HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
16 February 2009

Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: Irvine Housing Association is seeking a Director of Finance. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: March 8. Irvine Housing Association is seeking a Executive Director (Operations). For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: March 8. Irvine Housing Association is seeking a Asset Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: March 8. Dunedin Canmore Housing Association is seeking a Property Surveyor. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: noon, February 20. Hillingdon Council is seeking a Development Officer. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/London/jobs. Closing Date: March 2. Hillingdon Council is seeking a Procurement Manager. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/London/jobs. Closing Date: March 2. Hillingdon Council is seeking a Development Manager. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/London/jobs. Closing Date: February 27. Broadacres Housing Association is seeking a Property Development & Asset Manager. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast/jobs. Closing date: February 23. Hastoe Housing Association is seeking a Director of New Business. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/southeast/jobs. Closing date: February 20. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Housing Officer. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: February 20. Margaret Blackwood Housing Association is seeking a Business Services Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing Date: February 17. TENDERS North Ayrshire Council is inviting tenders for a Consultancy Service. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing Date: February 20. 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 Amy or Angela at Hucksters on 01892 784804.

PROMOTING YOUR ATTENDANCE AT ECOBUILD 2009
16 February 2009

As media partners of Ecobuild, Housing News and Construction Now!, the daily e-newsletters for the social housing and construction industry, are currently offering banners and buttons to promote the products of exhibitors at the forthcoming Ecobuild and Futurebuild exhibitions. Now would be a prime opportunity for you to increase traffic to your stand by promoting your attendance at the exhibition to a highly targeted readership by using a button or a banner on the daily e-newsletters. Throughout the exhibition, the daily e-newsletters will also be covering current information and news of the event. We are offering the following rates in the lead up, during and immediately after the exhibition to maximise your business opportunities. Button and Banner Rates From 16th February – 13th March Banner – 1 month all regions - £800. 1 region: £400 Button – 1 month all regions - £600. 1 region: £340 For bookings or to discuss your advertising requirements further, please contact Carolyn, Amy and Liz on 01892 784804.

SHG WELCOMES OVER 100 NEW TENANTS FROM THE ISLE OF DOGS
16 February 2009

Timber Wharves Southern Housing Group has officially welcomed 103 residents and leaseholders from Timber Wharves on the Isle of Dogs following the transfer of their homes from East Thames Group. The transfer took place following long-term discussions between Southern and East Thames on the best way to manage the estate, and a consultation of residents last year, which resulted in a favourable response. When Timber Wharves was built in 1994, housing many families displaced by the building of the Limehouse Link, the stock was owned by three different housing associations – SHG, East Thames and Circle 33. SHG took on management of all the properties on behalf of the other two organisations after residents voted to have one landlord. The Circle-owned properties were transferred to Southern in 2004, so this transfer of East Thames’ properties completes the process of stock rationalisation on the estate. SHG, which already owns 193 homes on the development, welcomed the addition to its portfolio. Tony Hughes, Thames Gateway Region Director said: “Residents are unlikely to see too many changes to current service and management arrangements as SHG has managed the properties on behalf of East Thames since the estate was built in early 1994. "However, we really want to build on the work we've already been doing to engage with the residents – and this step will really help us to link resident involvement with service delivery. “Now that all the homes at Timber Wharves are part of SHG, we look forward to welcoming all Timber Wharves residents to our various events and capturing their views through our focus groups and resident forums.” The move builds on the good relationship between Southern and East Thames, who have worked together on several major regeneration projects in east London.

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MANY MORE HOUSEHOLDS NEED TO INSULATE, SAYS ASSEMBLY
16 February 2009

Darren Johnson Londoners are missing out on millions of pounds to help them insulate their homes, according to the London Assembly. It was responding to the government’s plans for rolling out insulation and low-carbon technology to seven million homes by 2020 in a bid to slash carbon emissions and to cut energy bills. The London Assembly published a report, Lagging Behind – Insulating homes in London, in December. Darren Johnson AM, Chair of the London Assembly Environment Committee, said: “This announcement is a step forward and we are pleased the government has recognised many of the problems we raised in our report. “The Assembly found that the plethora of available insulation schemes is confusing and that existing incentives are not effective enough to encourage people to take part. The government should learn from the difficulties in getting London homes insulated and ensure the process of getting insulation should be simplified. “Our report flags up an extremely successful scheme in Huddersfield where the local council is providing an easy-to-use scheme, with installers working their way through every single street. “However, our investigation revealed that Londoners appear to be missing out on millions of pounds to help them insulate their homes because of the way funding from the major government programme aimed at reducing CO2 is being distributed. With the extension of CERT funding announced today, the government urgently needs to ensure that this scheme provides a fairer distribution of funding. “Many more households need to insulate so they can benefit from lower bills and help cut carbon emissions at the same time.”

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MHT LONDON SPARKS HEALTHY APPETITE AMONG OLDER RESIDENTS
16 February 2009

The Metropolitan Housing Trust London Golden Age Group has held an Eat Wise, Eat Well healthy lunch at the Moorlands Community Centre, Brixton. The event was funded by the Activate London initiative and forms part of a new drive by the MHT London Community Investment team to promote healthy eating amongst older residents. The lunch had a Valentine’s Day theme and saw residents enjoy a specially catered lunch menu provided by local business, Maria’s Kitchen. As part of the lunch, residents were provided with healthy options and alternatives, advice and leaflets on healthy eating. Residents also had a chance to learn how to eat healthily on a budget, prepare quick and simple meals and create variety in their diet. The aim was to educate group members on the importance of different food groups and the nutritional importance of the different foods. Samantha Harding said: "Eating healthily is vital at any age, if not more so once we reach a particular stage in life. We hope this lunch will educate residents that eating healthy is not expensive, boring or needs to be fussy. The fact that we’re combining it with Valentine’s day is an added bonus as it tends to be something associated with younger people which is a bit unfair." Activate London is funded by the Big Lottery Fund. Led by Peabody Trust, the well-being projects are delivered in partnership with CBHA, Circle Anglia, Family Mosaic, Metropolitan Housing and Southern Housing Group.

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WANDSWORTH STEPS IN TO PLUG ENERGY FUNDING GAPS
16 February 2009

Wandsworth Council has stepped in to plug a financial gap that threatened to undermine a scheme that aims to reduce fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency in low-income households. It has injected £150,000 from other budgets into keeping the ColdBusters scheme alive. The scheme has been running since 2004 and provides grants to people on low incomes, including pensioners, to make sure that their homes are properly insulated and adequately heated. So far in Wandsworth, 479 households have benefited under the scheme. These homes have undergone a series of energy efficiency improvements ranging from the installation of a completely new central heating system or replacement boiler, upgraded heating controls, cavity wall and loft insulation, draughtproofing and window renewals. Households on low incomes can qualify for grants worth up to £6,000 to pay for these works, which are arranged and supervised from start to finish by the council's partner organisation Creative Environmental Networks (CEN). Staff working for CEN will identify the required works, obtain estimates, make all the preparations for the council's grant approval and arrange for the works to be carried out by approved installers. Although the scheme has been successful, the Government has delayed its announcement on the latest bids for grant money, due to be announced in December. The Treasury’s decision to slip the timetable meant that the scheme would have been suspended had councillors not approved a cash injection of £150,000 from other budgets to keep the initiative alive in Wandsworth. Housing spokesman, Cllr Martin D Johnson said: "We were disappointed to hear that the latest funding for this hugely important and worthwhile scheme was being held up. The delay meant that the scheme would have had to be put on hold until the money came through from Whitehall and this could have meant lengthy waits for people who need the work doing now. "Rising fuel bills combined with the current economic position mean that it is more important than ever that people on low incomes do not lose money as a result of inefficient heating and insulation in their homes.”

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BENEFIT CHEAT TRIES TO BLAME IDENTIFY THEFT
16 February 2009

A self-employed shop fitter, who blamed an impostor for stealing his identity to claim benefits, has been ordered to pay £3,000 costs plus £3,119.88 compensation by Snaresbrook Crown Court. The Court also ordered Haji Abdulkadi of Oldmead House, Exeter Road, Dagenham, to undergo 120 hours Community Punishment and told that he must pay Barking and Dagenham Council costs and compensation within 12 months. Abdulkadi, who pleaded guilty to three charges of dishonestly handling housing benefit and council tax benefit, thought he had come up with the perfect excuse when he was interviewed by Barking and Dagenham investigators about working and claiming benefits. He told them that an impostor must have stolen his identity. But to the investigators' amusement, he failed to explain why the wages, being earned by the 'impostor' were being paid into his own bank account. The offences came to light as a result of a national data matching exercise, the National Fraud Initiative, which matches records between councils, police and the Department for Works and Pensions. In mitigation, Abdulkadi, who was working as a self-employed shop fitter at the time, said that he thought that by telling the Jobcentre he had found work, he was also telling the Council. In fact, instead of informing the Council of his employment, Abdulkadi complained that his rent had gone up in the hope getting even more benefit. Originally summonsed to appear at Barking Magistrates Court, Abdulkadi maintained his innocence throughout numerous hearings and only changed his plea to guilty on the day he was due to be tried in front of a jury. Cllr Graham Bramley, executive member for revenues and benefits, said: "As a Council we are happy to pay benefits to people in genuine need. In this case Abdulkadi showed his gratitude by stealing from the hard-pressed taxpayers of this borough. This level of dishonesty cannot go unpunished."

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JOB OF THE WEEK: HILLINGDON COUNCIL x 3
17 February 2009

Hillingdon Council is seeking to fill the following positions: Development Officer £26,064 - £34,101 Civic Centre, Uxbridge Ref: ASC/783/ER In Hillingdon, we strive to provide decent homes for all. As part of our Development Team, you’ll help us provide permanent, temporary and supported housing for those that need it most. Whatever the scheme or project, you’ll make sure it runs on time, to budget and to the highest standards. You’ll work on the Council’s own new build development programme and assist in its project management. You’ll work closely with RSL’s, the HCA and developers to deliver housing to meet the needs of Hillingdon people. Such tasks will make you a valuable source of information on statutory requirements, policies and planning obligations. Expect team members, developers and RSL’s, and a range of internal figures to come to you for advice. While the role will give you a keen insight into housing development, it’s important you’re already experienced in the field. You must understand housing in terms of local government and be able to investigate trends, present findings and write reports. Good communication skills are therefore essential, especially as you will be asked to represent the Council at forums. With good IT skills and the ability to travel to various housing sites, you’ll be keen to build your experience. Closing date: 2nd March 2009. Interview date: 10th and 11th March 2009. To apply, please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/jobs quoting the reference number. Procurement Manager £43,695 - £47,295 Civic centre, Uxbridge Ref: ASC/791/ER Hillingdon is committed to delivering excellent services for all its diverse communities. Effective procurement of accommodation is crucial to achieving that goal. You will manage a small team reviewing and monitoring the needs of our Adult Social Care, Health and Housing Department, developing strategies to ensure a constant supply of housing to meet those needs and actively procuring accommodation. Your tasks will range from developing staff training plans, assessing performance and monitoring key projects to managing private sector leasing contracts, establishing a property data base and leading new initiatives. Building effective relationships with Housing Needs, Housing Benefits and Housing Finance as well as contractors and landlords will be crucial to your success. We are looking for a first class communicator and negotiator with significant housing experience, including contract management and monitoring, private sector procurement, housing development and enabling. A sound knowledge of current issues in housing, health and social care, contract management and Homes and Communities Agency policies will be essential. You will also have proved your ability to lead a team, manage and monitor contracts and control budgets. Closing date: 2nd March 2009. Interview date: 10th and 11th March 2009. To apply, please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/jobs quoting the reference number. Development Manager £47,097 - £54,593 Civic centre, Uxbridge Ref: ASC/794/ER The provision of affordable housing for people throughout our community is one of our top priorities here in Hillingdon. Offering a challenging yet influential remit, in this role you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference by leading the operational delivery of our Affordable Housing and Asset Management strategy across the borough. With the vision, resilience and expertise needed to turn strategic objectives into operational outcomes, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the delivery of projects that meet our identified housing needs within our Adult Social Care, Health and Housing departments. Aiming to increase the supply of affordable, supported and low cost home ownership schemes throughout the borough, you’ll look at a variety of projects including the management of our own HRA housing development programme. You’ll also investigate every viable avenue for securing both additional main stream and alternative funding to deliver our housing strategy. Working in collaboration with various project teams and departments to provide a sustainable framework for our plans and policies, you’ll already have extensive related experience in this area and will be looking for an opportunity to have even greater influence. Indeed, with a proven track record of complex operational service delivery – and proven leadership ability – your skill at communicating with a wide range of audiences and achieving buy-in from senior management, partners and stakeholders will be second to none. A good working knowledge of current issues within housing, health and social care - and of contract specification, building and development processes - will also be essential, as will your experience of preparing and monitoring capital and revenue budgets. Closing date: 27th February 2009. Interview date: 1st April 2009. To apply, please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/jobs quoting the reference number.

PROMOTING YOUR ATTENDANCE AT ECOBUILD 2009
17 February 2009

As media partners of Ecobuild, Housing News and Construction Now!, the daily e-newsletters for the social housing and construction industry, are currently offering banners and buttons to promote the products of exhibitors at the forthcoming Ecobuild and Futurebuild exhibitions. Now would be a prime opportunity for you to increase traffic to your stand by promoting your attendance at the exhibition to a highly targeted readership by using a button or a banner on the daily e-newsletters. Throughout the exhibition, the daily e-newsletters will also be covering current information and news of the event. We are offering the following rates in the lead up, during and immediately after the exhibition to maximise your business opportunities. Button and Banner Rates From 16th February – 13th March Banner – 1 month all regions - £800. 1 region: £400 Button – 1 month all regions - £600. 1 region: £340 For bookings or to discuss your advertising requirements further, please contact Carolyn, Amy and Liz on 01892 784804.

MAYOR PLEDGES TO TACKLE EASTERN EUROPEAN HOMELESSNESS BY 2012
17 February 2009

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson has promised to tackle the problems faced by homeless eastern European migrants in a strategy to end rough sleeping. Boris Johnson Mr Johnson has pledged to end rough sleeping in the capital by 2012, echoing a commitment made by the government in November. His strategy states: “Migration is a significant factor in London, where up to 20 per cent of rough sleepers are eastern European nationals.” It suggests more cooperation between agencies could help. The newly launched London Delivery Board, a collaboration of London councils, charities and government officials, will work with the UK Borders Agency and Jobcentre Plus on the issue. It also states: “Tackling rough sleeping requires action from health, drugs and alcohol and social services. There is a need for a coordinated approach, but this is difficult in London where services cover different geographic areas within a single city.” Official counts show that 248 people sleep rough in London each night making up half the national total. Over the course of a year, outreach teams contact around 3,000 people sleeping rough, almost half of whom are new. The strategy says this illustrates a clear failure to meet the government’s original 1998 target to reduce rough sleeping by two thirds. Mr Johnson said: “We are fully aware that in the current recession, when many might say that we should focus on other priorities such as building more homes, that this is an ambitious commitment. Even in challenging economic times we must not lose sight of those less fortunate.” The pledge to end rough sleeping was backed by participating charities Crisis, Homeless Link, Thames Reach and St Mungo’s.

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PLANNING GRANTED FOR NEWHAM REGENERATION PROJECT
17 February 2009

Countryside Properties, working with Newham Regeneration and Affinity Sutton on behalf of William Sutton Homes, has been granted planning permission from Newham Council for the first phase of the Canning Town and Custom House regeneration project, known as ‘Area 3’. It includes a prominent apartment building fronting the A13 trunk road designed by architects, Maccreanor Lavington. The building will provide a bold, confident design statement to support the regeneration of the area. The overall application proposes 649 homes, of which 422 are designated for private sale and 227 for affordable housing. All the proposed homes are designed to ‘lifetime homes’ standard, 10% are suitable for disabled people, and the affordable homes are pepper-potted throughout the development to provide a socially sustainable regeneration of the area. Contributing to this is a broad range of different home types ranging from one and two bedroom apartments up to three and four bedroom maisonettes and houses for larger families. The plans also include the reconstruction of the Keir Hardie Primary School at a cost of £7.3 million to a design by architects Mouchel Parkman. They also include the establishment of a sustainable management company to involve the residents in the management of their own development. Andrew Sodje, Regional Manager, William Sutton, said: “The resolution to grant permission is a key stage of the project and we look forward to working with our partners, Newham and Countryside, to move on to the construction of this first phase of the regeneration. "This phase will provide a wide range of much needed new homes along with a fantastic new school, contributing towards a vibrant and sustainable community in the borough.” Tony Travers, Subsidiary Managing Director of Countryside said: “We have spent a great deal of time preparing the site to ensure that we can progress as quickly as possible once we have full agreement on all the details of our planning application. "Canning Town and Custom House badly needs new housing and we have worked closely with our partners and the local community to create plans that will provide homes and community facilities that are appropriate and well designed.”

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OSBORNE COMPLETES LANDMARK BUILDING IN NEW CROSS
17 February 2009

Osborne has completed the £1.9m development of 12 affordable homes, two commercial units and a resident’s centre in New Cross, South East London. The scheme forms part of the larger ‘Kender regeneration project’ for Hyde Housing Association. Kender Landmark It was constructed using a concrete frame clad in Eternit Cladding with the residents’ centre benefiting from a mono-pitch green roof, which increases the life of the roof as well as allowing the rainwater to be absorbed into the soil rather than being released directly into the drains. The flats have a 24-hour whole house extract system reducing the need to open the windows and Eternit rain screen cladding with integrated sliding solar shade. The top floor flats have solar panels, which supplement their hot water supply. The scheme achieves EcoHomes ‘Very Good’ rating. Colin Mitchell, Divisional Director at Osborne, said: “Aligning the Kender Landmark with the two occupied buildings on either side has been a major challenge. Continual liaison with local residents and controlling noise pollution has been fundamental to the success of the project.”

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ST MUNGO’S WELCOMES LONDON DELIVERY BOARD
17 February 2009

St Mungo's has welcomed the launch of the London Delivery Board, a new partnership which for the first time brings together organisations all committed to ending rough sleeping in the capital by 2012. The Board has been established in response to the government's rough sleeping strategy No One Left Out - Communities ending rough sleeping, published in November. The Mayor of London was asked to co-ordinate delivery in London on achieving the 2012 target of no rough sleepers on the streets. The Board will be chaired by the Mayor's Director of Housing, Richard Blakeway and comprises senior level representatives from local authorities, leading charities, central government, and a range of social, health, and drugs and alcohol support services. Charles Fraser, chief executive of St Mungo's, one of the Board members, said: "St Mungo's is delighted that the Mayor has so readily taken up the challenge of ending rough sleeping in London. “We see this as an outstanding opportunity to not just help people off the streets, but to also address their underlying needs for healthcare and employment, and we look forward to helping the Delivery Board in every way we can."

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BHP IS FIRST HOUSING PROVIDER TO RECEIVE ENCAMS KITEMARK
17 February 2009

The environmental charity, ENCAMS (Environmental Campaigns), best known for the Keep Britain Tidy campaign, has awarded Brent Housing Partnership (BHP) the Cleaner, Safer, Greener Kitemark. BHP is the first housing provider to receive the Kitemark since ENCAMS launched the scheme last year following a number of successful pilot projects around England. The Kitemark, the first award of its kind in the country, is an effective partnership tool for housing providers who want to lead the way in environmental issues and build better neighbourhoods for residents. It aims to create quality spaces which people can be proud of living in and which others will respect. It also offers a structure to drive improvements in specified neighbourhoods and recognises cleaner, safer and greener achievements at a national level. Helen Evans Managing Director for BHP, said: “We were proud to be the first housing provider in England to enter for this award. We decided to put forward estates in East Brent and Wembley for assessment. We had to provide evidence and information that demonstrated our aspirations and the means we are using to create cleaner, safer and greener environments for residents. “After a lot of hard work from staff and partners we were thrilled to learn that not only did we get the Kitemark but were awarded the exemplar level which is the highest grade. The assessors acknowledged the steps we were taking to improve estates and the quality of the environment for residents.” David Cockcroft, Housing Director at ENCAMS, said: “We are delighted to recognise the hard work and dedication of BHP and its partners in achieving the Kitemark at the exemplar level. “Living in an area blighted by environmental problems can adversely affect people’s perceptions of themselves and their neighbourhoods and significantly increase their fear of being victims of crime. “By taking part in the project and gaining the Kitemark, BHP has provided an excellent example of how housing providers with vision and determination can make a real difference in communities.”

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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
17 February 2009

Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: Hillingdon Council is seeking a Development Officer. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/London/jobs. Closing Date: March 2. Hillingdon Council is seeking a Procurement Manager. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/London/jobs. Closing Date: March 2. Hillingdon Council is seeking a Development Manager. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/London/jobs. Closing Date: February 27. Hastoe Housing Association is seeking a Director of New Business. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/southeast/jobs. Closing date: February 20. Irvine Housing Association is seeking a Director of Finance. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: March 8. Irvine Housing Association is seeking a Executive Director (Operations). For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: March 8. Irvine Housing Association is seeking a Asset Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: March 8. Dunedin Canmore Housing Association is seeking a Property Surveyor. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: noon, February 20. Broadacres Housing Association is seeking a Property Development & Asset Manager. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast/jobs. Closing date: February 23. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Housing Officer. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: February 20. Margaret Blackwood Housing Association is seeking a Business Services Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing Date: February 17. TENDERS North Ayrshire Council is inviting tenders for a Consultancy Service. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing Date: February 20. 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 Amy or Angela at Hucksters on 01892 784804.

JOB OF THE WEEK: HILLINGDON COUNCIL x 3
18 February 2009

Hillingdon Council is seeking to fill the following positions: Development Officer £26,064 - £34,101 Civic Centre, Uxbridge Ref: ASC/783/ER In Hillingdon, we strive to provide decent homes for all. As part of our Development Team, you’ll help us provide permanent, temporary and supported housing for those that need it most. Whatever the scheme or project, you’ll make sure it runs on time, to budget and to the highest standards. You’ll work on the Council’s own new build development programme and assist in its project management. You’ll work closely with RSL’s, the HCA and developers to deliver housing to meet the needs of Hillingdon people. Such tasks will make you a valuable source of information on statutory requirements, policies and planning obligations. Expect team members, developers and RSL’s, and a range of internal figures to come to you for advice. While the role will give you a keen insight into housing development, it’s important you’re already experienced in the field. You must understand housing in terms of local government and be able to investigate trends, present findings and write reports. Good communication skills are therefore essential, especially as you will be asked to represent the Council at forums. With good IT skills and the ability to travel to various housing sites, you’ll be keen to build your experience. Closing date: 2nd March 2009. Interview date: 10th and 11th March 2009. To apply, please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/jobs quoting the reference number. Procurement Manager £43,695 - £47,295 Civic centre, Uxbridge Ref: ASC/791/ER Hillingdon is committed to delivering excellent services for all its diverse communities. Effective procurement of accommodation is crucial to achieving that goal. You will manage a small team reviewing and monitoring the needs of our Adult Social Care, Health and Housing Department, developing strategies to ensure a constant supply of housing to meet those needs and actively procuring accommodation. Your tasks will range from developing staff training plans, assessing performance and monitoring key projects to managing private sector leasing contracts, establishing a property data base and leading new initiatives. Building effective relationships with Housing Needs, Housing Benefits and Housing Finance as well as contractors and landlords will be crucial to your success. We are looking for a first class communicator and negotiator with significant housing experience, including contract management and monitoring, private sector procurement, housing development and enabling. A sound knowledge of current issues in housing, health and social care, contract management and Homes and Communities Agency policies will be essential. You will also have proved your ability to lead a team, manage and monitor contracts and control budgets. Closing date: 2nd March 2009. Interview date: 10th and 11th March 2009. To apply, please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/jobs quoting the reference number. Development Manager £47,097 - £54,593 Civic centre, Uxbridge Ref: ASC/794/ER The provision of affordable housing for people throughout our community is one of our top priorities here in Hillingdon. Offering a challenging yet influential remit, in this role you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference by leading the operational delivery of our Affordable Housing and Asset Management strategy across the borough. With the vision, resilience and expertise needed to turn strategic objectives into operational outcomes, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the delivery of projects that meet our identified housing needs within our Adult Social Care, Health and Housing departments. Aiming to increase the supply of affordable, supported and low cost home ownership schemes throughout the borough, you’ll look at a variety of projects including the management of our own HRA housing development programme. You’ll also investigate every viable avenue for securing both additional main stream and alternative funding to deliver our housing strategy. Working in collaboration with various project teams and departments to provide a sustainable framework for our plans and policies, you’ll already have extensive related experience in this area and will be looking for an opportunity to have even greater influence. Indeed, with a proven track record of complex operational service delivery – and proven leadership ability – your skill at communicating with a wide range of audiences and achieving buy-in from senior management, partners and stakeholders will be second to none. A good working knowledge of current issues within housing, health and social care - and of contract specification, building and development processes - will also be essential, as will your experience of preparing and monitoring capital and revenue budgets. Closing date: 27th February 2009. Interview date: 1st April 2009. To apply, please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/jobs quoting the reference number.

PROMOTING YOUR ATTENDANCE AT ECOBUILD 2009
18 February 2009

As media partners of Ecobuild, Housing News and Construction Now!, the daily e-newsletters for the social housing and construction industry, are currently offering banners and buttons to promote the products of exhibitors at the forthcoming Ecobuild and Futurebuild exhibitions. Now would be a prime opportunity for you to increase traffic to your stand by promoting your attendance at the exhibition to a highly targeted readership by using a button or a banner on the daily e-newsletters. Throughout the exhibition, the daily e-newsletters will also be covering current information and news of the event. We are offering the following rates in the lead up, during and immediately after the exhibition to maximise your business opportunities. Button and Banner Rates From 16th February – 13th March Banner – 1 month all regions - £800. 1 region: £400 Button – 1 month all regions - £600. 1 region: £340 For bookings or to discuss your advertising requirements further, please contact Carolyn, Amy and Liz on 01892 784804.

FRENCH LEARN ABOUT PATHMEADS HOUSING MODEL
18 February 2009

Pathmeads, part of Genesis Housing Group, has facilitated a two-day visit to London by French housing experts to discuss London’s approaches to tackling homelessness. The delegation consisted of representatives from a range of French government departments as well as from French homelessness charity, Association Emmaus. The visit followed an event hosted in Paris in May by the Agency for the Improvement of Accommodation (ANAH). Pathmeads presented its approach to tackling homelessness to French government advisors, Paris city councillors, social housing developers and its national regulatory body. John Pender, Quality & Performance Manager at Pathmeads, said: “There is a clear commitment in France to improve the quality of housing for homeless people, and we are delighted to be able to contribute towards, and learn from, this exciting new initiative.” It was organised by the French Embassy with the support of the Greater London Authority as part of a knowledge exchange visit with various agencies working to combat homelessness across London. The objective for the French delegation was to discuss and learn more about innovative approaches to tackling homelessness in London. At a roundtable discussion on leasing properties and letting them to homeless families, Pathmeads told the delegates about its approach to preventing homelessness and improving the quality of accommodation for homeless families. The French authorities are keen to improve the standard of temporary accommodation and are piloting a private sector leasing scheme starting with 200 units in Paris. Emmaus will be one of the key players involved in making this happen. They heard at first-hand the challenges and benefits of similar models in London during their visit and the key areas for consideration in implementing such a model. Pathmeads provided a translation service throughout the two-day programme, and organised and chaired the roundtable discussion. This discussion was co-ordinated by the National Housing Federation’s Temporary Housing Practitioners Group as part of its ongoing work on improving the quality of temporary housing in London.

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ONE HOUSING GROUP OPENS SCHEME FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
18 February 2009

One Housing Group (OHG) has held an event to mark the opening of its new young people’s scheme in Camden Road. The scheme was officially opened by councillors Chris Naylor and Janet Grauberg and a number of key local stakeholders were in attendance. Part of Camden’s Young People’s Pathway, Camden Road is an exciting new service that will be the first in the borough to provide the very latest supported housing and specialist services 24 hours a day to 12 young people with complex support needs. The scheme houses vulnerable young people for whom Camden has a responsibility. Comprising four three-person shared flats, the scheme has been designed to the highest specification by JCMT Architects and includes various safety features such as a door entry system and CCTV. The service has a dedicated 24-hour staff team who work closely with other services in the borough to support the young people and to prepare them for independent living in the community. Camden Road is one of a number of schemes in the borough that have been remodelled by OHG in partnership with London Borough of Camden to ensure they meet the requirements of young people at risk, in line with local and national policy. In total OHG has invested £2.5m in modernising five accommodation projects for young people in the borough. Kevin Beirne, One Housing Group director of housing, care and support, said: “Camden Road is a flagship scheme that sets the standard for young people’s supported housing and services. “We are delighted to be working closely with Camden’s Supporting People team to remodel our services to best meet the needs of young people across the borough. “Camden Road and our other remodelled services in the area will bring considerable benefit to young people with medium and high support needs.”

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HARROW LAUNCHES ‘BIG ENERGY SHIFT’
18 February 2009

Harrow is the first venue in a nationwide consultation on saving energy and heat in people's homes and communities. Householders across England will be asked their views on how the UK can reduce its carbon emissions through better energy efficiency and low-carbon heating, as part of the Big Energy Shift citizens' forums. The first of the forums was launched in Harrow by Energy and Climate Change Minister, Joan Ruddock, and will be followed by similar events in Exeter and Cockfield, Co Durham, later in the month. Ms Ruddock said: "The Government has just launched its long-term Heat and Energy Saving strategy for consultation, setting out proposals for reducing household carbon emissions to almost zero by 2050. "To achieve this, we need to move beyond simple measures such as loft insulation, and start offering whole house energy-makeovers – looking at more radical measures such as solid wall insulation, solar heating, ground or air-source heat pumps, or access to a district heating scheme.” She added: "We've started to talk with organisations and communities about how we can achieve this - but we want to hear from householders as well. “They are the ones who will benefit from our plans and it's vital we engage with residents, explain our strategy and the technologies involved, and receive their views." In each location, up to 30 local residents will take part in three separate events over the space of one month. In the first event, householders will hear about the processes and technologies under consideration, with experts on-hand to answer questions.

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NEW DIRECTOR OF PROPERTY SERVICES AND ASSET MANAGEMENT AT LHA-ASRA
18 February 2009

Kevin Hazlewood Kevin Hazlewood has been appointed LHA-ASRA Group director of property services and asset management. The housing and regeneration group manages 11,500 homes across the East Midlands, Greater London and the Home Counties. Mr Hazlewood joins from Meridian Consultants Limited where he was director of development and asset management. He was also procurement and investment director at South London Family Housing Association and head of technical services at Springboard Housing Association. LHA-ASRA has created the new role as part of a re-structuring of its senior management team to improve frontline services. Mr Hazlewood said: “In spite of the current economic difficulties affecting the housing sector generally, LHA-ASRA has a very solid property portfolio. “I’m looking forward to ensuring the Group continues to provide a high quality property management service to meet the needs of customers.” Atul Patel, LHA-ASRA Group chief executive, added: “Kevin has more than 20 years’ senior and strategic management experience in both public and private sectors. “His business planning expertise and technical knowledge is second to none. Kevin believes fervently in quality and performance measurement, which will ensure LHA-ASRA’s drive for continuous improvement and customer satisfaction will be maintained. He is a welcome addition to our team."

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GOVERNMENT IMPOSES ABOVE INFLATION RENT RISE IN SUTTON
18 February 2009

Sutton Council tenants face government imposed rent rises of over six per cent this year. The Government’s formula means average council rent in Sutton will go up from £80.45 to £85.50 per week. That’s double the rate of inflation. The increase is part of a government policy to bring H.A. and local authority rents into line. Council rents have been historically lower. Council tenants across the borough pay the government £10m a year in what is known as a negative housing subsidy. The rent money is not used locally to improve housing but clawed back by the government to subsidise and improve social housing in other parts of the country. The government is currently reviewing the ‘subsidy’ system, but Sutton Council believe while this takes place, any rent rise imposed by the government should be kept to an absolute minimum. Figures show most council tenants across the capital face a proposed annual rent increase of between 5 per cent and 7.1 per cent and some even higher. Colin Stears, Executive Member for Housing said: “Central government is effectively determining local authority rents. “The current system, which allows the government to dictate above an inflation rent rise at a time when many tenants are struggling financially is plainly unfair. “To make matters worse, they are also clawing back Sutton tenants’ rent money and giving it to other parts of the country. The situation simply can’t go on. “The money should stay in Sutton to improve local housing and a delegation from the Sutton Federation of Tenant and Resident Associations, with elected members from Sutton will present a petition to the Prime Minister in March to highlight our concerns.” Andrew Taylor, chief executive of Sutton Housing Partnership added: “Despite the large rent increase SHP will have only two percent more to spend on services than in the current year. "In line with what residents have been telling us this is being targeted towards housing repairs and also increasing staffing to deal with residents telephone calls."

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JOB OF THE WEEK: HILLINGDON COUNCIL x 3
19 February 2009

Hillingdon Council is seeking to fill the following positions: Development Officer £26,064 - £34,101 Civic Centre, Uxbridge Ref: ASC/783/ER In Hillingdon, we strive to provide decent homes for all. As part of our Development Team, you’ll help us provide permanent, temporary and supported housing for those that need it most. Whatever the scheme or project, you’ll make sure it runs on time, to budget and to the highest standards. You’ll work on the Council’s own new build development programme and assist in its project management. You’ll work closely with RSL’s, the HCA and developers to deliver housing to meet the needs of Hillingdon people. Such tasks will make you a valuable source of information on statutory requirements, policies and planning obligations. Expect team members, developers and RSL’s, and a range of internal figures to come to you for advice. While the role will give you a keen insight into housing development, it’s important you’re already experienced in the field. You must understand housing in terms of local government and be able to investigate trends, present findings and write reports. Good communication skills are therefore essential, especially as you will be asked to represent the Council at forums. With good IT skills and the ability to travel to various housing sites, you’ll be keen to build your experience. Closing date: 2nd March 2009. Interview date: 10th and 11th March 2009. To apply, please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/jobs quoting the reference number. Procurement Manager £43,695 - £47,295 Civic centre, Uxbridge Ref: ASC/791/ER Hillingdon is committed to delivering excellent services for all its diverse communities. Effective procurement of accommodation is crucial to achieving that goal. You will manage a small team reviewing and monitoring the needs of our Adult Social Care, Health and Housing Department, developing strategies to ensure a constant supply of housing to meet those needs and actively procuring accommodation. Your tasks will range from developing staff training plans, assessing performance and monitoring key projects to managing private sector leasing contracts, establishing a property data base and leading new initiatives. Building effective relationships with Housing Needs, Housing Benefits and Housing Finance as well as contractors and landlords will be crucial to your success. We are looking for a first class communicator and negotiator with significant housing experience, including contract management and monitoring, private sector procurement, housing development and enabling. A sound knowledge of current issues in housing, health and social care, contract management and Homes and Communities Agency policies will be essential. You will also have proved your ability to lead a team, manage and monitor contracts and control budgets. Closing date: 2nd March 2009. Interview date: 10th and 11th March 2009. To apply, please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/jobs quoting the reference number. Development Manager £47,097 - £54,593 Civic centre, Uxbridge Ref: ASC/794/ER The provision of affordable housing for people throughout our community is one of our top priorities here in Hillingdon. Offering a challenging yet influential remit, in this role you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference by leading the operational delivery of our Affordable Housing and Asset Management strategy across the borough. With the vision, resilience and expertise needed to turn strategic objectives into operational outcomes, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the delivery of projects that meet our identified housing needs within our Adult Social Care, Health and Housing departments. Aiming to increase the supply of affordable, supported and low cost home ownership schemes throughout the borough, you’ll look at a variety of projects including the management of our own HRA housing development programme. You’ll also investigate every viable avenue for securing both additional main stream and alternative funding to deliver our housing strategy. Working in collaboration with various project teams and departments to provide a sustainable framework for our plans and policies, you’ll already have extensive related experience in this area and will be looking for an opportunity to have even greater influence. Indeed, with a proven track record of complex operational service delivery – and proven leadership ability – your skill at communicating with a wide range of audiences and achieving buy-in from senior management, partners and stakeholders will be second to none. A good working knowledge of current issues within housing, health and social care - and of contract specification, building and development processes - will also be essential, as will your experience of preparing and monitoring capital and revenue budgets. Closing date: 27th February 2009. Interview date: 1st April 2009. To apply, please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/jobs quoting the reference number.

PROMOTING YOUR ATTENDANCE AT ECOBUILD 2009
19 February 2009

As media partners of Ecobuild, Housing News and Construction Now!, the daily e-newsletters for the social housing and construction industry, are currently offering banners and buttons to promote the products of exhibitors at the forthcoming Ecobuild and Futurebuild exhibitions. Now would be a prime opportunity for you to increase traffic to your stand by promoting your attendance at the exhibition to a highly targeted readership by using a button or a banner on the daily e-newsletters. Throughout the exhibition, the daily e-newsletters will also be covering current information and news of the event. We are offering the following rates in the lead up, during and immediately after the exhibition to maximise your business opportunities. Button and Banner Rates From 16th February – 13th March Banner – 1 month all regions - £800. 1 region: £400 Button – 1 month all regions - £600. 1 region: £340 For bookings or to discuss your advertising requirements further, please contact Carolyn, Amy and Liz on 01892 784804.

L&Q SELECTED FOR TWO STOCK TRANSFERS IN LEWISHAM
19 February 2009

After months of hard work involving resident tours, open days and a gruelling interview process, L&Q has been selected to work on the transfer arrangements for two stock transfer areas in the London Borough of Lewisham. L&Q was selected to work up transfer arrangements with the residents of Forest Hill, Sydenham and Perry Vale, a mix of estate and street properties comprising 1111 tenanted homes and 593 leaseholders. The week prior they were also selected to work with residents for the Rushey Green area. These are mainly street properties with 758 tenanted homes and 325 leaseholders. The next step is for L&Q’s Stock Transfer Team to work with residents and the council to produce an Offer Document which will go to all residents in the transfer areas before going to ballot. Key to gaining a positive ballot is an effective consultation strategy and the Stock Transfer Team will be busy in forthcoming months producing newsletters, arranging road shows, a show home, a DVD and of course plenty of door knocking to talk to residents and inform them about the services L&Q will offer them if they vote "yes" to transfer. Caroline Boguzas, L&Q’s Head of Economic Regeneration & Stock Transfer for South East London, said: "This is an excellent result for L&Q and has been a great team effort all round. We look forward to working with the residents and Lewisham Council to ensure we meet the needs of the community and continue L&Q’s mission of creating places where people want to live." Lesley Seary, Executive Director for Customer Services at the Council said: "The selection of L&Q is an important first step. Residents will now be working with L&Q to develop an Offer Document which will set out L&Q’s proposed investment in homes in these areas. Lewisham Council is committed to ensuring residents have a strong say in how their homes are improved and managed."

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CITYWEST HOMES OPENS NEW FITNESS CENTRE
19 February 2009

CityWest Homes’ Churchill Gardens youth club The Lord Mayor of Westminster, councillor Louise Hyams has officially opened a new mini fitness centre on the Lillington and Longmoore Gardens estate in Pimlico. The fitness centre, which is run and managed by CityWest Homes’ Youth Service, was the brainchild of several young people who attend the Churchill Gardens youth club. They successfully bid for £28,000 from the Youth Opportunity Fund in order to get the centre up and running. The Churchill Gardens Youth team has secured further funding from Westminster PCT, Westminster Sports Unit, Westminster Youth Service's annual grant award and the Premier League Creating Chances scheme. The centre is currently used by young people who receive fitness coaching sessions. Female only session are run weekly and plans are underway to expand membership to older people living in the area. Darren Levy, director of customer services at CityWest Homes, said: “To have this centre up and running and used by so many young people is a real achievement. “Both the young people and the CityWest Homes Youth team with the support of many of our partners have worked very hard to provide such a worthwhile resource. “We’re keen to help promote healthy living amongst our residents and this fitness centre is a great tool to enable us to do this.” Fifteen-year-old Mohammed Krayem added: “The mini fitness centre has become my happy place. This has kept me fit and healthy and has also helped me to think about a future career as a fitness instructor and with help I am becoming a volunteer at the fitness centre too."

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CHILDREN REWARDED BY HOMES FOR HARINGEY AFTER SAFETY LESSON
19 February 2009

Five children at Tiverton Primary School have been awarded giant art sets as prizes for an art competition. All the pupils in the school were asked to design a Danger Sign for building sites following a talk on site safety in January. They were visited by the Apollo Group, which is working on Homes for Haringey’s five-year decent homes programme in South Tottenham. The children learned about the dangers of entering building sites and were invited to try out some protective clothing such as hard hats, goggles, gloves and ear defenders. Paul Bridge, Chief Executive of Homes for Haringey, said: “The decent homes programme is a major investment in the community, and it is important to us that local residents feel fully involved. For children to get advice like this from the contractor will give them a sense of hazard awareness that will also benefit them in the future. We would like to thank Apollo for their participation and involvement.” Christine Lemmon, Head of Community Investment at Apollo said: "Schools talks are carried out to develop our relationship with the local community by educating children about the dangers of entering building sites. “At the Apollo Group, our goal is to finish a scheme and leave the community with a long lasting legacy of new training initiatives and the development of good relationships with residents and local schools." The artwork is now on display at the Apollo site office.

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YOUNG FOOTBALLERS SHOW STYLE WITH NEW SPONSORED KITS
19 February 2009

Mill Hill Village Youth FC shows off its new kit Children playing for four youth football teams will be turning out in style after they received brand new football strips from Barnet Homes’ contractor Balfour Beatty. The children from the Mill Hill Village Youth Football Club wore their new sponsored kits for the first time as they showed off their skills in a short tournament at Burnt Oak Leisure Centre, Watling Avenue. The tournament was refereed by two managers from Balfour Beatty, who live and work locally, and give their time to coach the teams every Saturday. Tony Smith, one of the managers said: “I’d like to thank both Balfour Beatty and Barnet Homes for the smart new kit. Hopefully this will encourage even more children to get involved and enjoy playing football regularly.” The new strips display the logos of both Balfour Beatty and Barnet Homes, who are working together to improve council-owned properties in the west of the borough, where many of the young players live. The club plays in the Harrow Youth League and is unusual in having the only under sevens team in Barnet. Derek Rust, Deputy Chief Executive of Barnet Homes, said: “Barnet Homes isn’t just about improving properties and estates. We are also committed to providing opportunities for residents and their children, whether it’s encouraging them to take part in sporting and leisure activities or offering skills training and apprenticeships.”

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AVANTA ON THE BALL AT THE PALACE
19 February 2009

London-based serviced office company, Avanta is supporting a charity ball that hopes to raise £50,000 for causes across Croydon, and the children’s charity, Sparks. The Croydon Charity Ball is an annual fund raising event which supports both the Croydon Commitment and Sparks charities. Other co-sponsors of the ball include Barclays and Mondial Assistance. This year’s prestigious gala evening takes place in a marquee on the pitch at Selhurst Park, home of Crystal Palace Football Club, on Tuesday 19 May 2009. Now in its seventh year, the event has raised over £250,000 for local charities and has become a popular fixture in the Croydon and south London social calendar. The black-tie event will be hosted by broadcaster David Jensen, and will feature live entertainment, including comedian Ian Irving as well as a dance band. Avanta has been a long-standing supporter of Sparks, enjoying a special relationship with the children’s medical research charity. The company sponsors the annual Sparks Race Day at Kempton Park, the increasingly popular fixture in the commercial property social calendar. Last Christmas the company sponsored the Sparks Winter Ball, a glittering annual event attended by a host of top sporting and entertainment personalities. David Alberto, Avanta’s Chief Executive, said: “Sparks supports some of the most important research being undertaken today into childhood illnesses and we’re delighted to be associated with such a worthwhile cause. “Despite the current economic climate, Avanta is committed to maintaining its level of support to the charity and we look forward to our involvement in other forthcoming events in the year ahead. The Croydon Ball promises to be a fantastic evening and I am sure the event will be a great success.” Paul Connew, Sparks Director of Communications, said: “We’re delighted to be a benefiting charity partner of the Croydon Charity Ball. The event is obviously a fantastic occasion that has proved increasingly successful over the last 7 years and made an important contribution to so many worthy causes.” For further information on the Croydon Charity Ball and to reserve a table, please call 020 8768 6049 or e-mail:

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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
19 February 2009

Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: Hillingdon Council is seeking a Development Officer. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/London/jobs. Closing Date: March 2. Hillingdon Council is seeking a Procurement Manager. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/London/jobs. Closing Date: March 2. Hillingdon Council is seeking a Development Manager. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/London/jobs. Closing Date: February 27. Hastoe Housing Association is seeking a Director of New Business. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/southeast/jobs. Closing date: February 20. Irvine Housing Association is seeking a Director of Finance. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: March 8. Irvine Housing Association is seeking a Executive Director (Operations). For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: March 8. Irvine Housing Association is seeking a Asset Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: March 8. Dunedin Canmore Housing Association is seeking a Property Surveyor. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: noon, February 20. Broadacres Housing Association is seeking a Property Development & Asset Manager. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast/jobs. Closing date: February 23. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Housing Officer. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: February 20. TENDERS North Ayrshire Council is inviting tenders for a Consultancy Service. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing Date: February 20. 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 Amy or Angela at Hucksters on 01892 784804.

JOB OF THE WEEK: HILLINGDON COUNCIL x 3
20 February 2009

Hillingdon Council is seeking to fill the following positions: Development Officer £26,064 - £34,101 Civic Centre, Uxbridge Ref: ASC/783/ER In Hillingdon, we strive to provide decent homes for all. As part of our Development Team, you’ll help us provide permanent, temporary and supported housing for those that need it most. Whatever the scheme or project, you’ll make sure it runs on time, to budget and to the highest standards. You’ll work on the Council’s own new build development programme and assist in its project management. You’ll work closely with RSL’s, the HCA and developers to deliver housing to meet the needs of Hillingdon people. Such tasks will make you a valuable source of information on statutory requirements, policies and planning obligations. Expect team members, developers and RSL’s, and a range of internal figures to come to you for advice. While the role will give you a keen insight into housing development, it’s important you’re already experienced in the field. You must understand housing in terms of local government and be able to investigate trends, present findings and write reports. Good communication skills are therefore essential, especially as you will be asked to represent the Council at forums. With good IT skills and the ability to travel to various housing sites, you’ll be keen to build your experience. Closing date: 2nd March 2009. Interview date: 10th and 11th March 2009. To apply, please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/jobs quoting the reference number. Procurement Manager £43,695 - £47,295 Civic centre, Uxbridge Ref: ASC/791/ER Hillingdon is committed to delivering excellent services for all its diverse communities. Effective procurement of accommodation is crucial to achieving that goal. You will manage a small team reviewing and monitoring the needs of our Adult Social Care, Health and Housing Department, developing strategies to ensure a constant supply of housing to meet those needs and actively procuring accommodation. Your tasks will range from developing staff training plans, assessing performance and monitoring key projects to managing private sector leasing contracts, establishing a property data base and leading new initiatives. Building effective relationships with Housing Needs, Housing Benefits and Housing Finance as well as contractors and landlords will be crucial to your success. We are looking for a first class communicator and negotiator with significant housing experience, including contract management and monitoring, private sector procurement, housing development and enabling. A sound knowledge of current issues in housing, health and social care, contract management and Homes and Communities Agency policies will be essential. You will also have proved your ability to lead a team, manage and monitor contracts and control budgets. Closing date: 2nd March 2009. Interview date: 10th and 11th March 2009. To apply, please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/jobs quoting the reference number. Development Manager £47,097 - £54,593 Civic centre, Uxbridge Ref: ASC/794/ER The provision of affordable housing for people throughout our community is one of our top priorities here in Hillingdon. Offering a challenging yet influential remit, in this role you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference by leading the operational delivery of our Affordable Housing and Asset Management strategy across the borough. With the vision, resilience and expertise needed to turn strategic objectives into operational outcomes, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the delivery of projects that meet our identified housing needs within our Adult Social Care, Health and Housing departments. Aiming to increase the supply of affordable, supported and low cost home ownership schemes throughout the borough, you’ll look at a variety of projects including the management of our own HRA housing development programme. You’ll also investigate every viable avenue for securing both additional main stream and alternative funding to deliver our housing strategy. Working in collaboration with various project teams and departments to provide a sustainable framework for our plans and policies, you’ll already have extensive related experience in this area and will be looking for an opportunity to have even greater influence. Indeed, with a proven track record of complex operational service delivery – and proven leadership ability – your skill at communicating with a wide range of audiences and achieving buy-in from senior management, partners and stakeholders will be second to none. A good working knowledge of current issues within housing, health and social care - and of contract specification, building and development processes - will also be essential, as will your experience of preparing and monitoring capital and revenue budgets. Closing date: 27th February 2009. Interview date: 1st April 2009. To apply, please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/jobs quoting the reference number.

PROMOTING YOUR ATTENDANCE AT ECOBUILD 2009
20 February 2009

As media partners of Ecobuild, Housing News and Construction Now!, the daily e-newsletters for the social housing and construction industry, are currently offering banners and buttons to promote the products of exhibitors at the forthcoming Ecobuild and Futurebuild exhibitions. Now would be a prime opportunity for you to increase traffic to your stand by promoting your attendance at the exhibition to a highly targeted readership by using a button or a banner on the daily e-newsletters. Throughout the exhibition, the daily e-newsletters will also be covering current information and news of the event. We are offering the following rates in the lead up, during and immediately after the exhibition to maximise your business opportunities. Button and Banner Rates From 16th February – 13th March Banner – 1 month all regions - £800. 1 region: £400 Button – 1 month all regions - £600. 1 region: £340 For bookings or to discuss your advertising requirements further, please contact Carolyn, Amy and Liz on 01892 784804.

LONDON HOUSING BOSSES JOIN FORCES AGAINST RENT RISES
20 February 2009

Housing bosses across London have joined forces to fight against the government's imposed rent increase that is set to hit thousands of council tenants in London. From April, council tenants in London are set to see their rent increase between six and nine per cent - more than double the current rate of inflation with average bills rising by at least £300 a year. The tenants, who tend to be on fixed incomes such as pensioners and those just above the benefit threshold, will have to find the extra money just as Britain slides further into recession. Eight local authorities - Westminster, Kingston, Southwark, Harrow, Hillingdon, Camden, Brent and Hounslow - have now come together to lobby against the rise. In a letter spearheaded by Westminster Council and sent to Housing Minister, Margaret Beckett, housing leaders urge the government to take immediate action and reconsider their decision. The letter states: "We write to highlight an area of great concern among many of our council tenants who are facing very steep rent rises because of the way the government calculates the rent formula for local authorities. "Taking into account this very tough economic climate, we urge the government to take a more reasoned approach and to keep any rent rise to an absolute minimum. We work tirelessly to provide the best possible value for money services, but if these rent increases do go ahead they will have a negative impact on our most vulnerable residents, many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet during the recession. "We are also calling on the government to look again at the formula it uses to calculate rent to ensure a fairer system can be put in place next year. This situation requires immediate government action which we urge you to start immediately." The formula to calculate rents is set by the government. The rent rise is set to be so high because the government's rent formula is linked to the inflation rate in September 2008, when it was at its peak at 5%. The councils say they will also suffer financially if they do not stick to the formula. Rents collected by a council are used as the basis to decide how much housing subsidy a council should receive.

UNIQUE SBHG SHOW FLAT SHOWS HOW TO FURNISH ON A SHOESTRING
20 February 2009

SBHG's 'Furnish'-ed show flat First-time buyers in west London are being shown how to furnish their home using re-cycled furniture, cutting thousands of pounds off the cost of a new home as well as helping the environment. As well as a traditional show flat at Issigonis House in Acton, Shepherds Bush Housing Group (SBHG) has created a second show flat, decorated entirely with furniture from its furniture re-use charity, Furnish. The cost of the show flat re-use furniture is £610 compared to £2750 from a quality high street furniture store. Paula Fance, SBHG’s Director of Development and Sales, said: “We pride ourselves in making home ownership as affordable as possible. When someone buys a home for the first time the cost of furniture and accessories can soon add up. We’ve shown it doesn’t have to cost thousands of pounds to have a truly stunning home. You can have a very modern, fashionable and fresh looking apartment at a reasonable price.” Furnish is part of Staying Put Services, the charitable arm of SBHG. It collects unwanted good quality furniture and re-distributes it. Some pieces not suitable for redistribution are sold or auctioned. 109 flats at Issigonis House are for shared ownership, allowing people who cannot afford to buy on the open market to part rent/part buy a home. The show flat is decorated to an extremely high standard and includes dining room, kitchen, bedroom and office furniture. The furniture, which was all donated to Furnish, includes individual handcrafted pieces of furniture. The show flat is open seven days a week and staff can offer advice on other furniture re-use charities as well as Furnish. When buying second hand furniture, people help the environment. For every one tonne of furniture re-used, 8.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide is saved by avoiding landfill and cutting manufacturing emissions.

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BROADCASTER TURNS TO BROAD BEANS FOR HOMELESS CHARITY
20 February 2009

The volunteers dig in Staff at Turner Broadcasting, the company behind CNN, Cartoon Network and TCM, have taken time out to take on a very different project - adopting a Centrepoint garden for homeless young people. Ten volunteers from Turner’s IT department donated all of the materials, including a wooden bench and gardening tools, and donated their time to construct a ‘grow your own garden’ for homeless young people living in a semi-independent property in London. They cleared the area, planted shrubs and constructed vegetable patches which will be filled with vegetables for the young people living in the property to nurture and grow with support from the volunteers who will come back regularly to manage the garden. In due course the young people will have a continuous source of fresh, organic vegetables to cook with, encouraging healthy living. Clare Norton, London region Director of Centrepoint services, said: “We are very grateful to the volunteers for donating their ongoing time to provide such a worthwhile project for some of the young people at Centrepoint, many of whom have never had a stable home. “It will have many positive outcomes for the young people: growing their own vegetables will encourage them to eat healthily, organically and inexpensively.” Nick Hart, Head of CSR at from Turner, said: “It was a really enjoyable day out for us as we completely transformed a very overgrown garden that no one used into a lovely space that people in the house will enjoy. We will be going back regularly to keep it looking good and hope it makes a real difference for everyone who lives there.”

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MHT & GENESIS HAVE HOOP DREAMS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
20 February 2009

Young people from Brent, Enfield, Southwark, Lambeth and Westminster have competed against one another in a one-day basketball tournament. Metropolitan Housing Trust London and Genesis Housing Group worked in partnership to run the tournament for residents aged between 11-18. The competition took place at the Sport and Performing Arts Centre (SPACe) in Hackney College. The tournament aims to build London-wide community spirit by enabling young people from estates across London to meet and compete against one another. Previous competitions have seen four RSLs come together for the project. Michael Downie, Head of Community investment, MHT London said: “It’s great to see this type of cooperation amongst housing associations. “This is a great opportunity for us to showcase our expanding sports programme, and demonstrates how sport can break down the barriers that some young people face when interacting with other young people from different areas.” Funded by Activate London, a Big Lottery funded project, the tournament is delivered as part of a wider Metropolitan Housing Trust London and Genesis Housing Group Community project.

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PEABODY GETS READY TO COOK
20 February 2009

The Darwin Court kitchen in Tower Hamlets is set to double as a television studio in the spring, as Peabody serves up its own slice of cook TV. Part of the Activate London well-being programme, Elvis’ Kitchen will be broadcast on the web in 12 episodes. Each one will be presented by Elvis Campbell, caretaker at the Nag’s Head estate in Tower Hamlets. Elvis will deliver a one-to-one tutorial on preparing a simple dish in front of a studio audience of hungry Peabody residents. Peabody is looking for easy, low-cost, nutritious recipe ideas for Elvis to cook on camera. The recipe can be for anything – as long as you like it. All the recipes will be put before a panel, and they’ll be judged by their nutritional value, cost, how simple they are to prepare – and of course how they taste.

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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
20 February 2009

Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: Hillingdon Council is seeking a Development Officer. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/London/jobs. Closing Date: March 2. Hillingdon Council is seeking a Procurement Manager. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/London/jobs. Closing Date: March 2. Hillingdon Council is seeking a Development Manager. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/London/jobs. Closing Date: February 27. Hastoe Housing Association is seeking a Director of New Business. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/southeast/jobs. Closing date: February 20. Irvine Housing Association is seeking a Director of Finance. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: March 8. Irvine Housing Association is seeking a Executive Director (Operations). For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: March 8. Irvine Housing Association is seeking a Asset Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: March 8. Dunedin Canmore Housing Association is seeking a Property Surveyor. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: noon, February 20. Broadacres Housing Association is seeking a Property Development & Asset Manager. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast/jobs. Closing date: February 23. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Housing Officer. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: February 20. TENDERS North Ayrshire Council is inviting tenders for a Consultancy Service. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing Date: February 20. 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 Amy or Angela at Hucksters on 01892 784804.