Training education and development

"It's the best training we have ever had""It's really works it completely changed the chairing at tenant panel meetings"

Julian Kelly Partnership Development Officer East North East Homes Leeds.

Chairs and Vice Chairs Award.

" I needed a course to brush up my skills and take a fresh look at how I was performing as a chair. I realised I was actually doing quite well, but it was good to learn some new skills . It made me review what I was doing as a chair and stand back and think about my approach. It also made me re-think how I do some things."

" The organisation benefits because as a chair, I now feel more confident and that feeds through to the board. I also have more knowledge about chairing skills."

"Yvonne (Atkinson BDA's Director) was fabulous and although the course had a relaxed atmosphere, it delivered well. Part of my exit strategy in the future would be to ensure the incoming chair completed the course. The course is also an ideal way for existing and especially new chairs to build up a support network that will prove useful throughout their involvement with their board."

Gail Lancaster Chair Newydd Housing Association

"It is clear from the feedback that I have received from the first group (of Governance Award trainees) that the experience was an enjoyable one. Participants valued the opportunity to relate to each other and work together in a different context. The time together was important in forming stronger working relationships, in understanding alternative viewpoints and in sharing experiences and concerns.This training has increased people's knowledge and made people more confident because they know how the association works and the part they can play. It's a testament to the trainers and to those who have undertaken the training that others are very keen to take part in the next round of training."

Carol Kerr, Blue Sky Consulting

."Hi Yvonne,Just to let you know, I received really positive feedback from my group who attended your training. They are all really excited and enthusiastic over the prospect of helping to implement 'Scrutiny' panels within our organisation and spoke very highly about the presentation of the course.Ideally I would like this training to be available to other residents and staff including managers. I understand that you have the facilities to present this training 'in-house'.

Deborah Lamb, East Thames Housing Association

"This training has increased people's knowledge and made people more confident because they know how the association works and the part they can play. It's a testament to the trainers and to those who have undertaken the training that others are very keen to take part in the next round of training."

Holly Campbell, Hays Recruitment

"Lynda has undertaken a number of interim contracts for myself within the social housing sector. She has managed & reviewed large specialist housing teams as well as completing strategy & policy assignments. Lynda has always delivered a very high standard of work and fitted into organisations with ease. I would have no hesitation in recommending her."

Christopher Hunter, Director of Improvement, Lambeth Living

‘Lynda has provided excellent training and support for a number of companies. She has trained boards and staff on housing management and leasehold issues, written several publications for the Housing Corporation and Housing Ombudsman. She has also developed policies and procedures and provided training for 3* organisations such as Hounslow Homes, and has carried out research for a Primary Care Trust, universities and local authorities.'

Janet Killilea, JK Event Management

"I have worked with Lynda on various projects over the last 6-7 years. She has always demonstrated a clear vision in terms of the overall objective to be achieved. She has often been my main client contact and always gives clear guidance on projects in terms of where we want to be and how we will get there in terms of delivery. If ever there is a brainstorming session, Lynda has innovative ideas, suggestions and examples of good practise to share, which help the team move forward."

Peter Antill, Director of Resources, Tewkesbury Borough Council

"I must thank Melissa Neill (BDA communications cunsultant) for helping the Council with its newspaper at such short notice after our previous provider left. I was concerned that we would not meet the required timescale but Melissa assured me we would. She then took charge of the project which took a big headache away from me. She liaised with colleagues and produced a quality Council newspaper, on time! I have just asked her to produce the next edition."

Review

We have 50 Housing Organisations signed up to our governance benchmarking club.

We have helped housing associations in Scotland Wales and England to work with the regulator to improve Governance. Given the confidential nature of the work  testimonials are not appropriate but confidential references can be obtained.