North Star Housing Group

We have a fantastic opportunity for up to three people to join our two-year Board Trainee Programme 🌟 You will receive full training to equip you with the skills to influence and hold North Star accountable for the good of our customers and communities. We will deliver this programme with Housing Diversity Network and are particularly interested in applicants from the LGBTQ+ communities and disabled people as these groups are currently underrepresented in North Star's Board. No previous experience in housing is needed - all you need is a commitment to learning and a strong social purpose. 📅 Want to know more? Join our online open event on 8th April 2025 10am-11am to hear more about the programme. ➔ Register here: https://lnkd.in/enBMDtp5 Visit our website for the application form: https://lnkd.in/gtQFRhB

🌟Job Alert - Customer Service Assistant (Part-time / 6-month FTC)🌟 We are looking for a professional, personable, and proactive problem-solver who really cares about people to join our brilliant Customer Service team on a 6-month fixed-term contract. The role is part-time (21 hours across Monday, Tuesday and Friday). In this role, you'll: ✅ Be the first point of contact for our customers and liaise with staff to find solutions to queries ✅ Contact customers and make appointments for routine, annual and cyclical maintenance ✅ Gather and keep up-to-date information from activities like satisfaction surveys and customer feedback 💡 Why North Star? We're an award-winning employer and in 2024 were named UK Employer of the Year: Platinum (<250) by Investors in People. We invest in your growth, provide opportunities to influence change, and offer an excellent range of staff benefits. Find out more and apply: https://lnkd.in/eXa-XAMm

It was our pleasure to sponsor the brilliant Women In Social Housing (WISH) North East International Women's Day event held on Friday. The day was full of inspirational stories from fantastic speakers sharing not only their achievements but the challenges they've faced and overcome along the way 👏 #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 (Saturday 8 March), we’re shining a spotlight on the amazing women at North Star who go the extra mile to deliver excellent services for our customers 🙋♀️ Women make up half of our senior leadership team and, as of 2024, 79% of our entire workforce. Not only that, but many are breaking barriers and thriving in fields like surveying, asset management, and development. Fueled by a passion for ensuring our customers have homes to be proud of, a drive to develop and grow, and a genuine love for what they do, they’re an inspiration to us all. We caught up with some of them to find out what keeps them motivated and what advice they’d share with others: https://lnkd.in/em98UP2K #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction #InternationalWomensDay

On Friday, we joined likeminded businesses at Darlington Employers Environmental Partnership's first Net Zero Marketplace Event 🌍 It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase how we're improving thermal efficiency and reducing energy consumption in some of our oldest stock through ongoing retrofit works. We also shared plans for our upcoming zero-carbon new build scheme, which will see 12 energy-efficient homes added to the North Road area. It was great to speak with Lola McEvoy, MP for Darlington, and Cllr Steve Harker, Leader of Darlington Council, about our commitment to sustainability and the journey to net zero. #NetZero

🤖 Robots are coming to North Star! We’re excited to announce our partnership with The National Robotarium on an innovative research study exploring how people interact with AI-empowered robotics in a social housing setting. This project builds on previous work where researchers developed a robot-controlled coffee machine that takes orders and engages customers in natural conversation. After early trials in a university setting, researchers are ready to trial the Robo-Barista in a more "in-the-wild" setting. We'll be bringing the Robo-Barista to the Bistro at Aspen Gardens, our sheltered accommodation scheme for over 55s. Unlike a university environment, Aspen Gardens Bistro (which is open to the general public) welcomes a diverse mix of residents and visitors, offering new insights into trust, acceptance, and real-world use of robotics. The research aims to explore: 🔹 How people feel about interacting with a robot in their daily lives 🔹 Whether the Robo-Barista improves social engagement - both between people and technology and between customers themselves 🔹 How AI-empowered robots can be designed to better support communities ☕ Want to see the Robo-Barista in action? The robot will be based in Aspen Gardens Bistro in Stockton-on-Tees (TS19 8BG) from the 25th of February, where it will be engaging visitors in conversation while a hot drink is made for them. We’re hosting group visits where you can see the robot in action and meet the researchers from the National Robotarium to discuss how robotics could play a role in housing and community settings. 📅 Sign up to visit here: https://lnkd.in/edvEuR6Y

We are proud to be involved with this group and work together to bring about positive change in our communities 🏘️👥

It was a proud moment for us at Housing Digital’s Housing Innovation Awards 2025 last night as we were named Most Innovative Housing Provider 🏆   This award reflects our commitment to exploring new and creative ways to benefit our communities. Over the past year, projects have included: - Introducing Amazon Key for secure and efficient deliveries - Collaborating with The National Robotarium to explore robotics in social housing (watch this space for an exciting project launching soon!) - Partnering with the National Innovation Centre for Data to develop data-led solutions A huge thank you to our partner Waterstons for hosting our annual Innovation Days and helping turn our big ideas into impactful projects. We also thank Infinity Group UK for their assistance in bringing our large-scale innovation, HMS Endeavour, to life. Lastly, congratulations to our fellow SHINE members for being shortlisted for Most Innovative Partnership, recognising our shared commitment to tackling challenges our communities face through innovation.

Property Services Administrator Jakub came to North Star as a Level 4 Data Analyst apprentice and went on to secure a full-time role. He tells us about his apprentice experience: ⭐Why did you choose to complete an apprenticeship? "It offered the perfect blend of hands-on experience and structured learning. I wanted to develop real-world skills while earning a qualification rather than focusing on classroom-based education. The opportunity to learn directly from professionals in the field was a major factor in my decision." ⭐What did you like about being an apprentice at North Star? "Being an apprentice at North Star is incredible because of the supportive learning environment and the variety of experiences on offer. The team genuinely invests in your growth and you get to work on meaningful projects that make a real impact. Additionally, the culture promotes collaboration and innovation, which keeps every day interesting and engaging." ⭐What has been your biggest personal achievement throughout your apprenticeship? "Securing a full-time role at North Star following my apprenticeship is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and skills I developed during my time as an apprentice. Earning the trust and confidence of the team to continue contributing in a permanent environment has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve also built a solid understanding of the industry, which sets me apart from those with just theoretical knowledge. The experience and qualifications I’ve gained have positioned me well for future roles." #NAW2025