Osborne Shortlisted at Slough Voluntary Sector Awards
Osborne have been shortlisted for the Business Support of the Year Award in the upcoming Slough Voluntary Sector Awards.
Slough CVS has been supporting the people in Slough since the 1930’s and has developed a number of initiatives to help residents, including HOME Slough, Carers Support, a voluntary sector scheme and much more.
The Slough Voluntary Sector Awards celebrate the achievements of local voluntary and community groups in Slough. These groups make a huge contribution to the community and are an important part of what the government terms ‘Civil Society’.
Shortlisted in the category for ‘Business Support of the Year Award’, we were able to demonstrate valuable examples of how we have contributed to improving the lives of the people of Slough. Our ethos has always been to make a positive impact to the local community, placing great importance on the added social value we contribute as part of our Property Services business.
Our partnership with Slough Borough Council means that we can create a lasting legacy in Slough through collaborative working with local groups and individuals.
Since our work with the Council began, we have designed and developed a tailored Community Investment Plan which incorporates a variety of initiatives that deliver social value benefits.
A great example of this has been our work with the local charity, Hestia. We have created an annual campaign called ‘Gift, With Love’ which has given opportunities for the women and families affected by domestic abuse work experience opportunities with the aim to build confidence. A service user joined us to learn more about our business and has been gaining valuable skills in business administration and communication at a pace that best suits her.
We also helped to organise and co-ordinate the well needed face –lift of HOME on the High Street. This project brought local organisations and volunteers together, and gave the venue a clean, fresh, vibrant feel.
Another area we have been focusing on is working with those who are ‘Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEETS)’. We realise that people learn differently and are not always given the opportunities to work in a live working environment. We have been working closely with Haybrook College, coaching, encouraging and influencing people with complex social and emotional needs. A part of this has been inviting students into our work place, providing office tours, offering support on career paths and holding mock interviews. We have been able to see first hand the positive difference this is already making to a number of young people across the borough.
We are passionate about making a difference and our collaborative approach in partnership with Slough Borough Council really is reaping community social benefits.
Michelle Davies, Account Director for Osborne Property Services commented:
“We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for this award and are very much looking forward to attending the awards night in November with our partners Slough Borough Council.”
Cllr Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “Excellent work like this shows how partnerships are vital not only to provide services but to go above and beyond and leave a lasting legacy in the community. I hope Osborne do well at the awards ceremony – however, their work in the community will be there as a prize whether they win or not.”
