Albyn Housing Society’s sound advice and tenant communications are gaining recognition with the highest accreditation from Scotland’s information and advice tsar.

The audit, carried out by MBARC (incorporating Michael Bell associates), the Scottish Government’s audit contractor, commends the particularly good team spirit within the housing association.

The purpose of the audit is to review the processes and procedures used by Albyn Housing to deliver a good quality advice service to tenants.

The housing association, which has over 2,500 properties for rent and low cost home ownership across the Highlands, comfortably satisfies all requirements for accreditation to Type 1 in all areas they applied to.
Stephen Rhind, MBARC’s Quality Manager, said: “Albyn Housing Society meets robust standards for the provision of information and advice in key areas of housing law to their customer base.”

The accreditation will last for four years and expresses specific approval to areas such as housing options, eviction, homelessness, private sector rent and statutory tenancy rights.

The rigorous audits involve staff interviews, inspection of key documents and employee assessments.

Calum Macaulay, Chief Executive of Albyn Housing Society, said:  “We are delighted to achieve Type 1.  It’s a great accomplishment.  Our main strengths highlighted were staff training and support as well as the involvement of staff in our planning process.  We are proud to receive a particular accolade for our good team ethos – especially when the 60 plus members of Albyn’s staff cover most areas of the Highlands.”

This achievement comes off the back of a recent report by the Care Commission, which stated Albyn was a very good employer and service provider.