Top marks for wardens

RBH wardens with their diplomas (l-r) Karen Wood (Saxon House and Olive Standring House), Beverley Martin (Alkrington Court and Chisholm Court), Joanne Barber (Lonsdale Court), Margaret Grice (Isherwood Close and Springfield Close), Karen Turner (Assessor - Lemon & McCarthy), Peter Smith (Support and Independence Manager), Yvonne Kowalczuk (Yew Court and Jack McCann Court), Clare Tostevin (Head of Strategy & Regeneration), Karen Tweedale (Moss Row) and Rose Ogden (Sheltered Housing Service Co-or

Six wardens are celebrating after successfully completing their NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Housing.

The six wardens, who support RBH tenants across the Borough, were: Johanne Barber from Lonsdale Court,Yvonne Kowalczuck from Yew Court and Jack McCann Court, Karen Wood from Saxon House and Olive Standring House, Beverley Martin from Alkrington Court and Chisholm Court, Karen Tweedale from Moss Row, and Margaret Grice from Isherwood Close and Springfield Close.

The qualifications gave the wardens additional skills in a wide variety of areas, including: promoting safe and ethical behaviour; developing positive relationships with tenants; responding to requests for repairs; helping tenants to settle into new living environments; safeguarding individuals from harm, abuse and exploitation and discrimination; working with customers; and enabling tenants to establish and maintain friendships and interests.

The wardens received their diplomas from Clare Tostevin, RBH Head of Strategy and Regeneration, at a presentation ceremony on 2 April 2014.

Karen Tweedale, warden at Moss Row, said: “The NVQ was very interesting, and It made you think about what you do on a daily basis. It was good working alongside other wardens and to get their views across. The training kept us up to speed and tenants benefit from that.”

Rose Ogden, RBH Supported Housing Service Co-ordinator, said: “I’m thrilled that our six wardens have all achieved their Level 3 NVQ and have passed with flying colours. Our wardens work tirelessly to support our tenants; we’re delighted to be able to help them to gain new qualifications and develop their career whilst continuing to provide a great service for residents.”