What kind of things are we looking for?

Here you’ll find information about the kind of thing we’re looking for in FOCUS Award nominations. People already demonstrate the FOCUS values all across Sheffield Homes, so it won’t be a problem identifying outstanding work.

But here are seven people who have already shown the kind of spirit and drive we’re looking for. They’ve all embodied the values at the heart of Sheffield Homes, and have worked hard – beyond what anyone would expect – to provide great service to their customers and support to their colleagues. .

FAIR

Samantha Moore, Housing Officer in our North West Area, provided an outstanding demonstration of this value when helping a vulnerable man with his finances. As well as working hard to provide help and support for the man, Samantha realised he had nothing to eat and even went as far as to arrange a food parcel for him. Samantha showed a direct understanding of the man’s problems and helped him out according to his needs – which meant more than a happy customer, it meant a happy man who could recognise one more friend in the world.

OPEN

For Jonathan Lowe, being open led him to try something new for three young residents in Norfolk Park. The adults, all with learning difficulties, were trying to raise money for their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award schemes. Jonathan thought about how he could help; soon he was walking to and from work (when he couldn’t get lifts from colleagues!) and donating his savings to our residents. In all, Jonathan gave £100 to the fundraising scheme and demonstrated how, by trying new ways of helping people, we can deliver in more ways than we ever thought.

COMMITTED

Viv Broadhead and Linda Ellison showed their commitment under pressure when helping the residents of Helliwell Court, a Sheltered Housing scheme. A heavy snowfall had caused public transport to stop running and the local warden was on annual leave. With over 40 residents still unaccounted for, Viv and Linda volunteered to walk from Sweeney House after efforts to get cover there hadn’t succeeded. After an hour walking through heavy snow, Viv and Linda were able to account for all the residents of Helliwell Court. Then, after all this, they even gritted around the Court and made the area safe for residents - before walking all the way back to Sweeney House. They showed true commitment in making sure people were safe and well.

UNDERSTANDING

Nick Henry and Jade Rance, Tenancy Support Officers in Rehousing Services, showed exemplary understanding when helping a victim of crime. They handle situations every day with professionalism and care, but went beyond this with one particular circumstance. A lady was the victim of a hit-and-run attack outside Moorfields Temporary Accommodation and Nick and Jade displayed true professionalism, compassion, care and attention in providing immediate and effective help for the lady. Their actions show that human interaction and the relationships we build are at the core of our work. By showing understanding like Nick and Jade did, we help our customers that little bit more.

SUPPORTIVE

A fine example of the support we encourage was delivered by Keith Barker, in Finance. Keith has been extremely busy helping colleagues with a new computer system by providing wide-reaching training and an open-door to deal with teething problems. His hard work shows how helping others means a better organisation all round; Keith showed himself to be a hugely valuable member of the team by creating support networks to get things done.

We’d like to thank and congratulate all of the people mentioned here for really working hard and helping us improve as an organisation. It is through their work, and that of others like them, that Sheffield Homes gets better for customers and colleagues alike.