Sixth of the best for New Charter!

Date published: 06 March 2010

New Charter has been named at 6th in the prestigious Sunday Times 100 best companies to work for. And there is double cause for celebration as the Group was also named most improved company in the UK.

The Group is based in Ashton-under-Lyne and also includes Nottinghamshire landlord Gedling Homes and Oldham-based Aksa Housing Association.

The Sunday Times has run the lists for a decade. This year, more than 1000 companies submitted themselves to the scrutiny of the people who know them best - their staff.
The recognition followed the award of three stars in the Best Companies accreditation at the beginning of last month. This used a ‘Michelin style’ star rating for organisations that demonstrate high levels of employee engagement. Based on staff feedback, organisations receive a Best Companies index score which determines their star rating compared to a fixed standard. One star is first class, two stars are outstanding and three stars are extraordinary.

Group Chief Executive Ian Munro admitted to being nervous as the results announcement drew nearer. “We were 52nd in The Sunday Times list in 2009 and we pored over those survey results. Every one of my managers and supervisors looked carefully at what we could improve. It’s no coincidence that appreciation of this level of management has distinguished the very best performers.

“As one of only 50 companies to get three stars, we had confidence we’d improve in the listing - but this is above my expectation. And it underscores what our customers have consistently told us – a great company is made by its great people.

“This makes us the best housing association to work for in the North.”

New Charter’s strengths were remarkably evenly spread across the eight indicators which are used to compile the list. Staff highly rated training and opportunities for personal growth, and great numbers of them said they “loved working for [the] organisation”. They also said they had the opportunity to make a difference; but the single highest score was for being proud to work for the company.

The stunning improvement in New Charter’s ranking from last year brought the trophy and title of UK’s Best Improver.