Farewell to WFHA

December 01, 2016 | News Share

After 25 years I have decided to hang up my WFHA hat and hand over the reins to someone else…….

It’s not a decision that I have taken lightly, as WFHA has been a big part of my life – and that of my family!!!! However, I do now think that the time has come for someone else to be privileged to take over the role.

We are going through a time of change within the world of housing and support but I have during my time here seen a lot of changes – some for the good and others not so good – but ultimately we are in a strong position here at WFHA to face those new challenges.

When I started as a Housing Officer managing the schemes on behalf of Orbit Housing Association, who were then our Managing Agents, I never dreamt that I would one day be directing the organisation to where we are today. Along the way I have seen staff and board members alike come and go, but the ethos has always been to provide a good local service to our tenants and the local community. We have also managed to get a few national headlines too as a bonus – all good, I hasten to add!!!!

I have also had the privilege of knowing that during my time here we have housed people in need of a home, and given to support to those who need it most in our sheltered and supported schemes. We have been involved in innovative schemes such as the Information Sharing Protocols; Bogus Caller videos, Dementia initiatives and developed an original scheme for adults with autism to live supported in the community, to name but a few.

We have also during my time received a number of external accreditations and having just had a review of our 3 star accreditation for our Service Excellence Standards for our Older Peoples services and was informed by our Assessor that “the evidence seen today is up and beyond a 3 star service and that we are delivering a service of excellence to our tenants”, I feel that I am leaving the Association in good shape.

I won’t be leaving until next Spring, so will try and visit as many schemes as possible, in the New Year, to say a personal farewell, but wanted to let you know now as the recruitment process has begun…..

Linda Milton