Jobsgopublic News

Those working for a public sector body in Devon have been praised by the Audit Commission, it has been revealed.

According to the commission’’s comprehensive performance assessment, Torridge district council has received a "good" rating, an increase from the poor score achieved five years ago.

Martin Green, senior manager for the Audit Commission, said: "Poorly performing services have been turned round, with services such as benefits now comparable with the best."

He added that have also been improvements in areas such as housing management and planning.

The council was particularly commended for its understanding of its residents” needs, managing waste effectively and strong leadership from managers.

In addition, the local authority was praised for its work with network partners and for making use of shared services.

Last month, the Audit Commission praised Chorley borough council for providing an improving level of services to its residents, with the north-west body now said to be "excellent".

More about network partners.

Housing management services in Rotherham have been noted as good in a new survey conducted by the Audit Commission.

Receiving two out of a possible three stars, the services in Rotherham were noted to be customer focused.

Graeme Foster, lead housing inspector for Yorkshire and Humberside at the Audit Commission, said: "2010 Rotherham has secured some improvements to services for their customers. Improvements to homes are taking place which is making a difference to tenants."

He added that there is strong performance in key areas such as rent collection and the management of empty properties.

The commission noted that services are easy to access and there is good information about what is on offer.

Also, there is a positive approach toward residents and their involvement within the sector.

2010 Rotherham is a non-profit making business that is wholly owned and controlled by Rotherham Borough Council. As well as dealing with issues relating to rents and repairs for council houses, the organisation also tackles issues such as anti-social behaviour.

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Those working for a housing body in the north-west of England have been commended in a new report, it has been revealed.

Cobalt Housing, which is based in Liverpool, was claimed by the Audit Commission to be providing a "good" level of service to its tenants.

As such, the organisation was given two stars out a possible three and was also stated as having promising prospects for achieving future improvements.

Graeme Foster, senior manager at the Audit Commission, said: "The management board and staff demonstrate a strong commitment to service improvements and customers can have confidence that services will continue to get better."

It was also reported that Cobalt Housing had been working well with partners to tackle to anti-social behaviour and ensure that all tenants receive a quality service.

Such news could be of interest to those looking for work in housing via a regional recruitment portal.

Last month, Staffordshire Housing Association was praised by the Audit Commission for providing a good level of services to its tenants.

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A multimillion pound employment fund has been created by the government, it has been revealed.

Using cash from the European Social Fund, the initiative is inviting organisations to submit plans on ways to improve employment opportunities for members of the public.

In addition to helping improve consumers” skills, the scheme will also take steps to help those people who are currently not in work to find a job.

Such news could be of interest to those seeking work in the third sector via a regional recruitment portal.

Tony McNulty, UK minister for employment and welfare reform, said: "At a time when we are facing global economic challenges, it is essential that we make sure everyone has the right skills for the vacancies that employers want to fill."

Overall, the fund is worth £27 million.

In other news, a recent study by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations indicated that 42 per cent of third sector managers are looking to increase the number of paid staff they have.

More regional recruitment portal information.