A NORTH-EAST housing association has retained its top-level national status as an organisation with an outstanding commitment to tenants, staff, and the community.

North Star Housing has again been awarded the coveted platinum status by Investors in People following the latest assessment by the national benchmarking organisation for people management and leadership.

North Star was described in the assessment report as “a high-performing organisation, supported by a culture and processes that have people at their heart”.

The report adds: “Culturally, there are very high levels of trust, strong relationships and a common cause that brings people together.”

North Star is praised for investing significantly in managers, leaders, and board members to sustain and safeguard its successful culture.

The association is also described as understanding its role in the wider community and society, demonstrating its responsibilities to stakeholders, and working closely with universities, local authorities, and other housing associations to maximise its impact.

The organisation had also taken “innovative and highly pragmatic approaches” to tackling issues such as board diversity and supporting staff through the cost-of-living crisis. Staff received a cost-of-living payment, and a board apprentice was introduced to increase diversity.

In 2017, North Star became the first housing association in England to achieve Investors in People platinum status, which is awarded to only 0.5 per cent of companies in the UK.

In 2021, North Star was named Investors in People UK Platinum Employer of the Year for organisations employing between 50 and 249 people, with particular praise for its working during the pandemic.

Chief executive Angela Lockwood has spoken of her pride in North Star maintaining its platinum status for the third consecutive assessment.

“Great people, make great organisations and these unparalleled results support our total commitment to the development and health and wellbeing of our staff,” she said.

“We know that well motivated and engaged people deliver great things which is enabling us to deliver our exciting ambitions. I feel very proud and privileged to be part of North Star Housing.”

In its latest assessment, North Star achieved an overall survey score of 827, out of a maximum of 900. The overall average score is 729 and the industry average in the housing sector is 726.

It has been achieved despite a number of national challenges, including unprecedented changes in political leadership, the increasing impact of climate change, the cost-of-living crisis, and a new Social Housing Act.