View this newsletter online, visit EBHT.ORG.UK click Staff Login and follow the link East Boro Housing Trust is a Charitable Registered Society under the Co operative and Community Benefits Societies Act 2014 No. 16946R PART OF August 2022essential reading www.ebht.org.uk Inside this issue Swanage seafront... soak up the sun but don’t forget the suntan lotion! A BIG THANKAccidentYOUatwork? How to report it Past & WorkingFuture with East DaredevilBoro WellbeingInclusionNationalSkydive!Week What’s SeptemberOn
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Email over the information, together with a photograph to: sue.hole@aster.co.uk
Thank you everyone who responded to my direct email to you about the future of East Boro and your thoughts, ideas, suggestions etc by the end of the July deadline.
I will be working my way through all of the responses during August and due to the amount, probably September too. . So a really big thank you for so many replies, it is very much appreciated. I will be replying to individuals during August/September/October as I work through and collate all of the information.
Blake/Webster Court East Borough 54 Grove Road Christophers Primrose Corner Meadow Point Ashmore Phoenix Lodge Ashmore House 6a West Street Soroptimist House Boro Court Pergins Furzey Sandbanks Lodge Longfleet Lodge Wimborne House Phyllis Feistner House 18a Ringwood Road Harbour Lodge Harbour Point Harbour Waters The Willows Dillon Court 1 If you would like to contribute to YOUR staff Welcomesue.hole@aster.co.ukpleasenewsletter,emailme:andattachaphoto & Farewell How to report... an accident, incident or NearAMissBig THANKYOU
Kevin Hodder Chief Executive
From here you can choose Incident/Accident or a Near Miss, currently these are the only areas that we can report on. Conditions Surveys Continue
Domiciliary
https://app.uk.sheassure.net/astergroupassure/p/Portal
We are now set up on Assure to complete all of our Incident, Accident and Near Miss reporting. This is great news. Below is the link to be used for quick and easy access to the portal.
The next batch of stock condition surveys are underway (see list below for your information). The surveys are being carried out by surveyors employed by Savills. We have written to customers to let them know what is happening, when and why.
TabithaStartersOstler Care & Support
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StephanieLeavers Nattrass Voids & Lettings Officer East Boro are commited to investing in our staff. If there is a training course you would like to attend, please talk to your Line Manager. Note to Managers Our very own ER Staff Newsletter is the perfect place to thank staff by mentioning their efforts to gain qualifications or give them a well earned pat on the back for going above and beyond in the workplace.
A Culture
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Looking pre pandemic it is timely to reflect how we used to work. Up first thing, dressed smartly for work, commuting in and at your desk all day or in meetings or flying off to meet a Local Authority Representative or another outside meeting at their offices etc. Then commute home.
What’s changed and what have we learnt since the Pandemic? Never did I think that I would write the content of this article or ever move to a way of thinking and working that I describe within it. That is because the Pandemic has shown us that we now have the ability to work in a way that fits our personal and working lives differently and, if that means taking an early morning Teams/Zoom call at home in our sweat shirt or track suite bottoms, then so be it. For East Boro this change happened and was forced on us overnight. We’re still learning the new flexible way of working between employer and employee, but we will never go backwards, only forwards, which should see us embrace flexibility and technology as much as we can. Our previous rule book. I was very much a traditionalist pre pandemic. Everyone into the office each day. What was working from home? It just did not happen. Out of sight was out of mind and could never work. Plus we did not have the technology to work remotely effectively and did not have the vision or drive to achieve it. It just was not on the to do Welist. were completely inflexible in both our approach and mindset. The Pandemic has given us the ability to think differently and reconsider the working culture that we apply. To build a culture of flexibility, you must first re-imagine what flexibility means today. Remember, to create behavioural change, you need to allow for variance, creativity and agility. In other words, be “flexible” when creating a flexibility culture. A policy guide or a formal program can work against you. It seems counter intuitive, but having rules in place sometimes actually hinders the development of a truly authentic culture. Some call it “everyday flexibility.” It isn’t something I insist that all teams adopt; it’s a mentality and a way of life that should be individualised for each person and team. Flexibility for a carer might mean being able to leave work early to take an elderly parent to a doctor’s appointment. For a parent, it might mean having a break to do the school run and to pick up children.
And for others, it could simply be taking a break in the afternoon to do an online yoga class and recharge. and Working Future of Flexibility and Trust
2 Our working Past
If I/we trust an individual enough that we employ them to join East Boro, we also should trust them to get the work done when and where they prefer, as long as they meet deadlines and again, as long as we maintain responsive accessible customer services to our tenants/customers. Trust should be a given and only doubted/ removed should reason be given for it to be so.
When done right, flexibility results in a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce. And if we can get it right, it will help attract good future colleagues/employees, and will encourage them to stay with East Boro.
news Kevin Hodder Chief Executive
will not be created, adopted, or embraced unless the origination stems from an understanding and belief that every single person in the organisation deserves the same consideration and flexible work policies. This isn’t about one segment of the workforce. After all, we are a diverse workforce made up of diverse people, from working mums and dads to many others without children who also want Oneflexibility.person’s reasons for needing flexibility are not any more important or any less important than any other person’s. Yes it is not easy to apply workforce wide when some services are rota delivered by appointment. Hence forethought and communication is key to enable rota adjustment. Spontaneity in services with rota’s and appointments is not as easy, but that does not stop flexibility being achieved with good rota management and communication. When it comes to flexibility, trust is not earned. It is not an uncommon thought to believe in allowing employees to work flexibly, if and only when they’ve been with East Boro a certain amount of time and have earned that trust. This is when I say that we should trust in employees from the moment they start working for us, so why wouldn’t that same theory apply when it comes to flexibility?
When we look at flexibility this way, it’s easy to see why formal rules actually hinder adoption and progress. It’s impossible to have a one-sizefits-all approach for flexibility. We need to let our teams figure out what works best for them, as long as they deliver excellent work, on time, and as teams deliver excellent customer service to our Tenants/Customers.
The key to creating the flexible culture is first class communication and a two way street of commitment and trust. So we embark on a different journey.
Trying to move culturally, operationally and permanently to a different style of working. The Pandemic did not bring us many positives. But with its emergency safety needs it saw us embrace technology and has changed our way of Weworking.nowneed to build on this and embed this cultural shift into East Boro for a very different, but positive and beneficial working future for us all. I started by saying I did not think I would ever write an article like this. I could not imagine pre March 2020 that I ever would have or would have promoted working like this. How the World, Organisations, and Individuals can change in 29 months! Hopefully it is for the better and for the long term now we are living more normally again. I look forward to seeing how we can continue to improve our organisation and give a first class service to our tenants/customers whilst embracing this new approach.
The rest is all fair game and up for discussion. The key is communication amongst teams and their colleagues, and with their leaders. Everyone deserves flexibility. Flexibility is not related to a generational need and cannot be for specific groups of individuals. Every employee, at any age, benefits from and is looking for its Aavailability.cultureofflexibility
Flexibility is a two-way street. A strong culture starts from the top. For example, If I as the CEO started wearing jeans to work, it sends a message to all of my colleagues that it’s okay to dress casually when it is appropriate to do so. Again appropriateness is key in how you present yourself to represent East Boro in all your duties and Againappointments.thatisanindividual responsibility for each person to judge in line with your internal and external diary commitments. That said, that is only where it starts. The action comes from the bottom up with each individual taking that Forresponsibility.us,flexibility is not about working less, but it is about encouraging people to work differently. It’s a two-way street. We give people the flexibility they need when they need it, and sometimes, we need them to give more when business demands require it.
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The adrenalin that has been racing through your body is immediately replaced by a feeling of serenity as you gracefully glide towards the green and pleasant lands of England, twisting to the left or the right as you guide the parachute towards the drop zone.
news Mary Stepin Director of Care & Independent Living Services What have we been up to? 4
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Cara-Lewis12www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kelly-baker21
Congratulations to me - again!
The day of the Hike is almost here! Do we feel nervous … ? Yes! Are we excited … Yes! The weather … well that’s one thing we can’t control. We don’t want rain, high wind or baking heat.
An overcast day with a gentle breeze would be perfect, but whatever the weather, we are determined to complete this challenge, raise as much money as we can and have fun along the way. We would like to thank all those colleagues who have sponsored us, each donation really will make a difference. If any other colleagues would like to sponsor us, then please find our links below.
Welcome to the world, Josie Erin Florence Hole. My third granddaughter has arrived - at this rate I will have a 5 a side girls football team. Go Lioness’!
When we first signed up to the Mighty Hike, the 10th September felt such a long time away. Now, it is only a couple of weeks! We are both taking on this challenge for our own personal reasons and in memory of loved ones we have both lost to the horrific illness that Cancer is. However we both share the same goal, to help in any way we can to raise vital funds for research and care and support for those living with Cancer.
On Thursday 21st July 2022, I ticked off one of my long-term goals and jumped out of an aeroplane.
Cara Lewis PA to Chief Executive
Our training has seen us walk across fields avoiding the cow dung, climbing hills to find a greeting committee of Sheep at the top, walking along roads to the sound of beeping horns (either cheering us on or telling us to get out the way … probably the latter!) We have seen some incredible views which make those hill climbs worth it! Neither of us have completed a challenge like this before and its safe to say we have had a fun, pushed ourselves out of comfort zones, and gained the odd scratch, insect bite and many blisters!
Let me know if you have any welcome additions to your family - either human or fur babies! sue.hole@aster.co.uk
The whole day was fantastic, from the minute I arrived at the airfield and put on my ‘ Kill Bill’ yellow Jumpsuit, to climbing into the plane and ascending the 15000 feet up through the clouds to feeling the rush of the air at the open door, as I waited to jump. Once you leave the plane, the speed and noise as you drop through the sky of the air all around you is indescribable. You free fall down to earth at 125 miles an hour, then instantly at 5,000 feet you pull the cord and your chute opens up and you rise into the sky and everything stops, the wind that has been rushing and battering you incessantly disappears and you are left surrounded by silence.
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- 14.00 Neurodiversity in the Workplace webinar 28th September 13.00
For National Inclusion Week 2022, Inclusive Employers want to progress that unity to become action, which is why the theme of this year’s National Inclusion Week is ‘Time to Act: The Power of Now’. 10.0013.3014.0012.30 -
13.00 Deaf Awareness and Basic British Sign Language 27th September
15.30 Inclusive Leadership Workshop 29th September
Join one or all of Aster’s NIW events 27th September
National Inclusion Week (NIW) is a week dedicated to celebrating inclusion and taking action to create inclusive workplaces. Founded by Inclusive Employers, National Inclusion Week is now in its 10th year. Last year’s National Inclusion Week theme, #UnitedForInclusion, connected 60 million of you to celebrate diversity and inclusion.
16.00 Active Inclusion Session 30th September
13.30 Inclusion Quiz (win £50 Perkbox credit) Aster is also running all-day drop-ins with NIW activities and refreshments at Aster Poole Office, Link House, West Street, Poole, BH15 1LD on Thursday 29 September If you have any questions, please email EEandOL@aster.co.uk 5 InclusionNational Week 2022
Commenting on the need for affordable housing in the area Kevin Hodder, said: “Over the last year the average house price in Buckland Newton was £627,000, with semi-detached properties selling for an average of £365,000 which are both beyond the reach of many. These four new affordable homes will make a big difference to local residents. Those keen to stay in the area, close to family and friends will have the chance to live in an affordable home, and for those looking to step onto the housing ladder there will be an affordable route to home ownership.”
East Boro are excited to be negotiating to purchase properties from Betterment Developments at Curtis Fields in Weymouth and also Windmills on Portland.
Pictured above from the left: Susie Humphries, Director, Sambec Property Development Limited; Mark Humphries, Director, Sambec Property Development Limited; Gerald Duke, Board Member, East Boro Housing; Kevin Hodder, Chief Executive, East Boro Housing; Nigel Reed, Development Officer, East Boro Housing; Darren Robins, Director, D.R Jones of Yeovil.
Along with the four homes under construction for East Boro, Sambec Property Development Ltd are also building a further three new homes at Brookfields for open market sale. Sambec director, Susie Humphries said: ““Sambec are proud to have partnered with Kevin and the team at East Boro Housing Trust throughout the design and planning process of this development. We are excited to be delivering this scheme of uniquely designed homes which provide affordable rural living in this beautiful Dorset village.”
Developed by Sambec Property Development Ltd the four new affordable homes are being build by local contractor D.R. Jones of Yeovil with the scheme completion date expected to be late spring 2023.
Located at Brookfields in the picturesque village of Buckland Newton, the two two-bedroom and two three-bedroom semi-detached houses will be for local residents or those with a strong connection to the area. All will be available via East Boro, on an affordable basis – two for affordable rent and two for shared ownership.
Developments in Development
Shared ownership provides an affordable way onto the housing ladder. Buyers purchase a share of a property and pay rent on the remaining share. This reduces the size of the initial deposit required and if they want to, purchasers can buy more shares in their property (known as staircasing), eventually leading to outright home ownership.
Construction starts on new affordable homes in Buckland Newton
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Date Time 1:1 video therapy Chat therapy Wellbeing courses Guided meditations 2022 Wellbeing Calendar Preventing & Managing Burnout THURSDAY 29 SEPT with Helen May Johnston . 60 Min . When one feels constantly exhausted and swamped by demands made of him/her. Burnout affects millions of people. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of work and home life, then this workshop focusing on the issues of burnout will help bring your life back into balance. via Teams Plumm app is now available on iPads and tablets! If you have any questions, please email EEandOL@aster.co.uk what’s on 6th Sept 10.00 - 12.00 Increasing Emotional Resilience 13th Sept 14.00 - 16.00 Introduction to Mental Health 16th Sept 9.30 - 13.30 Introduction to Restorative Practice 16th Sept 13.00 - 14.30 Wellbeing Art Class Sept 20th 9.00 - 12.00 Mental Health Champions - Part 1 Sept 21st 9.00 - 12.00 Mental Health Champions - Part 2 Sept 27th 11.00 - 12.00 Sofa Sessions - Talking Menopause Sept 28th 11.00 - 12.00 Physical Intelligence September
