Our aim is to make a contribution to improving the quality of life of people and promoting community well-being.
Group News
Advice Accreditation for Hillcrest
Two of Hillcrest Housing Association’s financial inclusion projects were today presented with accreditation from the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers. Hillcrest Housing Association’s Making Money Work Project and Pre-tenancy Service successfully completed a rigorous assessment process to gain the accreditation. The process looked at all aspects of the services activities including management, planning, accessibility, customer care, service provision and technical competence.
Lord Provost John Letford was invited to present the accreditation and commented that “"Hillcrest Housing Association has once again demonstrated the quality and expertise in housing matters that makes them leaders in their field. Communities and customers throughout Dundee will be grateful to Hillcrest for the very important initiatives they provide which ultimately enhance the quality of their lives."
The accreditation standards were developed by the Scottish Government to ensure that advice services throughout Scotland are being delivered to an acceptable and consistent level.
On receiving the accreditation, Wider Role Co-ordinator Joy Watson commented that “We knew that both projects were providing an excellent service to customers but we had to work hard as a team to collate evidence and produce sufficient documentation to demonstrate this. The staff from both projects were also interviewed at length and the auditor was impressed with the knowledge and commitment of the team. We are very pleased that the quality of what we do and the service we provide across the city of Dundee has been officially approved”
Making Money Work helps people in Dundee who are thinking about moving from benefits into employment, education or training by tackling any financial issues such as accessing bank accounts, advising on in-work benefits, budgeting or dealing with any hidden debts. The project is funded by the European Social Fund and Dundee Partnership.
The Pre-tenancy Service helps people in Dundee who have been homeless move towards tenancy by dealing with any financial issues that could prevent the tenancy from being sustained such as budgeting, accessing benefits, accessing goods and services.