Wheatley Homes South is keeping Scotland beautiful

A group of 16 Wheatley Homes South customers have been trained to rate green spaces and identify any areas where improvement can be made.

Tenants from Wheatley Homes South, Dumfries and Galloway’s largest social landlord, have been trained to support us to assess community spaces across the region.

Alexander Stevenson, our Environment and Place Services Officer, and Jamie Ormiston, our Senior Awards Officer, attended an event at Wheatley Homes South’s office in Dumfries to recognise the customers’ achievements and commitment to improving their communities.

The assessor training had first seen two members of Wheatley Homes South Neighbourhood Environmental Team (NETs) become qualified to deliver assessor training before they worked with customers from across the region.

After completing the training, tenants were able to assess properties according to the National Award for Environmental Excellence® (NAEE) framework, while being able to share valuable insights into the local area and the condition of their residences. This engagement created a platform where Wheatley customers could influence the services provided and engage with staff.

A plaque was also handed over to Eric Amato, Environmental Service Delivery Lead, and Helen MacKay, Environmental Support Manager, in recognition of Wheatley Homes South receiving a Keep Scotland Beautiful five-star award in 2022.

Alexander Stevenson, our Environment and Place Services Officer, said: “We received a very warm welcome from staff and tenants of Wheatley Homes South and were grateful to have been invited down for the event. It was excellent to see the turnout from people in the community that want to be a positive force and stronger voice for creating change, enhancing the places they live in and develop a working relationship with Wheatley staff. Having people within the communities trained as KSB assessors gives them the opportunity to really make an impact on their homes and lives. Outstanding effort from all involved.”

Jamie Ormiston, our Senior Officer, Awards, said: "Congratulations to all those who have completed the training. The time they have committed to taking part shows there is a real appetite from their customers to support the work of Wheatley Group in driving up living standards and promote sustainability to their neighbours in an effort to keep Scotland beautiful." 

Alan Glasgow, Managing Director of Wheatley Homes South, added: "We want our communities to be places people are proud to live in and our partnership working with Keep Scotland Beautiful helps make this possible.

“Our customer assessors will play a vital role in helping us to achieve our environmental goals. They are our eyes and ears on the ground, and they help us to ensure that our communities are clean, green, and safe. We are very grateful for the time and dedication that they give, and we are proud to recognise their achievements.”

A National Award for Environmental Excellence® will help you to understand your impact on our environment and respond to the risks, opportunities and responsibilities ahead, while building a more efficient and cost effective organisation.

Visit National Award for Environment Excellence® | Keep Scotland Beautiful for more information.