Cosmopolitan Housing Association : Get involved : Events

Get involved : Events

VERA AWARDS CEREMONY 2009

Cosmopolitan has been paying tribute to the people who make a difference to our services and their communities. Radio City's Pete Price was guest of honour at our annual VERA event that was held at Liverpool John Moores University's Marybone Lecutre Theatre on Wednesday 18 February. "The VERA's are an in important date in our calendar each year" said Cosmopolitan Housing Group Chief Executive, Geoff Redhead. "They're our chance to publicly thank the few special individuals who go that extra mile, not only for us but for their neighbourhoods."

Bob Gleig, a Cosmopolitan tenant from Herbert Taylor Close in Anfield was named

Cosmopolitan's Volunteer of the Year for his long-standing dedication and involvement in the association's Tenant Forum and Repairs Review Group, who were instrumental in Cosmopolitan's decision last year to outsource its repairs and maintenance service to KHT Services. Bob, 72, said: " I'm retired now so I have a bit more time on my hands; I don't like sitting in doing nothing and it's interesting being involved with Cosmopolitan. They do a good job. My neighbours sometimes come to me with their problems and I like to help people if I can."

Also proving that you can make a difference at any age was Christine McDonald, aged 16, who was named Young Volunteer of the Year. Christine, who lives at Halton Lodge, near Runcorn, is a key member of Halton Lodge Young Leaders Group and has been involved in numerous projects to ensure young people's views are taken into account by local decision-making bodies.

Doris Moss, a tenant of Olive Mount in Wavertree, was named Cosmopolitan's Best Neighbour. Doris has been actively volunteering in the community for over 27 years. She is involved in numerous local groups and has led fundraising campaigns for the RNLI and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The contribution of staff was also recognised with Sue Evans, receptionist at our headquarters on Marybone, picking up the Employee Customer Service Award. "Sue has worked for Cosmopolitan for almost 15 years" said Geoff Redhead. "She's a familiar and friendly voice to the many customers, partners and contractors who telephone us and always offers a warm and helpful welcome to visitors."

TENANT SERVICES AUTHORITY

The Tenant Services Authority (TSA) is the new regulator for affordable housing. It was

launched on 1 December 2008, having taken over the regulatory powers of the Housing Corporation. Their goal, quite simple, is to raise the standard of services for tenants.

The TSA was set up as a result of the 2008 Housing and Regeneraration Act. The Act increases the TSA's powers over the regualtion of social housing.

The first thing the TSA needs to do is draw up a brand new set of standards for all social landlords. These standards are very important, as the TSA will be monitoring how landlords deliver excellent services and taking action against any who don't perform. The TSA is going to listen to tenants and shared owners across England to help them understand what YOU want to see in the new standards. It is calling this the National Conversation. Cosmopolitan can give you more information about events being held or you can visit the TSA's website: www.nationalconversation.co.uk

Further details are available to download in our Making Change Happen leaflet.

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