04_Posh Issue 6_Spring Summer 07

www.nifha.orgIssue 6 - Spring/Summer 07

30Y E A R S3030

perspective on social housing

Magazine of the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations

1977

20 0 7

2 posh - spring/summer 07

contents

NIFHA’s Mission StatementThe Federation’s purpose is to enhance the ability of housing associations toimprove the social well-being of people in Northern Ireland.

Publication of this edition ofPOSH coincides with twocelebrations: restoration of powerto Stormont and the Federation’s30th birthday.

This prompted me to consider thesimilarities and differencesbetween the two institutions.

The most important similarity isthat both are representativeorganisations, giving expressionto the priorities and opinions oftheir respective electorates. Everyvoter in the region has equalopportunity to influence thepolicy of the Assembly and theExecutive; every housingassociation in Northern Ireland isencouraged to join the Federationand exercise its vote in theelection of members to NIFHACouncil, our governing body.

Another analogy can be drawn inexternal relationships. TheNorthern Ireland Assembly hasformal links with otherjurisdictions in the East-West andNorth-South dimensions. It alsohas some direct links with theEuropean Union. NIFHA derivesgreat benefit from regular liaisonwith its sister Federations inBritain, informal co-operation

with the Irish Council for SocialHousing and membership ofthe European LiaisonCommittee for Social Housing(CECODHAS).

The main contrast from theNorthern Ireland Assembly andExecutive is that party politicsare absent from theFederation’s decision-taking.Although housing associationsare diverse (in terms of theircommunity roots, geographic

spread, client groups and size)they have always workedtogether in the shared objectiveof serving those in housing need.

The Federation was founded inan era of dreadful civil unrest, theearly phase of Direct Rule andappalling housing conditions.Thankfully, the threat of violencehas greatly diminished, locally-accountable politicians are takingdecisions on major services andthe quality of the existinghousing stock has improveddramatically.

As recent reports from Sir JohnSemple and Professor RoyBamford have confirmed,however, our region needs manymore homes that are affordableand/or suitable for persons withvarious disabilities. The Federationwill work hard, with theMembers of the Assembly andthe Northern Ireland Executive, toaddress these housing prioritiesof today and tomorrow.

CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMSONCHIEF EXECUTIVE, NIFHA

Contact detailsNIFHA38 Hill StreetBelfastBT1 2LBT: 028 9023 0446F: 028 9023 8057E: [email protected]: www.nifha.orgrepresenting and promoting housingassociations in Northern Ireland© NIFHA 2007

ForewordNI’s First “Shared Futures”Housing Scheme 3

Surfing the NIFHA Net 3

Affordable housing madeSemple 4

An interview withMargaret Ritchie 5

Looking after theEnvironment 6-7

Blowing our own Trumpet 8

And the Award goes to… 9

The Clients’ Charter 10

2020 Vision 12

Supporting People 13

Celebrating Diversity 13

Housing Associations - FAQs 14

NIFHA’s Housing AssociationMembers 15

3posh - spring/summer 07

Pictured on POSH’s front cover, are residents ofUlidia Housing Association’s Carran Crescentscheme which opened recently. It is the firsthousing project in Northern Ireland developed inaccordance with the principles of thegovernment’s “A Shared Future” document. Thework was developed in partnership with theHousing Executive.

Carran Crescent consists of a mix of 20 housesand bungalows built at a cost of £2 million andwas opened on 30 October 2006, by the thenSecretary of State, Peter Hain. He described thefirst Shared Future housing scheme as “asignificant and practical step to addressingdivision, imbalance and combating polarisationthrough housing.”

The opportunity and challenge now for thoseinvolved is to support the people living in CarranCrescent to make their Shared Future vision areality, and hopefully develop it further with

people living in the neighbouring estates. Workon a second pilot at Loughbrickland, also to bedeveloped by Ulidia, will commence soon. We’llkeep you posted!

For further information contact Ulidia HA on☎028 9038 2288 or email [email protected]

NI’s First “Shared Future” Housing Scheme

NIFHA’s new look website was launched in April2007. www.nifha.org is proving a valuablesource of information for those interested in oraffected by social housing in Northern Ireland.

The site has a comprehensive range ofinformation for the reader. It explains whatNIFHA is and does, how all of its memberhousing associations contribute to NI plc, the

development work undertaken by the 36registered housing associations to create moresocial housing opportunities in NI, the challengesfacing all housing associations today and theachievements they have made despiteacknowledged constraints.

www.nifha.org has an area aimed at our electedrepresentatives and policy developershighlighting points NIFHA believes should betaken into account by them to help housingassociations develop and complete their work.It also has a press room for journalists to viewour latest press releases and download notes onsocial housing in Northern Ireland.

NIFHA’s website will continue to develop to meetthe needs of its members and the organisation’skey stakeholders. If you have any questions,queries or suggestions for the website pleasecontact NIFHA on ☎ 028 9023 0446 or [email protected].

Surfing the NIFHA Net

Peter Hain cutting the ribbon at Carran Crescent

NIFHA’s Home Page.


On 4 April 2007 the then Minister for SocialDevelopment, David Hanson MP, published SirJohn Semple’s report on the affordability (orotherwise!) of housing in Northern Ireland.This article gives the Federation’s reaction.

The Northern Ireland Federation of HousingAssociations commends Sir John’s team forquickly producing a comprehensive set ofrecommendations. We believe that, if fullyimplemented, its recommendations would largelyeliminate the affordability crisis by creatingconditions in which all households - includingthose with modest means - could buy or rentsatisfactory homes.

The Federation worked closely with the HousingExecutive throughout the Semple Review andmade joint submissions at the preliminary stageand in response to his Interim Report. It isgratifying to note that the affordability reviewendorsed many of the NIFHA / NIHE proposalsincluding:

● a substantial increase in the Social HousingDevelopment Programme, includingaccommodation for those with support needs

● further development of equity sharingproducts through the Northern IrelandCo-ownership Housing Association

● selective use of the Housing Executive’scompulsory purchase powers to obtain landand existing dwellings that are lying idle,despite being located in areas of severehousing need

● requiring private developers to provide somesocial rented or housing for sale to the“intermediate” market as a condition of theirplanning consents

● improved co-ordination of the disposal ofsurplus public sector land so that suitableareas can be retained for social housingdevelopment

● measures to significantly reduce the 5.4% ofthe existing housing stock which is empty.

At the same time, the Federation is concernedabout the following aspects of the Semplereport:

● In advocating that private developers shouldbe eligible to receive Housing AssociationGrant (HAG), the review omitted to stateunambiguously that the “playing field must belevel”. Private developers receiving HAGshould be subject to the same standards ofdevelopment, housing management andpropriety as housing associations regulated bythe Department for Social Development.

● The recommended long term objective of aunified rent setting structure across the socialrented sector fails to take account of thefundamentally different legal and financialbases of the NIHE on the one hand andhousing associations on the other. It alsoignores the fact that each association is anindependent social business which needsflexibility to manage its risks, including the riskof defaulting on private loans.

Overall, the Federation warmly welcomes theSemple Report and is pressing hard for its manypositive recommendations to be rapidlyimplemented.

Affordable housingmade Semple

St Paul's Close, Castlewellan, Co DownRural Housing Association

5

An Interview with - Margaret RitchieUpon her appointment asMinister Designate for SocialDevelopment, NIFHA contactedMargaret Ritchie for hercomments on housing. Hereare her responses to ourquestions…

Name: Margaret Ritchie Home Town: Downpatrick Constituency: South Down

Length of time as an electedrepresentative: 22 years as aDistrict Councillor and four yearsas a Member of the NorthernIreland Assembly. Former Vice-Chairperson and Chairperson ofDown District Council.

Current role:Member of the Northern IrelandAssembly and now appointed asMinister Designate for SocialDevelopment.

In light of the Semple Reviewand your comments on makingaffordability a priority in yourrole what course of action doyou envisage will meet theseobjectives?

“In light of the recent reportpublished by Sir John Semplewhich highlighted the crisis inaffordable housing, I would wantto place this as the number onepriority in the Department forSocial Development.

Waiting lists for social housing arehigh; demand for social housinghas out-stripped supply. There aregreat difficulties in young peopleobtaining a rung on the propertyladder. House prices are veryhigh.

An inter-ministerial committee onAffordable Housing needs to beestablished to tackle this issue onan urgent basis and to bringforward the recommendationsfrom the Semple report and otherrecommendations from otherresearch recently undertaken.

Assistance and advice needs to beprovided by the Universities -particularly the University of Ulsterwho have undertaken research inthis area. Several issues need tobe addressed: the release ofgovernment land not currentlyused but zoned for developmentfor mixed tenure housing;additional and significant fundingmust be provided from theDepartment of Finance andPersonnel for the provision of newbuild (there is a scarcity of newbuild social houses).

There is also a need for theHousing Executive and theHousing Associations to reducethe number of vacant houses byat least 1.5% through acquisition,renovation and possibly the re-introduction of the HousingExecutive’s Homesteading scheme.

There is also a need toacknowledge the crisis (immensedelays) in the Planning Service andto establish an EmergencyPlanning Taskforce for a three yearperiod.

Furthermore, the current planningpolicy which involves “apresumption against developmentor growth in the countryside”needs to be scrapped.

All the foregoing pointers need tobe pump-primed and givenpriority by the Minister for SocialDevelopment.”

What do you perceive as thefundamental changes or newmeasures which will need totake place in the social housingsector to meet people’shousing needs?

“Additional funding needs to beprovided to secure new andadditional social housing.Demand for social housing inurban and rural areas needs to beacknowledged andaccommodated. Funding needs to

be secured out of the Chancellor’sPeace Package for the provision ofsocial housing in Northern Irelandas well. The number of socialhousing units to be provided forand built needs to beaccommodated as a matter ofpriority.”

In what ways, if any, would youlike to see housing associationschange?

“Suggestions have been madethat some Housing Associationsunder-perform – if this is the casethen this issue needs to betackled. An analysis needs to beundertaken in respect of theperformance of HousingAssociations. Another questionwhich needs to be addressed is ifHousing Associations requireadditional resources - staff andfinance in order to execute theirstatutory requirements. Or shouldHousing Associations continue tobe the provider of social housing,or should it revert to the HousingExecutive. I will be looking at allthese issues in terms of theprovision of new build socialhousing, meeting housingdemand, addressing the issue ofhomelessness and reducing thewaiting lists.”

Away from the office, what doyou do to relax?

“I like walking in the countryside;reading crime novels and going tothe cinema.”

posh - spring/summer 07

Margaret Ritchie MLA


Lookingafter theenvironmentNIFHA’s member housingassociations have an ongoingcommitment to helping topreserve the environment.Through a variety of measureshousing associations ensurecare for the environmentunderpins development oftheir housing stock.

Over the years, housingassociations have undertakensuccessful pilot schemes onenergy efficiency and gone onto encourage the developmentof these initiatives. Housingassociations work with avariety of agencies to furthertheir commitment to providinggood quality, affordablehousing which is alsoenvironmentally friendly.

BIH renewing their energyBIH has just completed a substantial renewable energy initiative forone of its joint management schemes - Owenvale Court. Jointlymanaged with the St John of God Association, this landmarkbuilding in West Belfast has a large south-facing roof ideal for thework involved in retrofitting Solar PV roof tiles.

This type of tile provides solar powered electricity to enhance theexisting supply and to reduce energy running costs as well as thosenasty carbon emissions. The cost of just under £200,000 wasfunded by the DSD and the work carried out by Solarcentury usingtheir C21 Solar PV tile. For further information please seeSolarcentury’s advertisement on the back cover.

An important part of the project was to make residents aware ofreducing energy usage. Therefore a large electronic display panelwas mounted in the reception area of the building to show theamount of electricity being generated by the solar roof tiles andthe amount of national grid electricity saved as a result.

With a little help from their friend, Kermit theFrog, Clanmil Housing is helping raise awarenessof environmental issues.

The environment is one of the key themes ofClanmil’s strategy for the next three years and willbuild on the significant work that has alreadytaken place, including:-

● selected partner with Energy Saving TrustAdvice Centres to be included in pilot to driveenergy saving initiatives within housing inNorthern Ireland;

● the upgrade of 300 homes from Economy 7 tooil or gas central heating;

● provision of 500 low energy light bulbs to itsschemes.

Other initiatives are in the pipeline. Clanmil’sMaintenance Manager, Peter Kane, is keen thatthe environment is at the heart of all that Clanmildoes. He commented: “The environment is a

critical issue and one that Clanmil is takingextremely seriously. We are delighted with thework we have done to date. However, there isstill so much more we can do and Clanmil ishoping to continue its quest to raiseenvironmental issues with staff and tenantsthroughout Northern Ireland.”

Owenvale Court showing off the newly fitted Solar PV roof tiles.

Kermit helps Clanmil go Green

Kermit’s friends are (L – R): Peter Kane, MaintenanceManager, Clare McCarty, Chief Executive and MichelleLorrimer, Maintenance Administrator.


Eco-housing at the Hearth of it The Trans Eco Group (TRECO) is a European based organisation setup to promote sustainable housing. It is a forum for sharing ideasand experience on how to provide best value, sustainable socialhousing.

March 5 & 6, 2007 saw Hearth HA play host to a TRECO study visitand seminar. Its aim was to encourage a more collaborativeapproach between government bodies and organisations in thefield, and to make stakeholders aware of sustainable approaches todesign.

In putting the ideas into practice, Ormeau Park House Belfast,which is over 100 years old, will be Hearth’s first “Eco House”. Itwill be one of the first historic buildings in Northern Ireland to beconverted into a low energy building without adversely affecting itshistoric character.

Hearth’s project aims to:● meet the government’s sustainability agenda through energy-

conserving measures;

● reduce CO2 emissions;

● show how a historic building can incorporate low energyfeatures without an adverse impact on its character;

● achieve energy ratings as good as, or close to, new buildschemes;

● show how to reduce fuel bills for existing buildings; and

● achieve an eco homes rating of “very good”.

Hearth aims to have the project finished for November 2007. We’ll keep you posted on its progress.

POSH’sgreencredentials!Like NIFHA, GPS ColourGraphics, which designs andprints POSH, is dedicated toprotecting the environment.As part of their commitmentto this GPS has been workingwith The CarbonNeutral®

Company by measuring theassociated Carbon Dioxide(CO2) emissions, reducingthem at source thenoffsetting unavoidableemissions.

To balance out these emissionsGPS Colour Graphics supports avariety of forestry and energyefficiency projects which saveequivalent amounts of CO2.

GPS offers its customers theopportunity to make theirdocuments, like POSH, carbonneutral too. Although the printis carbon neutral, the paper'slifecycle emissions must also stillbe offset to make thepublication completely carbonneutral. GPS calculated thevolume of CO2 emitted in theproduction of POSH and NIFHA"neutralised" this bycontributing to GPS’ climatefriendly projects reducingcarbon emissions by the sameamount. It only cost NIFHA anextra £2 to do this. Great valuefor money and the environmentwins too!

Members of TRECO visiting Ormeau Park House in March 2007

If you’d like to find out moreabout these or other housingassociation environmentallyfriendly projects then pleasecontact communications atNIFHA. ☎ 028 9023 0446E: [email protected]

Completions easing housing crisisBy the end of the financial year, 31 March 2007, collectively NI’shousing associations had completed over 1,600 social rentedhomes. This figure was up 34.5% on the previous financialyear. Despite the myriad of constraints housing associationsexperience in developing housing, for example: rocketing landprices, government grant rates which struggle to keep pacewith the booming property market and serious delays insecuring planning permission, they were able to start 1,032new homes in 2006/07 too.

The Federation’s Chief Executive, Chris Williamson, commented: “The essential contribution housing associationsare making to social housing continues and the figure for completions is particularly encouraging. Despite theenormous pressures associations still manage to enhance many lives and communities year on year in NI.”

SHAC opens more flatsCromac Park House is a block of 14 flats located on University Avenuein Belfast. It is the first new SHAC development for a number of yearsand on 22 March 2007 it was officially opened by David Crothers, thethen Director of Housing at the Department for Social Development(DSD), just prior to his retirement.

The newly opened scheme adds much to meeting the growinghousing need in the university area. It is also contributing to creatinga sense of community in the "Holyland" area something which hasbeen eroded somewhat over the years with growing demand fromstudents and a transient population. SHAC completed thedevelopment with the active and essential assistance of Ulidia HousingAssociation for which they offer their warmest thanks.


Blowing our own trumpet!

To find out more about these and other housing association projects contact NIFHA☎ 028 9023 0446 e: [email protected]

New housing scheme from BIH forthe ‘active elderly’ in east BelfastBIH recently opened a £1.25 million housing scheme in eastBelfast ‘Knockbrook Manor’ on Knock Road. It providesmuch-needed, affordable residential accommodation for upto 21 active elderly people in 12 self-contained apartments.

The development also has accommodation for wheelchairusers, a lift for easy access to the apartments and goodparking facilities for residents and their visitors. All theapartments comply with ‘Secured by Design’ standards,meaning that door, window and lock specifications aremuch higher than usual to deter burglars. There is also theadded security of having a 24 hour care line, as well as theservices of a Community Support Officer should assistancebe required.

Pictured at Knockbrook House are (left to right):David Crothers, DSD who performed the official opening;Maureen Reilly and Aideen D’Arcy, BIH.

David Crothers, the then Director of Housingat the Department for Social Development(DSD), unveiling Cromac Park House.

Central to NIFHA’s role is the promotion of the work undertaken by housingassociations in the provision of social housing in NI. We also like to ensure you are kept up-to-datewith all the achievements and awards garnered by housing associations throughout the year…


And the award goes to...

Habinteg is Outstanding!Habinteg Housing Association (Ulster) Ltd has received theaward for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Social Housing inNorthern Ireland’, at the UK Housing Awards in London, forits development at Abbey Place, Holywood. The awardrecognises the environmentally friendly nature of the scheme,the first in Northern Ireland to be awarded the Excellent EcoHomes Standard.

Beneath the surface, quite literally, Abbey Place is anything buttypical. A 14,000 litre tank is submerged in the grounds of thesite to harvest rainwater for use in washing machines, toiletcisterns and garden taps, and solar roof panels provide each ofthe properties with hot water. Other innovative featuresinclude low energy interior and exterior lighting, bicycle sheds,home offices and drying areas, and storage for recyclablewaste. No ozone depleting substances have been used inconstruction and all elements within the home are gearedtowards minimising effects on the environment.

Capturing the Charter Mark is DermotCurran, Chief Executive, and David Scholes,Chairman, of BCHA

Pictured (L-R) Institute of Directors Chief Executive,Andrew Main Wilson with Clanmil Housing Chair,Geraldine Rice, Head of Corporate Services, KarenStilges, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, TheRt Hon Alistair Darling MP, and Sarah Jackson, ChiefExecutive of Working Families.

Charting successNIFHA is delighted to announce more Charter Mark success for its members.

In January 2007, Belfast Community Housing Association (BCHA) wasawarded the prestigious Charter Mark award for excellence in service to thepublic. This award was achieved following a rigorous independentassessment of every aspect of customer service.

BIH is now a four time Charter Mark holder for excellence and was cited forbest practice in two areas: how they report performance information totenants and their approach to producing accessible information to allcustomers. In addition, Habinteg Housing Association collected its thirdCharter Mark, in the past seven years, for Customer Service Excellence.

Winning with theWork / Life BalanceThe culmination of four years hard work sawClanmil Housing Association become the onlycompany in Northern Ireland to reach the finalsof and win the Working Families and Institute ofDirectors Small Business Award.

Wanting to redefine the culture, improve workingconditions and encourage staff to have a careerwith Clanmil, they now offer a wide range ofwork-life balance options. Staff can choose whichflexible hours suit them best, accrue up to twodays a month to take at a later date, buy or selladditional leave and even receive an extra day offon their birthday. Unsurprisingly, this has resultedin a drop in staff turnover, improved morale, hashad direct savings in recruitment costs andimproved client service.

Working Families Chief Executive, Sarah Jackson,said: “The judges were really impressed by thecalibre and diversity of this year’s winners. It isexciting and inspiring to see organisations likeClanmil Housing Association taking work-lifebalance seriously and demonstrating the businessbenefits it can bring.”

Wesley HA’s Grade 1 listed buildingon Belfast Road, Carrickfergus.

Beautiful to work inWesley Housing Association Limited was recently short-listedas a finalist in the Carrickfergus Borough Council BusinessAwards under the category, 'Best Business Premises 2006'.

The Association's offices are located just off the Belfast Roadin Carrickfergus. The site includes a Grade 1 Listed Buildinghousing communal facilities and the Scheme Supervisor'saccommodation. Behind it there are purpose built officesand 37 units of sheltered housing. The site is enhanced bywonderful mature trees and well maintained grounds.

Getting the Green Light Many of our members involved in developmentwork have achieved the Clients’ Charter in the pastyear committing a lot of time and energy to theprocess. This article provides a very brief generaloverview of what Clients’ Charter is and what isinvolved in getting the green light!

What is the Clients’ Charter?

The Clients’ Charter is open to all organisationswith an element of construction regardless ofvolume or value. The Charter is applicable tomaintenance, repair, refurbishment and new build.

The Department for Social Development (DSD)decided that from November 2005 registeredhousing associations wishing to continue withdevelopment work should adopt the Clients’Charter principles in order to be considered forfuture funding.

What's involved for Housing Associations?

Step 1 - Register commitment.Housing associations complete and submit aregister of interest and are sent full details of howto prepare a programme of cultural change,including the Charter Toolkit.

Step 2 - Review of current position.The Charter’s element of continuous improvementinvolves the housing association assessing howcompetent they are at a number of ‘culturalcriteria’. These are the competencies whichunderpin the four Themes of the Charter:

Client Leadership Integrated Teams Whole Life Quality Respect for People

Step 3 - Plan an improvement programme.This is intended to give housing associations thechance to identify areas of improvement whichwould most benefit their organisation. Each of thecultural criteria is defined in terms of a 1 – 5 scaleof competencies from non-existent to best in class.Therefore housing associations have to describewhat their organisation proposes to do and howlong it will take to reach a high standard of

competency. They also calculate the performanceon recent construction projects using constructionindustry key performance indicators.

Step 4 - Submit improvement programme.Once the housing association has planned itsImprovement Programme, it is submitted via thewebsite to Achilles Information Limited whichpasses it to independent assessors. These assessorswill produce a written report and discuss it withthe housing association. To be accepted, theImprovement Programme should demonstrate anunderstanding of the requirements of the Charter,a commitment to improve and an adequateexplanation of the Plan in the supporting textboxes in the online submission.

Step 5 - Achieve Charter status.When the Improvement Programme has beenapproved, the housing association will be awarded,for two years, the Clients’ Charter status at greenlight status. This means the association is fullycompliant but must submit a review of theImprovement Programme annually. A yellowstatus might be awarded on the basis of anassociation’s Improvement Programme onlypartially meeting the requirements of the scheme,but the organisation having the potential for fullcompliance within 12 months providing “ReservedMatters” are resolved.

Step 6 - Monitoring progress, reviewing theprogramme.Each year the housing association will be asked tomeasure its progress using six construction industrykey performance indicators and amend itsImprovement Programme to reflect progress andcurrent business strategy.

How much does it cost?

A lot of the time and resources have been and arecontinuing to be committed by housingassociations to attain and retain the Clients’Charter. Some estimate it can take at least 140person hours work to initially achieve the greenlight status with ongoing review and developmentwork to retain it. There is also the annual fee£950+VAT which must be paid. Associations arevery aware this is now an essential requirement if


- The Clients’ CharterHousing Associations to date whichhave received the Clients’ Charter…

Ark Housing Association Belfast CommunityHousing Association

BIH Housing AssociationDungannon & DistrictHousing Association

Connswater HomesFilor Housing Association

Fold Housing Association

Habinteg HousingAssociation

Gosford HousingAssociation

Newington HousingAssociation

Oaklee HousingAssociation

Sanctuary HousingAssociation

South Ulster HousingAssociation

they are to continue to be involved in developmentwork and achieve their ultimate aim - to providehigh quality, affordable, sustainable social housingfor rent in Northern Ireland.

Quotes:

“The Clients’ Charter process is a significantchallenge for us all. The need to examine thebusiness processes involved in procurementand to recognise new ways of working inpartnership with the construction industryand its suppliers will mean that we will haveto continually adapt in this rapidly changingenvironment. The five year businessimprovement programme will provide thefocus for us to deliver more efficiently andeffectively, better quality services foreveryone.”

Tony Ruddy - Ark Housing

“Newington found completing the Clients’Charter an arduous task in itself, especiallyfor an organisation of our size. We weredelighted to achieve Clients’ Charter statusbut retaining the Charter will also be anextremely onerous task. However we remainpositive that attaining and maintainingClients’ Charter status will benefit our overallservice and improve our processes in theprocurement and delivery of good qualityaffordable housing.”

Rachel Logue - Newington HA

"South Ulster Housing Association iscommitted to improving quality, innovationand efficiency in its DevelopmentProgramme. Achieving the Clients’ Charterconfirms this commitment and it is fullyincorporated into our DevelopmentStrategy."

Mark Turner - South Ulster HA


In November 2006 NorthernIreland’s then Secretary ofState, Peter Hain, launchedthe “Lifetime Opportunities”strategy document. Itproposed many initiatives anda new political directiontowards tackling social needand eliminating poverty bythe year 2020.

Whilst there was a strong focuson the economic challengesfaced by those who are moredeprived or disadvantaged,particularly in their early years,this “cross cutting document”also pin pointed issues needingto be addressed in relation toimproving the standard andquality of life, including health,education and housing.

Early intervention washighlighted as key to success inthe prevention of poverty. Thisstrategy recommended a betterrange of services for children andtheir families as part of themechanism to help break thepoverty cycle. The thenSecretary of State alsoemphasised the importance ofvoluntary and communityorganisations in the drive to endpoverty and they too were

expected to make a significantcontribution in helping toachieve the targets set.

As part of the overall UK target,Lifetime Opportunities aims tohelp lift 65,000 children in NI outof poverty within four years (by2010) and a further 65,000 by2020. There is also a target toreduce the gap in life expectancybetween the fifth most deprivedarea in Northern Ireland and theNorthern Ireland average by twothirds for both men and womenby the year 2025.

Part of the action plan toimplement this strategy is theestablishment of a poverty forumwhich would include stakeholdergroups from across the boardwith secretariat services providedby the Central Anti-Poverty Unit.The strategy has also beenidentified as a cross cuttingpriority within theComprehensive Spending Reviewto ensure all departmentsrecognise the commitment andcontribution required to makethe strategy work. DistrictCouncils are charged withactively ensuring the principles ofthis anti-poverty strategy areembedded in any forthcomingbusiness plans.

Within the context of housing,there are echoes of “LifetimeOpportunities” beingimplemented through proposalsoutlined in other key policiessuch as the Decent HomesStandard and the recentlypublished Affordability Review,both of which intend to improvethe standard and quality ofaccommodation and makeefforts to eliminate socialexclusion respectively.

Housing associations are alreadypositively contributing to thesestrategies and therefore thereduction in poverty levels. Forexample, 93% of housingassociation stock currently meetsthe Decent Homes Standard withthe aim of 100% beingcompliant by 2010. The content of the LifetimeOpportunities strategy wouldsuggest that by leading apopulation out of poverty itwould encourage a vision ofupward mobility, with reduceddependency on state benefit anda more thriving economy.However, it is also important forgovernment to ensure that byencouraging this thriving socialand economic environment, itdoes not give rise to the richsimply continuing to increasetheir wealth while the poorremain playing catch up.

For example, if there is an overallincrease in the standard of living,a private landlord may decide toincrease the rent because it isseen as more affordable fortenants. Similarly, as peopleaspire to move into a particulararea viewed as “better”, this maydisgruntle existing residents whodecide to move out and create a“better” area elsewhere, therebyperpetuating the cycle.

These issues which may ariseneed to be accounted for andexamined closely. Failure to doso would simply reinforce thestatus quo and not tackle thecurrent imbalance, merely shift it.Addressing this is the strategy’skey objective and can only beachieved through a holistic focuson a 2020 vision without rosetinted glasses.

2020 Vision or a hazy future?

Peter Hain launching “LifetimeOpportunities” at NICVA in Nov 06



March 21 2007, saw a significant event in NorthernIreland’s Supporting People circles take place at BelfastCentral Mission’s Grosvenor House, Glengall Street,Belfast. For the first time Supporting People serviceproviders, the NI Housing Executive, other keystakeholders and service users were brought together ata joint NIFHA / Council for the Homeless NI event.

The whole event was overseen by CRISPP - CommitteeRepresenting Independent Supporting People Providersand its aim was to allow organisations, both voluntaryand statutory, to present their perspective on the reformswhich have been ongoing in the supported housingsector ever since the introduction of Supporting People.

Keynote speeches came from the NI Housing Executive’sColm McQuillan, and the Department for SocialDevelopment’s Patrick Anderson. Thought provokingpresentations were made by Ricky Rowledge, (CHNI),Nicky Conway (BCM), Chris Edge (Oaklee HA), andEileen McMullan (SITRA). Copies of the presentations canbe viewed on NIFHA’s website: www.nifha.org.

Delegates had the opportunity of listening to comments

from two service users who availed of differentsupported housing schemes. This provided a helpfulreminder to all concerned about the reasons for theexistence of the Supporting People fund and why itshould continue.

Two lively question and answer sessions were also held,with delegates contributing a wide ranging selection ofquestions on topical Supporting People issues.

Most of us have heard the view that ‘the world wouldbe a boring place if we were all the same’ and many willhave agreed wholeheartedly with the sentiment. Yet, inreality we often forget to put that attitude into practice.This contradictory situation underpins much equalitylegislation, including the recent amendment to theDisability Discrimination Act requiring statutory bodies toproduce Disability Action Plans.

Any initiative can be seen as simply another onerous andpaper-heavy process foisted upon over-burdenedorganisations, with little consideration of their ability toresource it. However, this is a matter of interpretation -Disability Action Plans can be treated as an obligation oran opportunity. If the former view is taken then ofcourse it will be a burden and the organisation mayderive little benefit from their work. The more positiveand beneficial approach is to recognise this chance tocelebrate differences, to support diversity in theworkplace and to encourage all types of people to beinvolved in public life.

Fortunately, housing associations have long since realisedthat people with disabilities make a valuable contributionto their work and have engaged in a variety practicaldemonstrations of the Disability Duties. ‘POSH’ regularlyrecords the work that housing associations have done inthis area. Other examples include:

• people with disabilities helping develop tenantinformation

• buildings adapted and equipment that facilitates useby disabled people

• supported employment projects or work placements

• support for disabled service user involvement policies /activities / groups

• positive attitudes to disabled people reflected in HAliterature

• promoting interaction between those with / withoutdisability

• representation on HA Board

As one BIH tenant commented during recentconsultations on the Disability Duties “the associationalready promotes positive images of disabled people as amatter of course and has always taken an inclusiveapproach”.

Many of these activities are relatively easy to achieve andgenuine engagement rather than minimalist compliancewill always lead to real gains and bring value to theassociations through better customer relations, increasedparticipation and improved reputation as an employer. Itmakes good business sense and if it stops the worldfrom being boring as well, then the positive response isbest.

So what’s your take on it - just more legislation or areason to celebrate difference?

Supporting People - Are we there yet?

Pictured L-R Patrick Anderson, Colm McQuillan, Eileen McMullanand Chris Williamson at CRISPP’s first annual meeting

Celebrating Difference


What is a Housing Association?

A housing association is an independent voluntaryorganisation dedicated to helping people obtaindecent, affordable accommodation which meets theirneeds. A significant number also provide relatedsupport services.

How many Housing Associations arethere in Northern Ireland?

NIFHA has 42 housing association members varyingin size, type of service(s) provided and area covered.Of this, 36 are registered to operate underDepartment for Social Development (DSD) regulation.Only these are eligible to receive a HousingAssociation Grant for development work. Theremaining associations privately raise the fundsnecessary to develop.

Co-ownership Housing Association is the regionalbody for shared ownership - i.e. part owned / partrented accommodation where the overall aim is forthe resident to buy 100% of the property.

Are there many housing associationhomes in Northern Ireland?

Housing associations have around 30,000 units ofaccommodation which equates to one quarter ofsocial housing stock. About one third of this issheltered housing.

What is the difference between housingassociations and the NI HousingExecutive (NIHE)?

● Housing associations are independent voluntaryorganisations and as such they are part of thesocial economy

● The NIHE is the statutory housing authority inNorthern Ireland

● The people who carry ultimate responsibility foreach housing association (ie the members of itsBoard or Committee of Management) do so on an

entirely voluntary basis – they receive no paymentfor their work

● Both Housing Associations and the NIHE providerented social housing

● The NIHE’s Housing Selection Scheme (or waitinglist) is used for all social housing applicationsincluding those for housing associationaccommodation

● The NIHE has responsibility for confirming anyproposed social housing development is needed tosatisfy housing stress in the relevant area

● Housing associations have responsibility forbuilding new social housing

What is the Northern Ireland Federationof Housing Associations’ (NIFHA) role?

The Federation’s purpose is to enhance the ability ofhousing associations to improve the social well-beingof people in Northern Ireland. It is the umbrellaorganisation representing, supporting and promotingthe activities of the 36 registered and 6 of thenon-registered (not registered with DSD for thepurpose of receiving a Housing Association Grant)Housing Associations in Northern Ireland.

Can I be involved?

Yes, you can register your interest in becoming aCommittee or Board member for one of the HousingAssociations by contacting NIFHA for an applicationpack. Your details will be kept on NIFHA's confidentialdatabase which Housing Associations can access.Please note, registering your interest is not the sameas applying to become a shareholder of a housingassociation and is no guarantee you will become ahousing association Board member.

For more information please contact NIFHA on☎ 028 9023 0446 or [email protected], go to NIFHA’s website:www.nifha.org.

Housing Associations -Frequently Asked Questions!


NIFHA’s Housing Association Members

For full details of the accommodation and services offered by NIFHA’s Housing Association Members pleaselog onto: www.nifha.org and search the Housing Association Database

HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS CONTACT NO. EMAIL ADDRESSES WEBSITE

Abbeyfield UK (NI) 028 9040 2045 [email protected] www.abbeyfield.com

Abode 028 9336 0973 [email protected] N/A

Ark Housing 028 9075 2310 [email protected] www.arkhousing.co.uk

Ballynafeigh 028 9049 1569 [email protected] N/A

Belfast Community 028 9046 3686 [email protected] www.bc-ha.org

BIH 028 9032 0485 [email protected] www.bih.org.uk

Broadway 028 9074 2984 [email protected] N/A

Clanmil 028 9087 6000 [email protected] www.clanmil.org

Clonard 028 9031 1156 N/A N/A

Connswater Homes 028 9065 6155 [email protected] www.connswater.org.uk

Covenanter 028 9073 9868 [email protected] N/A

Craigowen 028 9076 8029 [email protected] www.glencraig.org.uk

Donacloney 028 9031 1156 N/A N/A

Dungannon & District 028 8772 2121 [email protected] N/A

Filor 028 9035 1131 [email protected] N/A

Flax 028 9059 2110 [email protected] www.flaxhousing.com

Fold 028 9042 8314 N/A www.foldgroup.co.uk

Gosford 028 3751 8522 [email protected] www.gosfordhousing.co.uk

Grove 028 9077 3330 [email protected] www.groveha.org.uk

Habinteg (Ulster) 028 9042 7211 [email protected] www.habinteg-ulster.co.uk

Hearth 028 9053 0121 [email protected] www.hearth-housing.org.uk

Newington 028 9074 4055 [email protected] N/A

North & West 028 7126 3819 [email protected] www.northandwest.org

Oaklee 028 9044 1300 [email protected] www.oaklee.org.uk

Open Door 028 9024 3785 [email protected] N/A

Presbyterian 028 9050 7755 [email protected] www.pha-ni.org.uk

Rural 028 8224 6118 [email protected] www.ruralhousing.co.uk

Sanctuary Housing 028 9030 6920 [email protected] www.sanctuaryhousingni.org

SHAC 028 9024 6811 [email protected] www.shac.org.uk

South Ulster 028 3833 9795 [email protected] www.southulsterhousing.com

St Matthew's 028 9045 1070 [email protected] N/A

Triangle 028 2766 6880 [email protected] www.trianglehousing.org.uk

Ulidia 028 9038 2288 [email protected] www.ulidiahousing.org

Wesley 028 9336 3558 [email protected] www.wha-ni.org

Woodvale & Shankill 028 9074 1618 [email protected] N/A

NI Co-ownership 028 9032 7276 [email protected] www.co-ownership.org

Non-registered*Bangor Provident Trust 028 9024 6602 [email protected] N/A

Glenall Housing Co-operative 028 9031 1156 N/A N/A

Habitat for Humanity NI 028 9024 3686 [email protected] www.habitat.org

Intercomm Enterprises 028 9074 8355 [email protected] www.intercommireland.org

Threshold 028 9087 1313 [email protected] www.thresholdservices.com

Ulster Provident 028 9031 1156 [email protected] N/A* These organisations provide housing but are not registered housing associations with DSD and therefore do not receive DSD funding.

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04_Posh Issue 6_Spring Summer 07

Documents

housing prioritiesof

housing need

northern ireland nifha

housing associations

affordable housing madesemple

posh springsummer

social housingcecodhas

social housingmagazine