Dudley Council’s housing maintenance team has been handed an Order of Distinction from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents in recognition of its practices and achievements to ensure staff safety and wellbeing over many years.

It heralds the authority’s 18th consecutive gold in the internationally renowned RoSPA Health and Safety Awards, which recognises achievement in management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement.

Dudley Council submitted an application in February and in order to maintain its gold standard was expected to prove how it has continued to develop its ongoing health and safety standards. The award will presented to the council’s principle health and safety officer for housing maintenance on 6th June in Birmingham. Alan Lunt, strategic director of people and deputy chief executive at Dudley Council, said:

"The health and safety of our customers and employees is paramount in all that we do and I am delighted that we have received another gold award in recognition of this work.

"Our housing maintenance team is striving to continuously improve how it manages health and safety each year, the team is always considering new ideas and initiatives to make positive developments on how the service is delivered.”

Julia Small, RoSPA’s head of qualifications, awards and events, added:

"The RoSPA Awards are the most highly-respected in the health and safety arena, with almost 2,000 entrants every year, and allow organisations to prove excellence in the workplace, demonstrating a commitment to the wellbeing of not only employees but all those who interact with it.”

For more information about Dudley Council’s housing management visit dudley.gov.uk.