24 February 2010

SBHG leads the way

Shepherds Bush Housing Group’s success in attracting outstanding staff is the result of one of the best marketing and recruitment campaigns in the country, according to the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

It shortlisted SBHG for its 2010 marketing excellent awards, highlighting the sustainable long-term impact of SBHG’s campaign. It was the only housing association in the UK to be shortlisted.

SBHG has cut the cost of recruiting a member of staff from £5,194 to £717 in the past three years. At the same time, the calibre of staff has increased and SBHG’s residents are among the happiest in London with the service they receive.

Earlier this month SBHG achieved a prestigious star in the 2010 Best Companies survey, reflecting its status of staff believing it is a great place to work.

SBHG’s director of human resources and business support, David Blackburn, said: “To recruit the best, we have to attract the best candidates. Our campaign focused on developing our brand and raising our profile. Candidates decide whether they want to work for us, just as much as we decide whether we want to hire them. At the same time we used new and innovative ways of reaching them.

“The end result is first class staff who care about our residents and strive to offer the best possible service. We also spent much less to recruit than many other housing associations so we deliver great value for money for our residents.”

SBHG uses Forum 3, the annual not for profit recruitment showcase, to attract protenial candidates. At Forum 3 in September 2009, SBHG won the best large stand and visitors' choice awards for wowing crowds with a superpower theme. The stand featured a superhero comic strip with staff dressed as superheroes.

The Chartered Institute of Marketing excellence awards, held on Wednesday 17 February 2010, highlight the fundamental role marketing plays in business and celebrate marketing achievements.  SBHG was shortlisted in the not for profit sector and was pipped to the post by international marketing agency McCann Erickson.

For more information
Joanna Charlton
Tel: 020 8996 4263
Email: joanna.charlton@sbhg.co.uk