Bield celebrates prestigious awards for leadership in tenant engagement and equality

A leading housing and care provider has achieved a remarkable double win at two prominent industry award events, solidifying its position as a frontrunner in fostering inclusivity and empowering tenant voices across Scotland.

Bield Housing and Care was awarded Housing Organisation of the Year at the TIS National Excellence Awards on 7th November. This esteemed accolade celebrates its efforts in tenant engagement, community building and delivering high-quality, person-centred housing services.

In addition, Bield won the Marion Gibbs Award for Equality in Housing at the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland Awards on 8th November, a testament to its forward-thinking approach to equality.  

Spearheaded by its tenant-led Equality Network, the organisation has pioneered inclusive initiatives, such as its Rainbow Network for LGBT+ tenants and a comprehensive accessibility drive for non-English speaking residents.

Debbie Collins, Interim Chief Executive Officer at Bield, said: “Winning these awards is a powerful validation of our commitment to creating an inclusive, collaborative and supportive environment for both tenants and staff. 

They reflect the dedication of our teams, who are unwavering in their mission to ensure tenant inclusion and voices at every level of our work, from daily interactions to strategic decision-making.”

She added: “Initiatives like the Rainbow Network, the Compliment and Complaint Collective and the Communication Champions have empowered tenants to directly influence our policies and practices, shaping our direction and impact.  This recognition motivates us to push even further, making a meaningful difference for the diverse communities we serve.”

The Housing Organisation of the Year Award recognises Bield’s success in embedding tenant participation as a fundamental part of its organisational strategy.  Through its unique approach to co-production, the housing and care provider has supported tenants to co-create policies and services, reinforcing its long-term dedication to tenant empowerment and engagement.

The Marion Gibbs Award for Equality in Housing celebrates Bield’s ongoing work through its Equality Network, which has been pivotal in launching initiatives that respond to specific community needs. 

Its Rainbow Network provides crucial support and connection for LGBT+ tenants, while recent research into language barriers has led to enhanced accessibility for non-English-speaking tenants, ensuring Bield’s services are welcoming and accessible to all.

Beyond fostering a culture of inclusivity, the Equality Network initiative influences internal policies to drive a more adaptive and culturally responsive approach to allocations, to reflect the varied backgrounds and needs of its communities.

Zhan McIntyre, Head of Policy & Customer Standards at Bield, said: “This recognition underlines the impact of true tenant partnership.  Through platforms like our Equality Network and other tenant-led groups, we are addressing real issues within our communities.  From combating social isolation within the LGBT+ community to improving accessibility for non-English speakers, these initiatives aren’t just ticking boxes; they’re transforming lives and shaping our policies.

Our recently updated Allocations Policy reflects input from tenant groups and strengthens support for individuals with protected characteristics.  We’re building communities where tenants feel valued and empowered to shape the services they depend on through innovative, tenant-centred solutions.”

Since its inception in 1971, Bield has grown from a single housing development to a leader in housing and care for older adults in Scotland.  Known for pioneering services and advancing digital literacy, the company has rolled out impactful initiatives, such as a telecare project that has significantly reduced hospital visits and provided tenants with greater independence.

With around 5,000 tenants across more than 150 developments in Scotland, Bield continues to raise the bar for housing providers, championing quality of life and inclusivity for all.  The company’s approach not only transforms housing standards but also paves the way for a future where all tenants feel supported, heard and genuinely empowered.