Warwickshire News Mine

The partnership was presented with the ‘Best approach to commissioning home improvement agency services’ award by David Drew MP at the Foundations Annual Home Improvement Agency Awards, sponsored by Stannah Stairlifts.

The awards ceremony was held in the House of Commons and was attended by several senior Members of Parliament and government ministers.

The Home Improvement Agency Awards recognise the commitment, vision and innovation of the home improvement agency sector. The ‘Best approach to commissioning home improvement agency services’ award celebrates high standards of commissioning, where all key commissioners work together to provide a high-quality service for local residents.

Warwickshire Supporting People Partnership is made up of the county, district and borough councils, in addition to the Probation Trust and NHS Warwickshire.

Rachel Norwood, Lead Commissioner for Supporting People at Warwickshire County Council, said: “The Warwickshire Supporting People Partnership has gone from strength to strength resulting in a shared vision for Home Improvement Agency services in the future.  This will ultimately improve services for people in Warwickshire.  It is great that this was recognised by the judges.”

The Warwickshire Supporting People Partnership has developed an approach to commissioning home improvement agency handyperson services that is changing the nature of support for older, disabled and vulnerable people across the county. The commissioning partnership involved local people in the process to help achieve its highly ambitious vision to support people to live independently in their own homes.

The judges felt that the model of partnership working developed by the county council, five district and borough councils, the primary care trust and the local FirstStop pilot deserved recognition.

David Drew MP congratulated the Warwickshire Supporting People Partnership, saying: "It is a great privilege to be here today to present the ‘Best Approach to Commissioning HIA Services award. Warwickshire’s commissioning approach is based on a highly ambitious vision to provide services that support independent living, and this vision has been rightly recognised."

Steve Malone, Director of Foundations, the national body for home improvement agencies, said: “Congratulations to all of this year’s award winners. I am truly delighted to formally recognise the passion, dedication and commitment of home improvement agency staff and commissioners who are making such a dramatic difference to the lives of vulnerable people across the country.”

Link to WCC