Derby Homes is an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) responsible for the maintenance of the public sector housing stock within the City of Derby.
Its culture totally embraces the concept of Partnering based on trust and respect. From its client tenants through its relationships with community and public organisations to the sub-contracting companies who undertake its maintenance and repair programmes, every interface is founded on the mutual objectives of problem resolution and an active search for measurable improvement.
In 2005 two members of the management team recognising the work of the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre and knowing of the need for extensive refurbishment sought the approval of the board that they, together with their construction partners, contractors and suppliers, carry out a major programme of refurbishment work on a donated time, labour and materials basis.
The full programme of work, at a retail value of £80,000 was completed within a two week window of opportunity during November 2005 with the Centre re-opening for the 2006 season in pristine condition.
2007 saw the launch of the ‘Sports Coaching Holiday’ programme. Derby Homes joined the scheme with the sponsorship of places on the programme’s May half term week and also the October half term week.
During 2010 Derby Homes donated full sponsorship for 12 of their tenants’ children who would benefit from a holiday at the Centre. Accordingly twelve children enjoyed a holiday there in September 2010 with a member of the Centre’s staff commenting ‘what a delightful group of kids and once they settled in they really were full of fun and tricks’.
The team spirit that pervades Derby Homes has ensured the ongoing personal involvement of their staff members in support of the Centre with events being organised that have included; Casino nights (2); A sponsored walker, Derby to Skegness, who was supported with a daily change of colleagues; A sponsored return bike ride, Derby to Skegness, by a team of four cyclists and various fun evenings.
It is significant that several of the staff members who regularly give their support to these activities did, in their younger days, holiday at the Centre themselves.
Derby Homes website can be visited by entering this link www.derbyhomes.org