Ritchie presents Customer Service Excellence Award to Helm Housing

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has congratulated Helm Housing on their latest award for customer care.

The Customer Service Excellence award, which replaces the Charter Mark, offers Public organisations recognition for their customer services and care.

Speaking at the presentation in Belfast, Minister Ritchie said: “The aim of Customer Service Excellence is to encourage, enable and reward public organisations that are delivering services based on a genuine understanding of the needs of their customers and communities.

“Helm had held the former Charter Mark since 1996 and this Customer Service Excellence Award is formal recognition of the latest stage in Helm’s quality journey. It demonstrates strong customer focus from strategic leadership level to front line staff and is very well deserved.”

Note to editors:

1. The new Customer Service Excellence standard was launched on 10 March 2008. It replaces the former Charter Mark which is being phased out. As Charter Mark certification lasts for three years that scheme officially closes in June 2011. More information is available at www.cse.cabinetoffice.gov.uk
2. Formerly known as BIH Housing, Helm Housing is the first housing association in Northern Ireland to achieve this new standard. The housing association currently manages some 5,000 properties for rent throughout Ireland and has built and fostered a customer focused ethos as central to its operations.
3. Helm Housing is one of 32 housing associations registered with the Department for Social Development, thereby gaining access to Housing Association Grant. Helm manages some 5,000 properties for rent including housing for families and single people, sheltered housing for older people and housing for people with special needs.
4. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9497 or Fearghal O’Reilly on 07920 832279. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440.