ODPM Sustainable Communities Award

Blackpool's Grange Park Estate fought off competition from 256 entrants nationwide to be named Overall Winner of the Sustainable Communities Award at a prestigious awards ceremony held on 1st February 2005. The Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, developed the Sustainable Communities Award to recognise the achievements of those authorities who were putting the Sustainable Communities Plan into action. It is now respected as one of the most prestigious accolades for development in this country.

The BURA Awards Panel stated that Grange Park was "an excellent example of the sustainable transformation of a deprived community.  The holistic approach addresses every aspect of the Estate's life, and represents a model partnership-based local authority initative."

On presenting the award John Prescott added, "the people of Grange Park live in one of the most deprived areas of the country, but they were determined to do something about it. Thanks to their energy and commitment, they have found new security and confidence in the place where they live."

Investors In People

The Investors in People Standard is a business improvement tool designed to advance an organisation's performance through its people. Developed in 1990 by a partnership of leading businesses and national organisations, the Standard helps organisations to improve performance and realise objectives through the management and development of their people. Since it was developed the Standard has been reviewed every three years to ensure that it remains relevant, accessible and attractive to all. The most recent review was completed in November 2004.

International Organisation for Standards 9001

ISO 9001 is an internationally recognised award that demonstrates an organisation's committment to quality management, its customers and its willingness to work towards improving efficiency.

We achieved the award in 2001 and have been regularly externally audited since then to prove that we continue to have an effective quality management system in place in order to deliver a constantly improving and efficient customer service.   The last audit took place in September 2007 and our ISO accreditation was renewed until 2011.

Stonewall Diversity Champion

Blackpool Coastal Housing is amember of Stonewall's Diversity Champions programme. This means we have made a commitment to improving our workplace for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff. We are actively looking for the best people and recognise that some of them happen to be gay. We are committed to developing an environment which is free from fear, free from discrimination and where individuals are valued for the work they do. Diversity is at the heart of our culture. We value and respect differences and promote the inclusion of all.

Age Positive

The age positive symbol makes it clear to everyone that we are positive about people of all ages and the wealth of skills and experience that they can contribute. It also shows existing employees that we value their contribution and will treat them fairly regardless of their age.Race Action Net - Highly Commended

Race Action Net

Established in 2001, RaceActionNet is an independent service provided by social researchers Lemos&Crane and is a National Housing Award Winner for Outstanding Achievement in Social Housing. The Department of Communities and Local Government, the Housing Corporation and the Home Office  all support RaceActionNet.

Every year the RaceActionNet Awards recognise  outstanding examples of tackling racial harassment and anti-social behaviour and promoting community cohesion from the work carried out by its membership network of practitioners and policy makers in local authorities, housing organisations and criminal justice agencies.

In the 2006 Awards, Grange Park Junior Resident Group were ‘Highly Commended’ for work in Community Cohesion and Anti-Social Behaviour, which was an excellent result when measured against the level of competition from around the country.