Cheltenham Borough Homes nominated as a finalist for the ASCP awards

• A new team launched by Cheltenham Borough Homes to tackle Damp, Mould and Condensation has received a finalist place at the ASCP awards
• This team have seen a positive reduction in health and property complaints from tenants since its formation

Cheltenham Borough Homes (CBH) has been recognised as a finalist for the Best Response to Damp & Mould Award for its key achievements in the recently formed DMC (damp, mould and condensation) team.

The ASCP (The Association of Safety and Compliance Professionals) Safety & Compliance Awards identify the achievements of people and organisations in the social housing and facilities management sectors.

Front-line staff received training on how to appropriately refer cases of DMC, with special training in areas such as thermal imaging and ensuring staff are fully equipped in all products and appropriate usage depending on the situation.

Mike Scourfield, Repairs Manager for Cheltenham Borough Homes said: “Our team responded to all new cases in the height of the damp, mould and condensation season, and prioritised cleaning homes promptly. We also Conducted continual reviews and monitoring to tend to recurrent issues. It is great to have our work noticed and see tenants happy.”

Mark Way, Head of Building Services for Cheltenham Borough Homes said: “We are delighted to have been recognised for our hard work. Since the team formed in 2023, we focused on DMC and disrepair claims with front-line staff which has undoubtedly reduced complaints and limited the risks to a small proportion of people who are being tended to.”

Councillor Victoria Atherstone, Cheltenham Borough Council cabinet member for housing, said: “This is brilliant news, huge congratulations to the DMC team! Their forward-thinking approach with the adoption of new technologies and training and their dedication to resolve issues promptly and effectively, will ensure continued support for our customers.”

The team has responded to 110 new cases in January, at the height of damp and mould season. When rating these cases under the housing health and safety rating system (HHSRS), the team has been cleaning mould promptly in all reported houses using new technologies preventing mould and developed rapid performance monitoring within a dedicated datahub.

The DMC team also hosted community events and other initiatives, which include:

• Road shows
• Coffee mornings
• Skills hub sessions
• Attendance to street fairs to promote education and knowledge to tenants and the community on damp, mould, and condensation.

HHSRS numbers have since been decreasing due to CBH’s rapid approach to the greatest risks posted, reducing health risks to tenants. Complaints around DMC have also since reduced since the formation of the DMC team.

Find out more about Cheltenham Borough Homes at cbh.org.uk or talk about the project email housing@cbh.org.uk 

For media enquiries, contact: communications, telephone 01242 264154, email communications@cheltenham.gov.uk.

Find out more about damp, mould and condensation here: www.cbh.org/help-with-damp-and-mould/