Coastline Housing are a customer-focused and value-driven housing association in Cornwall. They own and manage more than 4,300 homes, providing services including repairs, maintenance, care and support.
The challenge faced by Coastline Housing is enormous. In many areas of Cornwall, high house prices have excluded many people from owning their own home. Thousands of families have registered for affordable rented housing in the county and many more are known to be in need.
With a growing annual turnover of £24 million and staff totalling more than 250, Coastline Housing's contribution to solving this problem and improving people's lives continues to increase.
The organisation includes a subsidiary called Coastline Services that offers top quality repairs and maintenance services to companies and individuals.
The Chief Executive Officer Allister Young was previously Director of Finance, and for a while covered both roles. Allister's appointment brought a sense of continuity, which really benefits Coastline Housing.
Allister leads by example, is always ready to speak with staff and ensures he gets out to see customers and staff away from their main office. Customers and staff view Allister not only as the leader of Coastline Housing but the custodian of its values.
The company operates an annual appraisal scheme that assesses managers against core competencies. They also operate a management development programme where managers receive training on employee recognition, providing feedback and employee engagement.
To support the wider community, Coastline Housing offer a range of grants up to £1,500 for local projects, groups and individual customers. Over the past year, they have granted awards for school playground enhancements, sports equipment and high-visibility jackets for community volunteers.