Magna is a finalist in UK housing awards

8/19/2010

Magna Housing Group has won a place in the final of the prestigious UK housing awards run by the Chartered Institute of Housing.

The group, which is based in Dorchester, was shortlisted from 250 entries for its submission in the ‘supporting and integrating diversity’ category.

Entitled ‘Actions speak louder than words’, the entry focused on Magna’s portfolio of training courses promoting equality and diversity and also its close liaison with the South West Dorset Multicultural Network.

Courses include anti-social behaviour, drugs and alcohol and mental health; hearing awareness; introduction to British Sign Language (BSL); BSL Level 1; cultural awareness; dementia; domestic violence; disability; dyslexia; E & D essentials; harassment; human rights; religion and belief; sexual orientation; sight impairment and accessible housing; text relay; transgender; and vulnerable and disabled residents. Magna involves staff, board members, residents, contractors, police and other agencies.

Magna used its route to achieving the Royal National Institute for Deaf People’s ‘Louder than Words’ charter mark as an example of its commitment to equality and diversity.

Sally Huggins, who has developed the courses at Magna, said: “We’re thrilled to have been shortlisted in these national awards, which celebrate all that is great in housing.

“We find out who the winners are at a special awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in London’s Park Lane on November 10.”

She added: “Treating everyone fairly and with respect is common nature to staff at Magna because equality and diversity are at the heart of our culture.

“Every year we introduce new training courses to meet the challenge of achieving equality and promoting diversity.”