A SOUTH Oxfordshire housing association has been recognised for its excellent contact centre.

The UK National Contact Centre Awards were presented in London on Tuesday night.

Soha Housing was shortlisted for the Best Apprenticeship category but narrowly missed out on top place after competing with national companies.

Maureen Adams, director of customer service and operations at 6,600-home Soha, said Soha’s team is the first point of call for up to 10,000 phone and email and web chat requests a month.

She added: “These awards pitched us against high standards in other organisations, so we are really proud to represent the housing sector.

“Our apprenticeship programme is part of our commitment to helping young people develop skills and get into work.

“The contact centre is the heart of any organisation and a great place to learn those vital customer skills.”

Soha is also reaccredited under the national Customer Service Excellence programme, the eighth year it has held the accolade.

Soha Housing, founded in July 1997 and the majority of its homes are for social rent with just over 13 per cent shared ownership or leasehold.

Visit soha.co.uk