New figures show that Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has significantly increased its digital engagement with customers, project partners and the public over the past 12 months.
Its annual digital and communications report, produced by MHA Corporate Project Manager Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira, shows that interactions across a broad spectrum of social media channels reached new heights.
The number of Twitter users following the Bradford-based association’s posts has risen by a healthy 16.92% since July last year, with Facebook followers up by almost 23% and the number of LinkedIn followers rising by an even more impressive 25.93%.
Meanwhile, the ever-expanding video content available on MHA’s YouTube channel has led to remarkable growth in viewing figures of more than 229%.
The past 12 months have also brought greater use of its bespoke digital platforms including the MyMHA portal which is now utilised by more than two thirds of the association’s households compared to just a third last July.
A rolling refresh of MHA’s internal communications has also brought positive results.
Initiatives include the launch of a new internal newsletter and the rollout of internal social network Yammer to further boost staff engagement, increase capacity for sharing ideas and enhance an already positive working environment.
The first housing association in the country to be officially accredited for its work in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, in the past year MHA has won the British Standards Institution Users Award for Sustainability, the Northern Housing Team of the Year Award, the Northern Housing Tenant of the Year Award, and the West and North Yorkshire Chamber Equality Trailblazer Award.
And just last month, MHA Tenant Panel member Salma Khatun was named Tenant of the Year at the Housing Heroes Awards.
Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “We have many good stories to tell and we are keen to share them as far and wide as possible.
“The major improvements in the quality, impact and reach of our communications operations – internally and externally – have brought significant benefits.
“These efforts were especially important during the pandemic and, having ramped up these activities, we are committed not only to maintain but to increase them in the months and years ahead.
“Special credit must go to Carolina who has been the driving force behind this work, including all our social media activities.”
Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira, MHA Corporate Project Manager (seated), with staff team members
Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira, MHA Corporate Project Manager, said: "Manningham Housing Association is all about positivity and moving with the times for the benefit of our customers.
“I am so pleased that the efforts we have made to improve our communications has broadened interest in what we do and how we do it.
“Looking ahead, we intend to build on the strong foundations now created by further improving our digital offering and staying even more closely connected with our tenants, staff and partners.”
Barrington Billings, MHA Chair, said: “The association has a well-earned reputation for punching well above our weight. This report is just the latest example of that.
“MHA has embraced the digital era full on and intends to maximise its many benefits in our pursuit of enhancing our service offer to our tenants.
“I congratulate Carolina for her hard work, ingenuity and total commitment to every challenge she takes on as we continue to push the boundary of possibilities presented by the new digital era."