A LEADING North East housing provider has earned the title ‘UK Employer of the Year’ for the second time in three years.

North Star Housing is again celebrating being named as the Investors in People UK Platinum Employer of the Year for organisations employing between 50 and 249 people.

The Stockton-based housing association was described by Paul Devoy, Chief Executive of Investors in People, as “a standout employer”.

The prestigious award was presented in front of more than 830 guests at Old Billingsgate, in London, with North Star coming out top of a 10-strong shortlist.

Mr Devoy added: “Congratulations to North Star Housing on this well-deserved recognition. Their commitment to lead, support and improve not only the organisation, but their people too, truly makes them a standout employer, and one to watch in their industry.

“This award reflects not only the hard work and dedication of the entire team but also their passion for building a supportive and thriving workplace culture.”

Only 1,500 organisations worldwide are awarded Platinum status – the highest level that can be achieved in Investors in People – and only the top 20 are invited to enter the Employer of the Year category.

North Star had the distinction of becoming the first housing association to achieve Platinum status in 2017 and went on to win the UK Employer of the Year Award in 2021, with its work during the pandemic being highlighted.

James Walder, who was appointed as North Star’s Chief Executive earlier this year after serving for five years as Executive Director of Finance and Business Support, described it as “amazing” to win the UK Employer of the Year title twice in three years.

“We are a small organisation, punching above our weight, and we were thrilled just to make it onto such an illustrious shortlist. To win the award again is an incredible achievement for everyone involved, and an enormous source of pride,” said James.

“It’s a collective effort, reflecting many years of hard work by a lot of people to create a culture that is embedded in the organisation, and nurtured and cherished by its employees.

“When we won in 2021, it was a virtual ceremony because of the pandemic, so it was wonderful to receive the award in front of so many people this time round.

“Having a great culture engenders great customer service and this award is validation of what we do. However, it is by no means the end point – there is lots more to do and the challenge is to go on finding ways to improve.”