Housing Charter To Promote Interest Of Tenants
Modernising Social Housing

 

A consultation has been launched about a Scottish Social Housing Charter, it was announced today.

The new legislation proposed in the Housing Bill, currently being considered by the Scottish Parliament includes powers to modernise the regulation of social housing; creating an independent Scottish Housing Regulator, which will safeguard and promote the interests of tenants, homeless people and other service users.

The Bill also requires Ministers to consult on outcomes that social landlords should be delivering, which will be laid down in the Scottish Social Housing Charter. 

The Regulator will use the Charter as the framework for monitoring and assessing a landlord's performance; it will publish performance reports; and it will be able to set performance improvement targets.

Minister for Housing and Communities, Alex Neil said:

"I want everyone to receive a high quality housing service. The Charter will set out what all landlords in the social rented sector should be achieving for their tenants.

"It will also give tenants and other service users a clear idea of what they can expect from their landlords. 

"It's important everyone gets involved in shaping this important document so please send us your comments. I want to hear from tenants, landlords and anyone else who believes they can make a positive contribution."

The Scottish Social Housing Charter website can be viewed on the Scottish Government website at: http://housingcharter.scotland.gov.uk
 

Affordable Homes For The Heart Of The Highlands

 

A new affordable housing development by Albyn Housing Society for the elderly in Nethybridge is set to welcome its first residents.
 
The Invergordon-based housing association was assisted by a donation of £250,000 from the Abbeyfield Society, a not-for-profit organisation that exists to help the elderly live independently, providing towards the provision of affordable housing for the elderly.

Thanks to this input, Albyn invested in additional measures to maximise the energy efficiency and sense of community of these homes. This included a super-insulated structure, environmentally friendly air source heat pumps, and a community space with stone walling around the 13 new homes.

The project was also supported by a £900,000 Housing Association Grant provided by the Scottish Government which went a long way to ensure the houses would be suitable for the elderly or disabled. 

The development includes nine properties to rent, all of which have allocated owners and four are being marketed for sale under the LIFT Scheme.

Speaking of the project, Calum Macaulay, chief executive of Albyn Housing Society, said: 

"We are delighted to have completed this quality development and have worked hard to ensure our elderly tenants can enjoy a sense of security and community in the attractive courtyard layout. 

"Albyn gave a commitment to provide housing the community could regard as an asset for years to come. Nethybridge is the perfect setting to enjoy the countryside of the glorious Highlands and we wish our new tenants and shared equity owners every happiness in their new homes."

Housing and Communities Minister, Alex Neil, said:

"The Scottish Government has invested £900,000 in this development, which will make a big difference to the quality of life of the elderly residents.

"Albyn Housing Society and its partners are to be congratulated for spearheading this development.

"We want our elderly citizens to live as independently as possible in the community, either in their own home, sheltered housing or other forms of supported accommodation."

Freda Grant from Abbeyfield, said:

"It's great to see the project in Nethybridge coming to fruition.
 
"I would like to thank Albyn and their partners for delivering an attractive and well designed development which will be economical to run for all its residents. One of the main aims of Abbeyfield is to encourage companionship and it is good to see many of the new residents getting to know their neighbours."

For more information about the LIFT properties still for sale within the development, please email  info@albyn-enterprises.co.uk or call 01463 259895.

www.albynhousing.org.uk

Terence Gets A New Lifestyle From Clyde Valley HA

 

Clyde Valley Housing Association (CVHA) tenant Terence Tochel is enjoying life in his new bungalow, thanks to "barrier free" building design, which enables him to live independently.

Living with his parents, Terence had been at the top of North Lanarkshire Council's housing list for some time. In addition, to maximise his chances of securing housing, Terence had registered with housing associations in the area.

However, as a wheelchair user, was unable to get housing that met his accommodation needs. Whenever a house did become available, it was generally inappropriate in design and layout, meaning it could not be offered to Terence.

In effect, because the council did not have any available, adapted properties and were not building any new homes, the chances of Terence being housed were slim.

The solution was for Terence to be nominated for a new build property. New properties are built to standards that have wider doorways, ramped access, light switches sited lower on walls and electrical sockets higher, enabling occupation by any person.

Having gone through the formal allocations process, it was identified that Terence was a high priority, and as a result was able to be allocated one of Clyde Valleys' new build bungalows in Viewpark, his preferred area.

Asked what it means to Terence to have his own home, he said:

"The biggest advantage is having independent living. I have the freedom to suit myself in my own space, making my own decisions. My parents are happy for me and have peace of mind knowing I am in an environment that is both safe and comfortable. It has also enabled them to have more time to themselves and with other members of our family."

Councillor Burrows says:

"I have known Terence and his family for many and I know the hard work his parents/family have provided to help him lead a normal life as possible. I was aware that Terence wanted a chance to have his own place that would allow him to be more independent and give him an opportunity to integrate more into our community.

"His new bungalow in Johnstone Crescent is perfect and meets all his requirements. I am delighted that CVHA are building houses which are barrier free and the overall site is excellent for a 24/7 wheelchair user like Terence. I am fully aware he loves his new home. After an apprehensive start his mother and father are now delighted with the new move and I wish all of them continued success."

Clyde Valley Chairperson, Bill Dickie, added:

"In these times when there is a great demand for good, affordable, rented accommodation, it is gratifying to know that Terence has been provided with not only a good home, but a new way of life".

Pictured:  Terence outside his home being presented with the "key" to his bungalow by Clyde Valley Housing Association's Chairperson, Bill Dickie (centre) and North Lanarkshire Councillor Bob Burrows.

www.cvha.co.uk

SFHA Annual Conference 7th & 8th September

 

With less than a week to go, the SFHA's flagship Annual Conference is shaping up to be one of the unmissable events of the year. 

The conference is a key opportunity to survey the political and economic landscape, share ideas and to debate with policy makers - civil servants and politicians about key policy topics.

The conference includes a mixture of keynote speakers, plenary, exhibitions and interactive workshops.

The conference takes place at the Glasgow Thistle Hotel on 7 & 8 September.  With a hot programme and a sold out exhibition, book your place in order to ensure that you don't miss out! Email events@sfha.co.uk for more information and booking details.

Event: Design & Cost Implications For Construction Companies

 

Fife Construction Forum's  first event of the new season is a half-day workshop covering the 2010 changes to the Building Regulations. 

We will take an overview of the technical changes but our focus will be on the impact of the changes for those who have to put them into practice.

The 2010 update is just the first stage of a number of changes that are planned over the next few years which will have a major impact on the industry.  The changes are related to the Code for Sustainable Homes which is being implemented in England and are part of the Low Carbon Agenda.

Some companies are using the changes as an opportunity to innovate; others are simply viewing this as an added cost and regulatory burden.  The workshop will give you an opportunity to discuss and debate these issues with a number of industry experts.

Prof. Sean Smith from Edinburgh Napier and Laura Birrell from BRE Scotland will set the scene.  As well as providing an overview of the planned changes they will also give us some context and background.

To avoid death by PowerPoint the second half of the morning will give you a chance to participate and directly address issues of interest.  There will be two open sessions with small groups where you can get a chance to find out about issues relevant to your own organisation. 

There will also be an opportunity to follow up on this after the workshop.  We will cover acoustics, air tightness, and testing as well as other changes.

PROGRAMME
08.45 - 09.15                Registration & Coffee
09.15 - 09.30                Alan Seath Welcome (5 minutes)
09.30 - 10.00                Prof. Sean Smith, Napier University
10.00 - 10.30                Laura Birrell, BRE
10.30 - 10.45                Q&A
10.45 - 11.15                Coffee
 11.15 - 11.50                Session 1 (join one group led by the people below)
11.50 - 11.55                Swap over
11.55 - 12.30                Session 2 (join your second group)
12.30 - 13.00                Plenary Discussion+ Q&A
13.00                             Lunch

 Facilitators for Sessions 1 & 2:
    * David Tibbs (Partner, Oliver and Robb) - Design
    * Russell MacDonald (Institute for Sustainable Construction) - Air Tightness,
    * Chris Steele (RMP Acoustics), Acoustics
    * John Stobbs (Zero Carbon Design Group), SAP information
    * Robert Hairstans (Institute of Sustainable Construction), - Off-Site Construction & Innovative Structures

(Full details of session choice will be provided on the booking form.)
The event takes place on 14th  September 2010, at Carnegie Conference Centre, Halbeath Road, Dunfermline, Fife, KY11 8DY.

The workshop is free to FCF members with a small charge of £15 for refreshments and lunch.  Members will need to be paid up to qualify for a free place.

(The cost to non-members is £50 including lunch.  With other events planned we encourage you to take out membership - we will refund the £35 conference fee from your membership.)

To book a place, email your details to enquiries@fifeconstructionforum.com and we'll send you a booking form.  If you are interested in membership, just let us know on the email.
 

Book Your Spotlight Supplement

 

Shout about your successes and achievements with a Housing Scotland Magazine 'Spotlight' Supplement.

The high profile and extremely popular Spotlight Supplement is available as either an A4 16 page, 12 page or A4 8 page supplement within the magazine.

Housing Scotland magazine is Scotland's premier publication for the affordable housing sector.

Director of Williamsburgh Housing Association Gordon Williamson said:

"Williamsburgh Housing Association were delighted with the positive response to the spotlight supplement, which celebrated the Association's 30th anniversary. Not only did we receive significant assistance from those who supported the feature but the attractive supplement served to introduce our Association to those who knew little about us and remind our stakeholders about the Association's achievements to date."

Housing associations and commercial members can book the supplement.

Low Cost Heating For Seaton Residents

 

Aberdeen Heat & Power welcomes the decision by the City Council's Housing and Environment Committee to support the extension of the innovative district heating project in Seaton to connect up the high rise blocks of flats in North Seaton.

The new extension will serve an additional 740 flats from the high efficiency combined heat and power unit in the award winning plant room in Seaton.

This will make Aberdeen Heat & Power the most rapidly expanding district heating network in the UK.

Aberdeen Heat & Power Chairman Michael King said:

"This is fantastic news. Our district heating networks already serve 1,000 homes throughout the city. We now look forward to working with the Council to deliver this infrastructure that will bring low carbon affordable warmth to the residents of North Seaton".
 

Job Of The Week - Corporate Governance Manager
Hebridean Housing Partnership

 

Position:  Hebridean Housing Partnership - CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MANAGER
Salary:     SALARY RANGE £24,862 TO £27,332 (INCLUDES DISTANT ISLANDS ALLOWANCE) 35 Hours Per Week
Location:     Stornoway
Closing Date:     10th Sep 2010

Hebridean Housing Partnership is a Registered Social Landlord in the Outer Hebrides and is seeking a highly motivated person with a good track record for the post of:

We require a Corporate Governance Manager who will be responsible for the delivery of administration support to Board and Area Committee Members. The post is responsible for Company Secretarial support and taking the lead role in implementing and managing performance management systems within the Partnership.
 
The ideal applicant will have experience in taking and preparing minutes at Board or Committee level. It is also essential to have a high level of PC skills, particularly in Microsoft compatible products and their application, an analytical approach to problem solving, good interpersonal skills and an ability to work to strict deadlines.

In addition to a competitive salary and an excellent work environment we offer a contributory pension scheme (subject to qualifying conditions).

For an application pack please go online at  http://www.hebrideanhousing.co.uk/  or call Jackie Macleod on 01851 707900 (CV's will not be accepted).

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact our Director of Resources,       Dena Macleod.

Submit your completed application either by email to info@hebrideanhousing.co.uk or by post to Jackie Macleod, Creed Court, Gleann Seileach Business Park, Willowglen Road, Stornoway,Isle of Lewis HS1 2QP.

The closing date for all applications is Friday 10 September 2010.

HHP is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a charity registered in Scotland (No 35767)

Job Of The Day - Asset Manager
Castlehill Housing Association

 

Position:     Castlehill Housing Association - Asset Manager
Salary:     £35,196 - £38,780 + FINAL SALARY PENSION SCHEME
Location:     Aberdeen
Closing Date:     13th Sep 2010

Castlehill's first new build houses are 35 years old, and good asset
management is crucial.

You will maintain the stock condition database that supports maintenance
planning, and implement an annual planned maintenance programme in
excess of £1m.

You will also provide health and safety advice and guidance to all staff.
You should have extensive technical experience, and good communications and
customer care skills. IT literacy essential.

Relevant qualification desirable.

This post is subject to a Disclosure check.

No CVs - please contact our office for an application pack, or see our website.
Closing date Monday 13 September 2010 at 12 noon.
4 Carden Place,
Aberdeen AB10 1UT
Tel: 01224 625822
http://www.castlehillha.co.uk/
jobs@castlehillha.co.uk
Scottish Charity No SC013584