One of Northern Ireland's largest housing associations has been presented with its Customer Service Excellence Standard.

Helm Housing (previously BIH Housing) is the first housing association in Northern Ireland to achieve this accolade, which was presented by Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie.

"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," said Minister Ritchie.

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"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."

Jean Fulton, Group Chief Executive, Helm Housing added: "We are absolutely delighted to have received this award. Helm Housing’s commitment to customer service excellence was first formally accredited in 1996, when we achieved the government’s Charter Mark Award. At the time, this was also a first for housing associations in Northern Ireland."

The organisation currently manages and maintains over 5500 properties across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including rented accommodation for single people, families and elderly, and supported housing for people with special needs.

(NS/BMcc)