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JOB OF THE WEEK: HAVE YOUR TOP JOB HERE!
01 February 2010
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ARE YOU LOOKING FOR NEW BOARD MEMBERS?
01 February 2010
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Are you looking for new board members? If your association is looking for new board members why not advertise in Housing News. Our free daily news bulletin is the best-read housing publication in your region and we offer our advertisers real value for money.
Don’t take our word for it - look what Jenny George, marketing & communication assistant at Two Rivers Housing Association has to say:
“We recently used the Housing News to advertise for a vacancy on our Board, I’m pleased to say we had the highest number of responses for this position than any other advertisement we placed, it was excellent value for money. As a marketing professional I look forward to receiving the bulletin, it helps keep me up-to-date with local, regional and national news. And the best part is it’s free!”
To advertise, contact Hucksters at 01892 784804 or email housingnews@hucksters.co.uk.
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NEW CROSS KEYS HUB WILL BENEFIT THE WHOLE COMMUNITY
01 February 2010
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A new community hub to meet the needs of thousands of housing association tenants has thrown open its doors.
The community hub in Paston is the third one-stop-shop to be opened by Cross Keys Homes – which has teamed up with Honeyhill children’s centre to provide this.
Picture: left to right: Cross Keys Homes’ eastern area panel chair Doris Cox, director of operations Claire Higgins, senior neighbourhood manager Liz Hamilton, area manager Ali Manji, senior neighbourhood manager Steve Dumbrell and head of neighbourhoods and communities Joan Tibbs.
The move from the former office at the Old Farmhouse in Freston, Paston follows a recent review into the way the housing association delivers its range of services.
Cross Keys Homes’ director of operations Claire Higgins jointly unveiled the new hub alongside senior neighbourhood manager Steve Dumbrell who co-ordinated the work along with other involved staff, stakeholders and tenants.
Claire said: “We are looking forward to providing residents with a more locally tailored and personal service.
“We hope eventually to provide all our residents with a number of similar facilities across the city, as well as taking our services right into the heart of the community by enabling our neighbourhood managers to work on a more mobile and proactive basis, targeting their work where it is really needed.
“Partnership working is key to this approach and working with the Honeyhill children’s centre is a really positive start. They have great things going on there and we hope we can add to and enhance their already considerable successes.”
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WORK ON NORWICH SKATE PARK TO BEGIN
01 February 2010
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Work is due to begin on Norwich’s long-awaited national-standard skate park this week.
The park, funded by the agreement between Norwich City CouncilB and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) will be built to the city council’s specifications by Freestyle Skateparks and is planned for an area near the community centre and sports ground in Eaton Park.
It will cover approximately 1,000 square metres and cost approximately £300,000.
It will give skateboarders, BMXers and inline skaters a chance to improve their skills - reducing the impact of informal skating in the city centre. It is also of a standard to accommodate demonstrations and events with the capability to host national-level events.
Leader of the council Cllr Steve Morphew, said: “I am delighted to see work beginning on the skate park. If all goes to plan, in the summer Norwich will have a national-class facility which will be great for young people around the city.
“I would like to thank Norwich’s skateboarders, BMX and inline skating community for their patience - which will soon be rewarded.”
The council worked closely with the Skatepark Consultation Group, who helped refine the design of the park so it can meet the needs of various disciplines.
Work is expected to take 14 weeks, with the park expected to open for use in early summer this year.
Chris Sturgess, who runs Revolutionz in Lower Goat Lane, is a founder member of the group. He said: “I’m delighted that work is about to start on the park and even more pleased that it is likely to be open for use in the summer.
“It has been a long haul - I have been involved in working towards this for seven years, with some members of the group campaigning even longer, and there were times we thought it wasn’t going to happen. But we have had a lot of support from the council and it has been worth it to see work beginning.”
An agreement between the council and the HCA was formally signed in September last year following several months of negotiation. Under the partnership, the HCA will invest £8 million into Norwich and the city council will contribute a number of sites for new homes in the city.
The sites will be jointly developed and the surplus which comes out of these will be reinvested jointly into more regeneration schemes in the city. More than 1300 new homes and hundreds of new jobs are expected to be created over a 10-year period.
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TOP CONSTRUCTION QUALIFICATIONS FOR SIMON AND ADAM
01 February 2010
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Two years of hard study has paid off for two men from Norfolk who have both achieved a professional qualification which will help them to build the next stage of their careers in the construction industry.
Simon Gould and Adam Wicks have each gained Higher National Certificates (HNC) in Construction.
Picture: (left to right) Adam Wicks and Simon Gould have each gained Higher National Certificates (HNC) in Construction.
Site manager Simon, 25, who lives in Fakenham, and 26-year-old assistant estimator Adam, from Smallburgh, were invited to study for the qualification by their employer, Norwich-based affordable housing and regeneration specialist Lovell, which sponsored their studies.
“I was delighted when I was offered the chance to study for this qualification because I knew how much it would help me in my day-to-day job,” explains Simon. “It enabled me to gain valuable knowledge about lots of state-of-the-art construction methods and sustainable materials, which are becoming increasingly important in our industry.”
“The course really appealed to me because it covered such a wide variety of construction-related subjects,” says Adam. “As a company, Lovell undertakes many different types of projects, from new-build schemes to major housing refurbishment programmes, so having a broad range of skills to draw on is essential.”
To achieve their qualifications, Simon and Adam both attended Stephenson College in Leicestershire on a block release basis. Each study module focused on a different aspect of the construction industry with topics covered including design, surveying and health and safety. At the end of each module, the pair had to submit pieces of written coursework to demonstrate what they had learned.
“I’m really grateful to Lovell for giving me this opportunity and I know that I’ll be able to use the skills I’ve learned as part of my HNC studies for the rest of my career,” says Simon.
“All of the areas the course covered relate directly to my job and it’s been great to be able to put some of the theoretical knowledge I’ve gained into practice,” says Adam.
“Giving our employees the opportunity to achieve professional qualifications and helping them to become the best at what they do is one of our top priorities,” says Shirley Palmer, regional training advisor for Lovell which has local offices in Thorpe Road, Norwich.
“Simon and Adam have worked hard to gain their HNCs and I’d like to congratulate them both on this excellent achievement.”
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MEET THE SOUTHENDERS
01 February 2010
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Visitors to a special photographic exhibition being launched next month will be introduced to a vibrant group of proud Southenders.
The Southenders exhibition developed by South Essex Homes in partnership with Southend-on-Sea orough Council, presents captivating photographic and autobiographical portraits of 20 Southend residents.
These include details of people who originally lived in different parts of the globe, from Sri Lanka to Albania, but who now share a common interest. They all live in - and love - Southend.
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, Councillor Mark Flewitt said: “We hope as many people as possible will visit this exceptionally innovative exhibition. It really is heartwarming to see how people who may have previously lived elsewhere, are now delighted to embrace Southend as their home. We hope they have found a warm welcome in our borough.”
Stuart Long, Project Manager for South Essex Homes, said: “This project has developed a real sense of community cohesion among residents, Board Members and staff. The aim of the project was to initially encourage resident involvement across all local communities, but as it developed, it was clear; with so many stories to tell there had to be the opportunity to showcase the different peoples stories, and Southenders was born. By using art as a medium, the message of community cohesion could be clearly communicated, with the portrait photos alone telling a story and being a representation of the person’s soul and history.”
Phil Lyons Chair of South Essex Homes, added; “Southenders is a fresh and unique way to bring communities together and challenge stereotypes about the people who live in social housing.
We also wanted to send the message that you can be proud to live in an area – even if you weren’t born there. We want people from every background to come down and look at the artwork and to read the stories. Hopefully, like me they will find them both captivating and inspiring. This is an excellent project we are proud to unveil.”
The exhibition is being launched on Monday 15th February at South East Essex College, Luker Road, Soutnend. It is then open for public viewing in the gallery area of the college from Tuesday 16th – Friday 19th February from 10am till 4pm daily.
The entire project has been self sufficient, with South Essex Homes officers using their creative writing and photographic skills to produce the artwork all in house, and being financed as part of a successful bid from the BAME focus group to South Essex Homes’ resident led project board.
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LHA-ASRA GAINS PRESTIGIOUS EXCELLENCE AWARD
01 February 2010
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A Leicester-based housing and regeneration group has been highly commended for its staff learning and development programmes at this year’s Midlands Excellence Awards.
LHA-ASRA, which employs over 500 people, was joined by 20 other finalists and 1,100 business leaders at the ICC in Birmingham last week.
Now in its 13th year, the event is Europe’s biggest annual celebration of excellence and was co-hosted by midlands broadcasters Ed James and Arti Halai.
Guest speaker was British Olympic gold medallists and polar explorer James Cracknell OBE who presented the awards.
Entering the specialist Learning & Development Award category, LHA-ASRA demonstrated outstanding performance to Midlands Excellence assessors who handed the group the highly commended title.
"We are delighted to receive such prestigious recognition for our Learning and Development department and in particular our innovative leadership and e - learning programmes,” said Brian Benneyworth, LHA-ASRA Group Director of HR and Performance Management.
“The organisation has come a long way since we set up the department just two years ago and I would like to thank my team and colleagues at LHA-ASRA for their support and commitment.”
The Midlands Excellence assessment and awards programme is based on the EFQM Excellence Model, a proven framework for boosting and sustaining performance.
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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
01 February 2010
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Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters:
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JOBS
CIH in Scotland is seeking a Head of Policy & Public Affairs. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing Date: February 12.
Helena Partnerships is seeking a Research & Performance Advisor, salary £25,500 – £27,000 pa. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northwest. Closing date: February 12.
Villages Housing is seeking a Community Development Officer, based in Oldham, salary £20,525. For more information, go to northwest.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: February 8.
Raven Housing Trust is seeking a Housing Manager, based in Redhill, Surrey, salary c. £40k. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/southeast. Closing date: February 2.
Berwickshire Housing Association is seeking a Financial Inclusion Officer, £26,592 - £29,235. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: 12 noon on February 5.
Rural Stirling Housing Association is seeking a Housing Services Manager (Depute Director). For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: noon on February 15.
TENDERS
Hebridean Housing Partnership is inviting tenders for its Approved Contractor List. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: February 26.
Servite Housing Association is inviting tenders for Consultancy Services. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: February 1.
West Dunbartonshire Council is inviting tenders for a Lead Consultant . For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: February 15.
To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804. |
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THE EAST COMES OUT TOP IN UK FOR SATISFACTION
02 February 2010
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Two eastern region housing associations have beaten more than 190 social landlords and local authorities to be the country’s top performers for overall customer satisfaction.
Cross Keys Homes, based in Peterborough, and Havebury Housing Partnership in Suffolk have been ranked numbers one and two respectively out of all the major landlords that participate in the HouseMark benchmarking club.
The national average is 80 per cent putting Cross Keys Homes and Havebury more than 10 per cent above this.
Mick Leggett, Cross Keys Homes’ chief executiveb, which came out top with 93 per cent, said: “Ensuring our customers are delighted with our services is so important to us and so deeply embedded in our culture that it is a fantastic recognition for our staff. To achieve this result they have given their all to respond to our customers’ needs and aspirations.”
“The achievement is all the more significant in a city where 10 per cent of our tenants are living in areas with the highest levels of deprivation nationally.”
He added: “It’s great that the second position has gone to Steve Cook of Havebury who I have known a long time and we both share a passion for excellent customer service.”
Steve Cook, chief executive of Havebury was delighted to receive 92 per cent satisfaction from his customers.
He said: “We concentrate on delivering the very best we can for our customers and that shows in the satisfaction levels. It’s great that we have been able to achieve first and second place with our friends at Cross Keys Homes - it’s the icing on the cake.”
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AXIOM’S NEW EXTRA CARE DEVELOPMENT GETS UNDERWAY
02 February 2010
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A new development at Thorney Road, Eye, Peterborough, a joint venture between Larkpoint and Axiom Housing Association is almost underway to provide an extracare scheme, aiming to provide extra amenities and extraordinary support services.
This exciting new development at Thorney Road, Eye is about to start on site, which is a joint venture between Bourne based developer Larkfleet Group and Nottingham-based Charterpoint Developments.
The Extra Care scheme will provide much needed accommodation for vulnerable frail older people.
Extra care housing offers varying levels of care and support available on site. People who live in extra care housing have their own self contained homes, with their own front door, resulting in this type of housing provision being a very popular choice as an alternative to a residential care home.
The 52 unit extra care scheme is the main building on the development site and will offer high quality residential accommodation as well as a wide range of amenity and communal facilities. It is intended that this extra care accommodation will be a community hub offering facilities, not only to residents of the main building, but also to 12 close care bungalows as well as the wider community in Eye.
The development has been made possible following an intensive period of collaboration between Larkpoint and Axiom in association with Peterborough City Council, Peterborough Primary Care Trust and the Homes and Communities Agency.
The total investment by Axiom in the scheme is almost £10 million with £3 million coming from a Homes and Communities Agency grant.
Giles Nursey, a Director of Larkpoint, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for both Axiom and Larkpoint to work together to provide quality extra care housing for the frail elderly. I look forward to starting the project’s construction phase”.
Alan Lewin, Axiom CEO, added: “There is an increasing need for high quality independent accommodation for frail older people. This new development will allow us to meet part of that need in Eye, backed by our established and dedicated first class support service”.
Also, on the same site, Larkfleet Homes have secured Government funding, which will help to finance the building of 84 new homes in Eye. The development has received a £680,000 grant and a £2.8 million loan from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) as part of a government initiative, Kickstart.
After completion, 16 of the properties will be sold to Axiom as social rented affordable homes. These homes will meet the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4, highlighting Larkfleet Homes' commitment to creating affordable, well-built and energy-efficient homes.
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FE PEACOCK GAINS TOP CONSERVATION AWARD
02 February 2010
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Bourne-based builder FE Peacock Construction has been handed top honours in a scheme celebrating conservation in Rutland.
The prestigious George Phillips Design Award, organised by Rutland Local History Society and supported by Rutland County Council, is given to the project that is considered to have contributed to the conservation of the character of the built environment in Rutland.
FE Peacock Construction built the winning development, located in Drift Close, Barrowden, on behalf of Peterborough-based housing association Accent Nene.
The development includes five houses and two bungalows that were all rented or sold on a shared ownership basis to people with a local village connection – nominated from Rutland County Council’s housing register.
This enabled local people to purchase a home in a small rural community where they would otherwise be priced out of the housing market.
The development was designed by John Blair, director of Cambridge-based architects Saunders Boston, who ensured all properties were built with features such as stone detailing so that they are in keeping with existing rural homes in Barrowden.
The timber frame construction of the properties is an economical and efficient method of building which allows for a quicker construction time. The timber is sourced from sustainable forests.
The properties all meet the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 - some 25 per cent above the standard building regulations specification for energy performance, highlighting FE Peacock’s commitment to creating affordable, well-built and energy-efficient homes.
The scheme received the support of the Homes and Communities Agency which provided a grant of £185,000.
The George Phillips Design Award was presented to FE Peacock managing director Karl Hick on behalf of the development partners.
He said; “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award as everyone involved has worked extremely hard, to the highest standards. The development has helped meet the need for affordable housing in Barrowden with homes which are both economical and environmentally friendly.”
Rutland County Council’s housing portfolio holder, Coun Mark Wells, praised the project and its impact on the village and its surroundings.
He said; “The award to the Drift Close scheme demonstrates how affordable housing can capture the look and feel of its surroundings as well as meeting the housing needs of local people.”
FE Peacock, which is part of the Larkfleet Group, was also responsible for an eco friendly office park in Oakham that was shortlisted for the same award. Each of the nine office units included many features such as a lighting system which automatically turns off lights when rooms are unoccupied and dims lights when the sun is shining.
Larkfleet Group’s development company Hawksmead has submitted a planning application to Rutland County Council for permission to build a major extension to the town of Oakham that could provide up to 1,100 homes, new shopping facilities, offices, parks and open spaces.
Planning proposals also include a continuing care retirement community at Oakham North. If these are approved FE Peacock will be responsible for the development of the site which will include the use of low carbon building techniques and renewable energy technology.
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SANCTUARY GROUP TO BUILD BASILDON’S FIRST EXTRA CARE SCHEME
02 February 2010
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Housing provider Sanctuary Group is set to build Basildon’s first extra care scheme.
Working in partnership with Essex County Council, Basildon District Council and NHS South West Essex, Sanctuary is building a state-of-the-art 65 apartment development to meet the housing and care needs of Basildon’s increasing ageing population.
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The scheme is being built by built on behalf of Sanctuary Group by specialist social housing contractor Bramall Construction on the site of Shaftesbury Court, a dated sheltered housing development on Rectory Road in the Pitsea/Northlands Park area of Basildon, which was recently demolished.
Sanctuary’s extra care schemes provide an alternative to conventional care homes, where residents have their own flats in an established community and, as their needs increase over time so too can the levels of care and support provided. For many it can mean a ‘home for life’.
Mark Newstead, Sanctuary’s Head of Development, said: “Our schemes are designed to enable people to retain their independence and privacy, with the peace of mind that there is a dedicated team of staff on hand 24 hours a day.
“Our schemes have fantastic communal facilities which enable our residents to be part of a thriving close knit community. The new development will be very much part of the wider community and will be a facility for local people to access a wide range of services.”
Forty six of the flats will be for rent, 15 will be sold on a shared ownership basis and four will be used by the NHS South West Essex as re-ablement flats, to support people to gain their independence following a stay in hospital before they return home.
Each flat will have its own front door, a lounge, kitchen and en suite shower room. Some ground floor flats will have French doors leading out to the gardens and other upper floor flats will have balconies. All of the flats and communal areas will be wheelchair accessible and homes can be fitted with Telecare sensors, a technology which provides additional peace of mind by immediately alerting the on-site care team should a resident get into difficulty.
There will also be state-of-the-art communal facilities, including large, beautifully furnished lounges, a restaurant, gym, beauty room, entertainment room, computer suite, café, small shop, laundry, assisted bathrooms, landscaped gardens, an allotment zone, potting shed and ample car parking.
There will be a dedicated care team on site 24 hours a day, with care packages tailored to residents’ individual needs and wishes.
It is estimated that the entire project will cost in the region of £11 million, with a £5.3million grant secured from the Department of Health through a joint bid between Sanctuary Group, Essex County Council, Basildon District Council and NHS South West Essex. The remaining funding has been provided by Sanctuary Group. The project is due for completion at the beginning of next year.
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LHA-ASRA GAINS PRESTIGIOUS EXCELLENCE AWARD
02 February 2010
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A Leicester-based housing and regeneration group has been highly commended for its staff learning and development programmes at this year’s Midlands Excellence Awards.
LHA-ASRA, which employs over 500 people, was joined by 20 other finalists and 1,100 business leaders at the ICC in Birmingham last week.
Now in its 13th year, the event is Europe’s biggest annual celebration of excellence and was co-hosted by midlands broadcasters Ed James and Arti Halai.
Guest speaker was British Olympic gold medallists and polar explorer James Cracknell OBE who presented the awards.
Entering the specialist Learning & Development Award category, LHA-ASRA demonstrated outstanding performance to Midlands Excellence assessors who handed the group the highly commended title.
"We are delighted to receive such prestigious recognition for our Learning and Development department and in particular our innovative leadership and e - learning programmes,” said Brian Benneyworth, LHA-ASRA Group Director of HR and Performance Management.
“The organisation has come a long way since we set up the department just two years ago and I would like to thank my team and colleagues at LHA-ASRA for their support and commitment.”
The Midlands Excellence assessment and awards programme is based on the EFQM Excellence Model, a proven framework for boosting and sustaining performance.
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JOB OF THE WEEK: HAVE YOUR TOP JOB HERE!
04 February 2010
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KIER HARLOW WINS NHMF AWARD
04 February 2010
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Kier Harlow Ltd, which is improving local services and saving millions of pounds for Harlow Council, has won a prestigious national housing award.
Picture: Harlow Council strategic director Graham Branchett, Kier Harlow senior property services manager Domenico Fusco, Kier Harlow regional director James O’Donnell and Kier Harlow technical services manager Jeff Driscoll collect their award from one of the NHMF judging panel (centre).
The joint venture company won the Best Managed External Contract category in the National Housing Maintenance Forum (NHMF) awards.
The NHMF awards promote best practice in housing maintenance and recognise the innovative work carried out in the sector, achieving the double benefit of improved customer experience and cost savings. Entry was open to social housing organisations who could also nominate their contractors and consultants.
Kier Harlow was set up in 2007 as a joint venture between Harlow Council and Kier Support Services to improve the Council’s housing repairs and street scene services.
The aim of the scheme was to generate cost savings for the authority while improving the quality of its services. Following its introduction the company has achieved large savings and better efficiency, as well as improving the quality and speed of services, for the benefit of residents and tenants.
The joint venture saw Harlow Council’s CPA rating rise from a ‘poor’ five years ago to ‘good’ in 2008 – one of only three councils to achieve this leap in improvement.
Kier Harlow is helping Harlow Council save millions of pounds. In the first year of the joint venture company, savings amounted to £880,000 and by the end of year two they rose to £3.2m, helping keep down the level of council tax and improving services to tenants and leaseholders. Kier Harlow has also invested heavily in new equipment and technology. The total savings for Harlow Council over the initial seven-year contract period are estimated to be around £12.8m.
On top of the cost savings, the day-to-day work of the partnership ensures an innovative approach to each aspect of its work, in particular the local economy is being supported through sourcing materials locally, and Kier Harlow’s corporate social responsibility strategy contributes to Harlow’s community priorities.
Assessed alongside some very strong competition, the judging panel described the Kier Harlow partnership as: “a creative joint venture that saved millions and improved performance.”
The award was presented to Kier regional director James O’Donnell.
He said: “This excellent achievement is testament to all the hard work being carried out by all at Kier Harlow and Harlow Council.”
Leader of Harlow Council, Cllr Andrew Johnson, said: “This national recognition demonstrates the hard work which has been put into developing the Kier Harlow joint venture company. The partnership is really making a difference to the local economy during these difficult times through supporting other businesses and providing jobs to young people through the apprenticeship scheme. We are seeing improvements in service delivery and major cost reductions for the Council year on year and we will continue to work together to ensure that the services residents receive are of the highest quality.”
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‘BRILLIANT COMMUNITY WORK’ AT BROXBOURNE, SAYS TOP JOURNALIST
04 February 2010
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Polly Toynbee
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Columnist of the year and president of the British Humanist Society journalist Polly Toynbee has spoken of the “brilliant community development work that Broxbourne Housing Association (BHA) is undertaking locally”.
Speaking at an event to mark BHA’s 4th birthday, Ms Toynbee said that at a time when unemployment and poverty are key concerns for society, the role played by organisations like BHA is invaluable.
She cited BHA’s work supporting low income families through the local credit union, the Homestart Family Support Service and through its own Safer Communities team.
Since it was formed, BHA has kept all of its promises to residents, spending £26million on bringing homes up to the Government’s Decent Homes Standard. It has also spent more than half a million pounds on community development projects.
Chief executive John Giesen, says: “Providing someone with a decent home is not enough in itself; we need to build successful, vibrant communities.”
BHA manages rented homes for 3,400 households and also has 750 leaseholders in the area.
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DIGGING DEEP HELPS TENANTS SAVE CASH AND ENERGY
04 February 2010
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A housing provider is digging deep to tap into underground heat to help tenants boost their eco-credentials and save money.
Ten households at Staverton, near Daventry, are having traditional oil-fuelled heating systems replaced by ground source heat pumps, as housing provider Daventry & District Housing helps tenants reduce household costs.
Picture: Tim Boswell MP (left) and Stefan Errikson, contract and data operations manager at Daventry & District Housing.
The homes at Braunstone Lane are amongst the first in the county to have the eco-friendly heating system fitted, which uses heat from 70 to 80 metres underground to heat homes and their water.
As well as being an environmentally friendly way of heating homes the system is also estimated to reduce energy costs by up to 60 per cent.
Martin Sherman, executive director of business development and asset management for Futures Housing Group, of which Daventry & District Housing is a part, explained: “We recognise the importance of using alternative energy sources in existing and future developments. We are looking for ways to help tenants save money as well as having a positive impact on the environment.
“This project is one of the first of its kind for Daventry & District Housing but we hope that this can be replicated to help more tenants reduce fuel costs.”
Tim Boswell MP for Daventry and Ian Vincent, executive director of Daventry District Council visited the site on Friday to see some of the bore holes being drilled to feed heat into the homes.
Tim Boswell MP said: “It was fascinating to see the drill working, it was like a miniature oil rig. Ground source heating is a wholesome way of getting energy out of the ground rather than digging it up and burning it.
“This is a modern form of heating to replace inefficient heating systems, which help people save a lot of fuel and reduce climate change.
“The rising cost of conventional energy is a real issue. If people are socially vulnerable we need to look at alternatives they can afford and something that is not damaging to the environment.”
Susan Ashley, one of the tenants to benefit from the new ground source heating, said: “We don’t know how much better off we are going to be until we start using it but it is estimated to save about 60 per cent of heating bills which will be good.
“It is going to be a lot cleaner than the oil heating system and I’ll be glad not have the smell from the oil. It’s good that we are one of the first villages to have ground source heating and we are looking forward to it being finished.”
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‘GREAT’ DEMAND FOR LUMINUS’ SHELFORD HOMES
04 February 2010
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The Chestnuts
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Housing provider Luminus has successfully sold all 15 shared ownerships flats at its latest development, The Chestnuts in Great Shelford.
Completed in the autumn of 2009, there has been high demand for the beautifully designed, environmentally friendly and spacious homes.
Chan Abraham Luminus Group Chief Executive said: “The Chestnuts, Great Shelford is a great example of Luminus leading the way in providing quality homes for local people. In 2010, our Year of Renewing Hope and Inspiration, Luminus has developed desirable yet affordable homes available to residents in a difficult economic time.”
Now available from Luminus are high quality one and two bedroom shared ownership apartments at the Kaleidoscope development in central Cambridge, located for Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the railway station.
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FREE CHELMSFORD ADVICE SESSION OFFER HELPING HAND ONTO THE PROPERTY LADDER
04 February 2010
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People in Chelmsford who want to get onto the property ladder are being invited to attend a HomeBuy event on Tuesday 9 February between 11am and 2pm at the County Hall, Market Street Chelmsford CM1 1QH.
The event is being held by Moat, the government appointed HomeBuy Agent for Essex.
Moat staff will be on hand to talk through the HomeBuy options available, as will representatives from other housing associations who are also marketing properties in the area.
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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
04 February 2010
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Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters:
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JOBS
CIH in Scotland is seeking a Head of Policy & Public Affairs. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing Date: February 12.
Helena Partnerships is seeking a Research & Performance Advisor, salary £25,500 – £27,000 pa. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northwest. Closing date: February 12.
Villages Housing is seeking a Community Development Officer, based in Oldham, salary £20,525. For more information, go to northwest.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: February 8.
Berwickshire Housing Association is seeking a Financial Inclusion Officer, £26,592 - £29,235. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: 12 noon on February 5.
Rural Stirling Housing Association is seeking a Housing Services Manager (Depute Director). For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: noon on February 15.
TENDERS
Hebridean Housing Partnership is inviting tenders for its Approved Contractor List. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: February 26.
West Dunbartonshire Council is inviting tenders for a Lead Consultant . For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: February 15.
To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804. |
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JOB OF THE WEEK: HAVE YOUR TOP JOB HERE!
05 February 2010
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TENDER: INTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES, MORAY HOUSING PARTNERSHIP
05 February 2010
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Moray Housing Partnership is a Registered Social Landlord based in Lossiemouth and serving most of the Moray region. It owns and manages just under 500 general needs units.
We are currently tendering for our internal audit services. This will initially be for a three year period with the possibility to extend this to six years. We are seeking tenders from audit companies with internal audit experience within the RSL sector .
If you wish further information or want to receive the tender documents sent to you, please contact Michaela Munro on 01343 543210 or michaela@morayhousingpartnership.co.uk.
The closing dates for tenders will be 19th February and we plan to interview prior to the end of February. The period of appointment will commence on 1 April 2010, however we may ask that some work be carried out in March if this is mutually convenient.
Moray Housing Partnership is a registered charity operating under Scottish Charity number SC 031841 Registered office Clifton Road, Lossiemouth. Moray, IV31 6DJ.
Registered with the FSA under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 (No2567R(S)) and the Scottish Housing Regulator No: 325.
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RIVERSMEAD WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBERS
05 February 2010
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Hertford-based Riversmead Housing Association has strengthened their Board with the appointment of five new Board members.
Pam Grethe, East Herts District Councillor and former Hertford Town Councillor, has many years experience working with local communities. She has lived in Hertford for 45 years and is familiar with many aspects of housing and environmental issues.
Keith Cotton, Managing Director of Crisp Solutions Ltd, works across many industries consulting on and implementing marketing and corporate social responsibility solutions.
Nick Sharman, a Chartered Accountant, is Group Financial Controller at the Highways Agency, and is responsible for monitoring over £3 billion of expenditure.
Philomena Stafford, a Certified Financial Planner and partner of firm Stafford & Co, provides comprehensive financial planning services to 200 clients and is responsible for overseeing private client and trust investment funds in excess of £40 million.
Vanessa James, a partner and Head of the Employment Department at SA Law LLP, is an expert in the complex field of employment law and HR strategy, having succeeded in many high profile and complicated Tribunal and High Court cases.
Paul Huckstep, Riversmead’s Deputy Chief Executive, said: “We are really pleased to welcome the support and enthusiasm of our new Board members. They all have a wealth of experience and skills from both the private and public sectors which we’ll be able to draw on for the benefit of our residents.”
New Board member, Philomena Stafford, said: “Riversmead Housing Association provides a vital service to the community and I am delighted to be given an opportunity to contribute to its work and ongoing development.”
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300 HOMES PLAN AT LINCOLN FOUNDRY SITE
05 February 2010
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More than 300 homes and a new business park could be built on the site of a major eyesore near Lincoln.
Blueprints submitted by developers would see the demolition of the Lincoln Castings site in North Hykeham in a move to revive the local economy.
The proposals aim to draw in a string of new businesses and create a significant number of new jobs in the area.
The news comes just days after it was announced Siemens could axe up to 300 jobs in the city over the next two years.
Locals have hailed plans to knock down the Castings foundry, which has stood empty since the company owning it went into liquidation in 2006.
Some have expressed fears about the pressure on traffic the new development could trigger.
But the blueprints, which have now been lodged with planners, could also see a park and ride scheme for more than 100 cars.
Bus and rail links could also be boosted.
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NEW GREEN HOMES FOR TENANTS IN EYE
05 February 2010
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Nine families are enjoying 2010 in their brand new homes, thanks to Cross Keys Homes.
The housing association’s first affordable properties at the site in Eye were completed in December with an additional 22 homes being provided by the landlord in the next few months.
Cross Keys Homes is providing the homes in conjunction with its development partner Circle Anglia.
The brand new properties, built by Larkfleet Homes, at The Meadows consist of a mix of two and three bedroom houses for rent and shared ownership.
In addition Cross Keys Homes is proud to be providing its first solar panelling on these properties. The 31 houses have all been built by Larkfleet Homes to meet the Code for Sustainable Homes level three standard. The solar panelling has been fitted as part of the method to reach the code. Solar panelling can provide a typical UK household with 50 to 60 per cent of their domestic hot water in a year.
Mick Leggett, chief executive of Cross Keys Homes, said: “We hope these properties give young families the opportunity to stay close to their support network and be in the place they want to live.”
He added: “We are committed to reducing Cross Keys Homes’ carbon footprint. Our environmental manifesto drives us to work with companies such as Larkfleet who are also committed to using renewable energy sources where possible. This helps those living in the homes to save money on their bills and adds to the significant reduction in our carbon footprint already achieved through our £100m improvement works to our existing properties.”
New tenants Joanne Lambert (28) and her husband Peter (32), moved into their new home with their young son in December. Joanne said: “We love our new home and are so grateful to Cross Keys Homes for helping us to stay close to our friends and family.”
Peter added: “Not only is this a great area to live but I am glad that we are helping to do our bit to reduce our carbon footprint as well as saving money on fuel bills by living in a home with solar technology.”
Karl Hick, managing director of Larkfleet Homes, added: “Larkfleet Homes is delighted to see these affordable homes go to local families. The high environmental standards that these homes are built to will benefit residents now and in the future.”
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REGENERATED RAMSDEN CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY
05 February 2010
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Residents, parish councillors and the leader of Chelmsford Borough Council recently joined CHP in celebrating the first anniversary of its regenerated Ramsden Heath development.
Following the regeneration of a former Airey home site into eight family properties for affordable rent, the event witnessed CHP - one of the largest developing housing associations in Essex - donate £250 to the Ramsden Heath Christian Growth Centre.
The company also provided Champagne and flowers to CHP resident Emma Crawford as well as a gift to her daughter Sophie, who recently celebrated her second birthday.
The former three-bedroom Airey homes – constructed after World War Two to alleviate the shortage of housing in the area - were redeveloped in collaboration with Flagship Housing Group, through the Essex Development Partnership, the Tenant Services Authority (formerly the Housing Corporation) and Chelmsford Borough Council (CBC).
Martin Dean, CHP Chairman, said: “We are delighted to be able to celebrate the first anniversary of the Ramsden Heath development.
"Having worked with our partners and CBC we are overjoyed with the results as it demonstrates our deep rooted commitment to providing high-quality, yet affordable, homes for the people of Essex.”
One of the residents of the new properties, Emma Crawford added: “We are delighted with the house as it is fantastic for us as a family as it has a large garden which is great for Sophie to play in.
“We really couldn’t ask for anything more and although it is a new development everyone in the village is extremely friendly and always stop to say hello.”
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THREE OAKS HOMES GET HANDY
05 February 2010
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Changing a light bulb, fixing a dripping tap and assembling a book case are all in a day’s work for Blaby’s own band of ‘handy Andys’.
The tasks may be manageable for most but can prove a DIY nightmare for some elderly and disabled tenants of Three Oaks Homes.
To help around the home, the social landlord has introduced a handy van service designed to carry out minor jobs which take less than 30 minutes, such as fitting a shelf or hanging a curtain.
There are no call-out or labour costs for customers, only the price of any materials needed.
Hilary Seward, of Countesthorpe, was one of the first to use the service. She turned to it when her doorbell stopped working and also had a clasp fitted to her back gate.
Mrs Seward said: “I am no good at all at DIY, so this is a Godsend to people like me. The men do those little jobs most tradesmen won’t come out for. It’s a brilliant idea and very much appreciated.”
Gary Dalton, of Three Oaks Property Services (TOPS), runs the handy van. He said: “The tenants we’ve helped are all really grateful. A disabled lady in a wheelchair, whose husband had a bad back, asked us to put a heavy suitcase up in the loft, which was not a problem.”
Setting up a handy van service was one among a series of promises made to tenants prior to transfer from Blaby District Council in November 2008. It runs in addition to the repairs and maintenance service.
The majority – 55 per cent – of Three Oaks Homes’ tenants are aged over 65 and 57 per cent live in sheltered accommodation.
Chairman Colin Norman said these statistics underlined the need to offer help to less able tenants on practical tasks.
Colin said: “This was an extra service asked for by tenants before transfer and it is a promise we at Three Oaks Homes are pleased to keep, to provide help for those who need it.”
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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
05 February 2010
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Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters:
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JOBS
CIH in Scotland is seeking a Head of Policy & Public Affairs. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing Date: February 12.
Helena Partnerships is seeking a Research & Performance Advisor, salary £25,500 – £27,000 pa. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northwest. Closing date: February 12.
Villages Housing is seeking a Community Development Officer, based in Oldham, salary £20,525. For more information, go to northwest.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: February 8.
Berwickshire Housing Association is seeking a Financial Inclusion Officer, £26,592 - £29,235. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: 12 noon on February 5.
Rural Stirling Housing Association is seeking a Housing Services Manager (Depute Director). For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: noon on February 15.
TENDERS
Hebridean Housing Partnership is inviting tenders for its Approved Contractor List. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: February 26.
West Dunbartonshire Council is inviting tenders for a Lead Consultant . For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: February 15.
To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804. |
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NEWS 
