Bournville Village Trust has been shortlisted for a prestigious award that recognises excellence in housing across the UK.

Our entry, in the ‘Excellence in Community-led Decision-Making’ category of the UK Housing Awards, showcases partnership working with our two resident-led management Committees in Lawley and Lightmoor Villages in Telford. Committee members give their time for free to work with us to create and sustain fully inclusive, thriving communities for today and tomorrow’s generations.

James Haldron, Chair of Lawley Management Committee, said: “As a resident-led committee we directly influence the services provided by BVT in Lawley, ensuring the voices of the local community are listened to and acted on. We have been through a significant journey over the last five years, working with BVT to reshape the Lawley Management Committee and as a result, we have seen real changes. Being nominated for this award is a great reflection of all this hard work and the commitment of all the residents who are, and have been, part of the committee.”

Jordan Taylor, Chair of Lightmoor Village Estate Management Committee, said: “I originally became involved with BVT because of changes that were being suggested in Lightmoor Village where I live that I wasn’t happy with, and neither were my neighbours. Working with BVT ensured this change never took place and the original plan stayed the same. So, when I heard about the committee becoming resident-led, I was really interested in joining as my experience with BVT showed they really wanted to hear the voices of residents. It’s great to be shortlisted for this award.”

Tracey Rowe, Head of Estates and Stewardship at Bournville Village Trust, added: “The difference our resident-led committees have made to their community is outstanding, we see ourselves as one team ensuring we create and sustain inclusive, thriving communities that continue to develop for today and tomorrow’s generations. Being shortlisted is the cherry on top of the cake and a true reflection of all resident committee members’ hard work, dedication and enthusiasm for what they do.”

Both committees have played an integral role in making significant changes and improvements within their communities. In Lawley, this has included reshaping the management committee to be resident led and the opening of a community hub in the Village. In Lightmoor, the Committee have helped to shape and influence the Village’s design guide, community centre, commercial faciloities in the Village and introduce youth services.

The winners of the UK Housing Awards will be announced in November. BVT would like to wish good luck to all of those nominated. For further information on the awards, go to https://ukhousingawards.co.uk/