The Council team responsible for looking after Hackney’s homeless have received a government commendation for excellent customer service for a second year.

The Homelessness Assessment Team (HAT) was originally awarded the Charter Mark Standard for Customer Service Excellence in 2008 as part of the Cabinet Office’s Charter Mark Scheme. It is given to public sector and voluntary organisations that emphasise customers’ role in influencing the design and delivery of the services they use.

Following a mandatory review the team demonstrated its commitment to maintaining the high standards required to retain the Charter Mark. The team will hold the status for a total of three years.

The review of the HAT’s service highlighted its achievements in consultation with service users; excellent partnership working with external organisations and strengthening its preventative measures, including a major focus on preventing homelessness among young people and helping to enhance their life skills.

Cllr Nargis Khan, Cabinet Member for Community Services said: “I would like to congratulate the Homelessness Assessment Team for their continued hard work, resulting in the retention of Charter Mark status. It demonstrates the Council’s commitment to listening to customers in order to improve customer service.”

“Hackney takes the prevention of homelessness very seriously and is well on its way to meeting government targets to reduce the number of homeless people in temporary accommodation."

For further information please contact:
Karyn Michael on 020 8356 3261 or email: karyn.michael@hackney.gov.uk