13 Feb 2025
The CIH All Ireland Awards recognise the creativity, passion and innovation of housing organisations and individuals across the sector in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
We are delighted to be recognised for our commitment to ‘providing great homes’, ‘supporting communities to thrive’ and ‘empowering our people’ in the following categories:
- Best Housing Development: Rosses Gate is a mixed tenure development nestled between the Cityside and Waterside communities in Derry-Londonderry. With over 900 homes, the scheme makes a significant contribution to reduce the waiting list in the city. Phase 1 is now almost complete comprising 190 social homes, 42 affordable homes and 20 private rented homes. In an ever more challenging landscape, Rosses Gate stands apart - a large, shared, new mixed tenure village community where success is built on putting people and communities first.
- Learner of the year: Emma Thompson. Emma joined Choice in May 2019. Her commitment to professional growth combined with her engagement in training programmes and determination to enhance her skills has propelled her from an Administrative Assistant to Housing Officer within just five years. Choice are delighted to see Emma shortlisted for her achievements.
- Working in Partnership: Choice, in partnership with Glasgow Rangers Football Club, are working to promote inclusion and zero-tolerance to discrimination through ‘Everyone Anyone’. ‘Everyone Anyone’ is an initiative that advocates for inclusion, togetherness and zero-tolerance to all forms of discrimination – on and off the pitch. The partnership reflects Choice’s commitment to improving good relations and promoting community integration in the communities it serves.
- Striving for Sustainability: Choice is committed to responding to the Sustainability Challenge. Our three year Sustainability & Energy Strategy outlines our ambition to be net zero by 2050, aligned with UN Sustainable Development Targets. Our Strategy from 2025 will build on previous success across areas such as improving the energy efficiency of existing homes, investing in renewable technologies, and protecting biodiversity loss and enhancing the environment.
- Professionalism in the Workplace: Choice is one of Northern Ireland’s largest housing associations, employing over 400 people. We facilitate opportunities for professional and personal development for employees, empowering them to continuously learn and develop their careers. Programmes are shaped to fit the needs of employees, leading to a thriving environment where staff want to learn, grow and contribute.
- Beyond Housing: Throughout the Victoria Housing Estates (VHE) Stock Transfer & Refurbishment Project, tenants were empowered to participate in shaping the future of their homes. This project is a shining example of commitment to tenant involvement and community empowerment. This transformative initiative has demonstrated a dedication to improving services, neighbourhoods and the lives of tenants across multiple locations in Northern Ireland.
