Caldmore to join Accord Group
Caldmore Area Housing Association is set to join the Accord Housing Group to secure its long-term future as an independent community-based organisation.
The historic association, which has 1,800 properties in Walsall, will keep its own name, identity and local operating base. There will be no redundancies as a result of the transition and staff will continue to provide services to the local community from its office on Caldmore Green.
The move will see significant extra investment for new initiatives to support the association’s future growth as a community-orientated organisation.
Caldmore’s Board took a unanimous decision to select the Accord Group on Friday evening as its Preferred Partner in joining a group structure. The transition is subject to the formal approval of shareholders and the new Tenant Services Authority. It is likely to take place towards the end of 2009.
The selection followed a consultation process involving residents, staff and other stakeholders. The Board had narrowed down the selection to 3 potential partners in November 2008. The final choice was made in line with the views expressed by tenant and community representatives
The Accord Group has 8,000 homes and consists of 6 independent organisations: Accord Housing Association, Ashram Housing Association, bchs, Redditch Co-operative Homes, Fry Housing Trust and Moseley & District Churches Housing Association. Its offices are based in Darlaston, Coventry, West Bromwich, Birmingham, and Redditch.
Caldmore Chief Executive Mike Hew said: “Accord has an excellent reputation for preserving the independence of its family members. The Board was determined to choose a partner which will help to preserve our community image and ethos, whilst also providing the opportunity to grow and thrive within a new family structure. In the longer-term this move will help us to improve the homes, care and services we provide to people in and around Caldmore.”
Accord Chief Executive Dr Chris Handy said: “Caldmore brings unique expertise, dedicated staff and a commitment to providing community-based housing and Care & Support in Walsall. We will help Caldmore grow and thrive as a truly independent and vibrant association in its own right, long into the future.”
For further information about Caldmore contact Mike Hew, Chief Executive, 01922 728239 and email info@caldmorehousing.co.uk
For further information about Accord contact Boris Worrall, Head of Communication, 0121 500 2090 and email borisw@accordha.org.uk
