Tower Hamlets Homes caretakers clean up at awards ceremony

The caretaking team at Tower Hamlets Homes (THH) swept up as they were awarded ‘frontline team of the year’ award, at the Housing Heroes Awards ceremony on Monday night (24 June) in Manchester.
The awards showcase the people and teams that are doing exceptional work in the social housing sector.
The judges praised their fantastic customer service skills and the way caretakers deal with the challenges of working in the inner-London borough of Tower Hamlets, in all weathers and with a diverse range of residents.  Not just there to mop and clean, the team of around 200 caretaking staff are often the first point of call in emergencies for residents from 22,000 homes, dealing with anything from fires, water leaks and snow clearance.

The award entry contained many supporting statements from residents including this from Margaret Cox, of the Teasdale and Hollybush residents association:
“Environmental Services are a team that puts residents first in everything they do, from the caretakers to the people in the office.  Nothing is too much for them. They always support us and we trust them. That’s priceless, something you can’t buy.”
Chief Executive of Tower Hamlets Homes, Susmita Sen, said:

‘This award recognises the highest levels of customer service that our caretakers provide and is well deserved.  They work year-round in all weathers to make sure the council’s estates are spotless and safe. As well as caretaking and cleaning, they keep an eye on vulnerable people and help new residents settle into communities.”

Statutory Deputy Mayor & Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Sirajul Islam, said:

“We’re committed to making Tower Hamlets cleaner and greener so that our residents can all enjoy healthier and happier lives. I’d like to pay tribute to the work of the THH caretaking team for their tireless efforts to keep our estates looking their best all year round.”