The achievement provides independent assurance of SBHA’s health and safety standards and reflects the strength of a safety culture that benefits both tenants and team members. It also marks a significant step forward for SBHA, which has progressed from Bronze to Gold in just one year.

Now in its 70th year, the RoSPA Awards is the world’s largest and most prestigious health and safety awards programme, attracting around 2,000 entries from nearly 60 countries in 2026. The awards recognise organisations of all sizes and sectors, with achievement awards judged by leading health and safety experts.

As the largest social landlord in the Scottish Borders, SBHA provides more than 5,700 homes across 49 communities. Working across a large rural area, with homes ranging from historic buildings dating back to the 1700s to new-build properties, the Association plays an important role as a community anchor organisation and one of the region’s largest employers.

Caroline Purcell, director of property services at SBHA, said: “We are delighted to have progressed from Bronze to Gold in the space of just one year. This award is independent assurance of the standards we have worked hard to build across the whole organisation, and of our commitment to keeping people safe in tenants’ homes, in our workplaces and across the communities we serve.

“SBHA was created by tenants for tenants, and we know that being a social landlord is about more than bricks and mortar. Health and safety is central to our wider social purpose: supporting safe homes, safe places and confident communities. This recognition is thanks to the dedication of our teams, Board, tenants and partners, and to our shared commitment to listening, learning and improving year after year.”

Julia Small, RoSPA’s growth director, said: “RoSPA congratulates Scottish Borders Housing Association on its RoSPA Health and Safety Award. The high standards SBHA has achieved are the result of hard work and dedication, of which SBHA should be rightfully proud and which RoSPA is delighted to honour.

“2026 is a landmark year for the RoSPA Awards as we reflect on how far workplace safety has come in 70 years. It is because of the commitment of health and safety leaders like SBHA that people today are safer at work than in the past, and sets an inspiring example for the future.”