A LEADING provider of housing care and support for vulnerable people across Sussex has been awarded a top gold accreditation.

Southdown Housing Association - based at Bell Lane in Lewes - has earned the Investors in People Standard.

This demonstrates its commitment to high performance through investing in its staff.

Deputy chief executive Vikki Hayward-Cripps said: “We’re delighted that our commitment to being the best employer we can be has been recognised in this way, particularly as the accreditation is based partly on our staff’s feedback.

“Only by listening to our staff’s experiences can we provide a supportive, happy and productive work culture.”

Established 45 years ago, the not-for-profit organisation has grown substantially over the years and today supports more than 8,000 people each year.

Southdown employs 950 staff who work across a range of homelessness prevention, mental health, housing and learning disability services.

Ellie Cottingham Ellie, a support worker at one of Southdown’s learning disability services, said: “These services are so important. They give people independence. We support people to do things for themselves.

“The training has been amazing.

“My favourite was the autism training – it really opened my eyes.

“My manager has also offered me the opportunity to do a Diploma qualification which is really exciting.

“The staff here are lovely. We rely on each other and help each other out.

“The best part of the job? Everything! I love it, I really do.”

Investors in People is the international standard for people management, defining what it takes to lead, support and manage people effectively to achieve sustainable results.

For more information visit www.southdown.org