On Wednesday 6 October, Orbit held its first virtual awards ceremony in partnership with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), to celebrate its sector-leading contributions to Health and Safety.
The Health and Safety Excellence Awards gave recognition to Orbit employees for their outstanding contribution to customer safety and best practice.
Mark Hoyland, Group Chief Executive at Orbit, said: “Health and Safety is our number one priority and these awards shine a spotlight on our employees and partners who have shown an outstanding commitment to keeping our customer and workplaces safe.
“These awards have brought together people from across our organisation to celebrate our performance and have highlighted some of the fantastic work which is taking place. I want to thank all of the nominees and congratulate the winners Orbit’s Health and Safety Excellence Awards 2021.”
The awards
A Site to be Hold Award: Presented to an Orbit Homes development that has demonstrated excellence in Health and Safety.
Winner: Newlands in Attleborough
This development won the award due to the scale of improvement demonstrated over the last 18 months. The site previously scored 70% for Health and Safety compliance, however they are now consistently achieving 95%, highlighting a significant culture change and commitment to continuous improvement.
Best Practice Award: Recognises an Orbit employee who has championed Health and Safety best practice in the business.
Winners: Louis Brooker (Orbit Homes Project Manager), Susan Gower (Independent Living Scheme Manager) and Adam Gaggini (Orbit Homes Divisional Head of Technical)
Louis won this award for his outstanding commitment to keeping Orbit Homes sites safe. Louis achieved the highest net promoter score of all the Orbit Homes developments and consistently achieves 100% for Health and Safety compliance.
Susan won this award for supporting a vulnerable customer who was struggling with their own wellbeing. Susan’s attitude and determination in dealing with a complex and sensitive issue has allowed the customer to be cared for, as well as improving lives for the other customers at the scheme.
Adam has incorporated the RoSPA Safer by Design standards into all of Orbit’s future new-build homes. This has meant Orbit Homes has become the first affordable housing provider to adopt the framework, which is aimed at reducing more accidental deaths and serious injuries that occur in homes each year.
Best Partnership Award: Celebrates a partnership which has supported health, safety, and wellbeing in the business.
Winner: RG Wilbrey
The partnership between RG Wilbrey and Orbit Homes has helped to create a safer working environment at Orbit construction sites. This partnership has provided a second line of assurance in Health and Safety Management, ensuring the safety of all on site.
Campaign Award: Identifies a campaign or product with health, safety, or wellbeing benefits.
Winner: #ThisIsMe
Orbit’s new wellbeing programme, #ThisIsMe, launched in September 2020 and has enabled the business to better support employees with their mental health in the workplace. Throughout the pandemic, the risk of loneliness and isolation significantly increased and mental health was a major concern for many. The programme recognises employees as individuals who have different wellbeing needs at different times. The programme offers a blended, flexible approach which drives self-help, whilst providing a structure that is obtainable at a time when it’s needed.
Unsung Hero Award: Shines a spotlight on an employee who has gone above and beyond to show a commitment to Health and Safety.
Winner: The Facilities Team
The Facilities Team have been invaluable in driving forward the Health and Safety agenda throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. The team have led on the remobilisation of Orbit offices and have adapted spaces to accommodate our new way of working. They have taken on additional roles to support every department across the business and have ensured that all employees are kept safe and well during these uncertain times.
Outstanding Health and Safety Contribution Award: Showcases an Orbit employee who has played an active role in a Health and Safety process or activity.
Winner: The Independent Living Team
This team have been the frontline throughout the pandemic, managing Orbit Independent Living Schemes with at-risk residents across the Midlands, East and South, and carrying out wellbeing calls to ensure customers are safe and well.
Team Initiative Award: Given to an Orbit team who have come up with an innovative Health and Safety feature.
Winner: Customer Safety Team
The Customer Safety Team created the new Fire Safety App, which is an interactive platform for customers to understand fire safety manager and risks within their homes. Since its launch less than a year ago, the app has had over 500,000 views. This highlights the success in the delivery of the app which provides potentially lifesaving information to over half a million people.