Case Study, Atrium Homes

Atrium Homes is a Registered Social Landlord (or housing association) with charitable status. It was established in 1998 and is based in John Finnie Street, Kilmarnock. It’s a “not for profit” organisation and surpluses made on a year-to-year basis are reinvested in its housing accommodation and services to tenants, owners, and other stakeholders.

Atrium Homes believe in being an enterprising, effective organisation, providing quality housing and services, addressing social exclusion and contributing to area regeneration in partnership with communities, individuals and other agencies.

Atrium is managed in a responsible manner and aim to be dynamic and innovative and open to suggestions that would help them to improve.  In 2005 to support this, Atrium used an independent consultant to conduct a customer satisfaction survey which returned, overall, very positive outcomes.

Atrium are committed to equality of opportunity and embrace diversity. They participate and strive to create opportunities for all interested parties to influence what they do and how they do it. They aim to work in partnership with others because they believe that together they can do more to achieve their vision.  Atrium have demonstrated this by working in partnership with the Wise Group, Communities Scotland, Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire, East Ayrshire Council and Cunninghame Housing Association on a project underway in Nether Robertland, Stewarton.  This project will be conducted over a 27 month period and provide work placements for 40 people with an overall investment of £750,000 to enhance the area.

In parallel to this, Atrium are adding to their existing stock through a very healthy and ambitious new build programme.  They currently have one scheme on site and several others in the pipeline and they are seen as a key partner of East Ayrshire Council in the delivery of the latter’s Local Housing Strategy.  This activity will, over the next few years see Atrium channel in excess of £20million into the construction industry in Ayrshire, in addition to the several millions earmarked for improvement works to its existing houses.

Their customers, the communities in which they operate, are at the core of everything they do. They encourage them to become involved in directing, shaping and influencing the services which they provide. Their services are intended to enable people to enjoy their home and community to the full. Atrium aim to offer choice in all services,  and tailor them to meet the needs of each of the communities   which they serve. They monitor how they are delivered and received, provide open and objective information on the outcomes and actively strive to improve satisfaction levels.
Atrium Homes cover 12 different communities in East Ayrshire.  When Atrium inherited the management of this area in 1999, there were 40 empty properties with no demand for the homes.  Using an innovative management approach and working with the local community, Atrium tackled the physical degradation of the estate and economic welfare of residents.  Atrium also helped foster community activities.  In addition to assisting with the credentials of the SKY project (Stuff for Kids & Youth), Atrium provided some financial assistance to help fund a property which is used as a drop-in centre.  There is now a waiting list for the Shortlees area, testament to the dramatic impact which has been made.

Atrium value their staff and are committed to being a responsible employer which fulfils its legal obligations. They have a sustainability policy in place which aims to balance business objectives with their commitment to sustainability and value for money.  In addition to a formal policy, practical steps have been taken to make their offices “greener”, including recycling initiatives, energy saving tips and working towards a paperless office.   

Atrium encourages its staff to take advantage of opportunities which they provide to maximise their potential.  Their commitment to their staff has also been recently recognised in the form of the Investor in People Accreditation which they have just been awarded; the first such award for a local housing association under the new improved Investors in People Standard.

Atrium Homes
39-41 John Finnie Street,
Kilmarnock
KA1 1BL

t: 01563 528816
f: 01563 525558
w: www.atrium-homes.co.uk

NB: All case studies are based on the Organisation’s Bronze Award submission.