by our tenant-led Equality Network, Bield has pioneered inclusive initiatives, such as our Rainbow Network for LGBT+ tenants and a comprehensive accessibility drive for non-English speaking residents.
Debbie Collins, Interim Chief Executive Officer at Bield, said: “Winning both of these awards is a powerful validation of our commitment to creating an inclusive, collaborative and supportive environment for both tenants and staff. They reflect the dedication of our teams, who are unwavering in their mission to ensure tenant inclusion and voices at every level of our work, from daily interactions to strategic decision-making.”
“Initiatives like the Rainbow Network, the Compliment and Complaint Collective and the Communication Champions have empowered tenants to directly influence our policies and practices, shaping our direction and impact. This recognition motivates us to push even further, making a meaningful difference for the diverse communities we serve.”
The Housing Organisation of the Year Award recognises our success in embedding tenant participation as a fundamental part of its organisational strategy. Through our unique approach to co-production, we have supported tenants to co-create policies and services, reinforcing our long-term dedication to tenant empowerment and engagement.
The Marion Gibbs Award for Equality in Housing celebrates our ongoing work through the Bield Equality Network, which has been pivotal in launching initiatives that respond to specific community needs. For example, the Rainbow Network provides crucial support and connection for LGBT+ tenants, while recent research into language barriers has led to enhanced accessibility for non-English-speaking tenants, ensuring that our services are welcoming and accessible to all.
Beyond fostering a culture of inclusivity, the Bield Equality Network influences internal policies driving a more adaptive and culturally responsive approach to allocations, to reflect the varied backgrounds and needs of its communities.
Zhan McIntyre, Head of Policy & Customer Standards at Bield, said: “This recognition underlines the impact of true tenant partnership. Through platforms like the Bield Equality Network and other tenant-led groups, we are addressing real issues within our communities. From combating social isolation within the LGBT+ community to improving accessibility for non-English speakers, these initiatives aren’t just ticking boxes; they’re transforming lives and shaping our policies.”
“Our recently updated Allocations Policy reflects input from tenant groups and strengthens support for individuals with protected characteristics. At Bield, we’re building communities where tenants feel valued and empowered to shape the services they depend on through innovative, tenant-centred solutions.”