New Progress Housing Association is celebrating after news that employee Linda Alcock has been shortlisted for a national award for her outstanding work to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve community safety.
Linda is one of three finalists in line for the Social Crime and Nuisance Group’s Tim Winter award, which recognises exceptional performance in tackling anti-social behaviour that makes a real difference to individuals and the community.
Linda has been praised for her personal commitment to her role in making communities safer whilst going over and above the call of duty to tackle anti-social behaviour and deliver a first class customer service.
Since joining New Progress in 2005, Linda has established a witness support scheme offering a personalised 24/7 support service to witnesses of anti-social behaviour. The service has been up and running for less than 12 months and already has the 5th highest customer satisfaction rating out of 91 organisations across the country.
Linda has also been the driving force behind New Progress Housing Association achieving the Respect standard accreditation for which the organisation was praised by the government’s Respect taskforce.
After hearing of Linda’s success Bernie Keenan, Managing Director of New Progress Housing Association, said: “Linda is an outstanding member of staff. It’s rare for someone in her role to inspire not just her own team, but also those who work around her and with her, but that is what she has done.
“She has made a huge difference to the way we work and to the lives of so many of our customers.”
Karen Hodson, a New Progress Housing Association tenant who acted as a witness in an anti-social behaviour case, said:I had the neighbour from hell. When New Progress took her to court I acted as a witness. Linda Alcock and her team supported me throughout the entire process.
“Linda was wonderful. She was always there for me, day and night, whenever I needed support or reassurance. She’s clearly really dedicated to her job and cares about every single one of her customers. I couldn’t have got through it without Linda’s support.”
On behalf of the Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group, Sharon Mackley Operation Manager said: “These awards shine a spotlight on the tenants, housing officers, ASB practitioners and their partners who through their dedication and creativity do so much to tackle anti-social behaviour and make communities safer.
“By recognising the achievements of individuals, groups and projects that have made a real and sustained difference to an individual or a community during 2010 -11, the awards help raise performance across the sector.
The 2011 awards have attracted more entries than ever before and the standard has been very high. The judges had a difficult job in reaching their decision.”
The winners will be announced at the Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group Annual Conference on the 1st November at the St Johns Hotel, Birmingham.
