"Invest in securing and keeping the best talent"
English Rural recognises that its success is built upon the dedication and expertise of its staff and board talent.
In an increasingly competitive labour market, English Rural remains committed to attracting and retaining top talent to drive forward its mission of providing affordable rural housing.
During the year, a comprehensive staff survey was conducted with the support of external advisors. The results were highly encouraging, with 96% of staff recommending English Rural as an employer.
This exceptionally high satisfaction rate underscores the association's positive workplace culture and effective employee engagement strategies.
While the overall feedback was overwhelmingly positive, the survey also highlighted areas for improvement. Staff identified a need for enhanced internal communication between different departments and a desire for greater clarity around overall organisational plans. In response, English Rural has already initiated projects to address these concerns, demonstrating its commitment to acting on employee feedback.
The association continues to prioritise staff and board development, recognising it as a key factor in both retention and service quality. Many long-serving team members have progressed through the ranks, often supported by English Rural's investment in training and professional qualifications.
This approach not only fosters loyalty but also ensures a deep understanding of the association's mission throughout its workforce.
Diversity and inclusion remain at the forefront of English Rural's people strategy. Building on the equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) work of recent years, we have made strides in creating a more inclusive workplace.
However, recognising the need for continuous improvement in this area, English Rural has commissioned an external review to provide fresh insights and actionable recommendations.
As the regulatory landscape evolves, English Rural is proactively preparing to meet new competency standards.
A comprehensive audit of the staff team has been completed to identify any gaps in skills or qualifications.
Plans are now being developed to provide the necessary training and support to ensure full compliance with these emerging requirements.
Our people are our greatest asset, and investing in their development and wellbeing is crucial to delivering exceptional services to our residents and communities. By nurturing talent within English Rural, we ensure that our team's expertise and dedication directly translate into better homes and stronger rural communities.
“To provide and manage affordable housing for local communities in rural villages across England, and to champion the cause of affordable rural housing.”
Throughout the Business Strategy period we will grow by building more well-designed and environmentally responsible homes that help communities and the lives of those who live in them thrive. We will invest in improving the quality of homes that we already own, listening to residents and enhancing the level of services provided to them. English Rural will look to support the development of others and, where opportunities emerge, grow through mutually beneficial partnerships with other smaller rural housing associations.
The organisation recognises the value of its culture, brand and reputation and will ensure this remains a priority as it evolves.
Our purpose and vision are firmly grounded in our five core values, collaboratively shaped and endorsed by our entire team >>
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Attained an outstanding 96% staff satisfaction rating
Successfully updated and implemented refined people and culture policies
Launched a staff-driven initiative to enhance appraisal processes and internal communication
Significantly increased investment in staff training and development, supporting career growth and professional qualifications
Some of the English Rural team at an official opening of one of our schemes.
>> Recognised the importance of fostering cross-departmental interaction and improving internal communication to enhance staff engagement and understanding of business activities
>> Identified the need for external expertise and dedicated resources to accelerate progress on diversity and inclusion initiatives, acknowledging the unique challenges faced as a smaller, specialist housing association
