JOB OF THE WEEK: SALES EXECUTIVE – WEST SCOTLAND
03 September 2010

Sales Executive – West Scotland Reporting to Sales Manager Summary of Responsibilities Full responsibility for identifying and converting new business prospects relating to general waste and recycling within the construction sector in the West of Scotland. This includes creating new opportunities and increasing the customer base within designated area. Additional to this, the position is also responsible for creating cross selling opportunities for the William Tracey Group. Responsibilities Creating net new business within our Dry (general) Waste and Recycling Division Achievement of assigned Budget Provide Clients with an integrated solution from William Tracey Group’s portfolio of services Preparation and presenting proposal/negotiation of sales opportunities Complying and working within William Tracey Group’s HSEQ procedures Development of strategies to continually drive business areas responsible for forward Monitoring of competitor activities through market analysis Work as a key facilitator to develop solutions for Clients and as a key member of the Sales Team. Preparing and submitting sales reports Performance Indicators Achievement of annual Sales and Margin Targets Contribution to future business Development Strategy for Areas of responsibility Contribution as member of Sales Team in achievement of Divisional Annual Targets Personal development Experience Minimum of 3 years proven track record in direct business to business sales, preferable technical solution selling. Waste management experience would be an advantage, as would be knowledge of the construction industry. However, training will be provided to the right candidate. Competencies Proven sales track record Highly self motivated and enthusiastic Good interpersonal skills and can communicate effectively with all levels Sales and target driven Commercial acumen Proposal and report writing Influencing and negotiating skills Competent knowledge of MS Office Good time management / organisational skills Pro-active approach Attention to detail / disciplined approach Flexible / willing to take on new challenges Tenacious Team player Displays commitment to the Company and the role Ability to analyse complex data Capable of strategic thinking Problem solving Innovative approach Decision making capabilities Email all applications to recruitment@wmtracey.co.uk. www.williamtraceygroup.com

SCOTTISH HOUSING JOBS AND TENDERS
03 September 2010

Argyll Community Housing Association is seeking a Senior Investment Officer & Planned Maintenance Officer, based in Lochgilphead, 35 hours per week, salary grade 4 (£29,773 - £33,080) per annum. The association is seeking to recruit a highly motivated individual to project manage the delivery of our housing stock investment programme in relation to planned maintenance, health & safety management and procurement development. Candidates must hold a minimum of 3 higher grades; a building or property related qualification at a minimum of HND level and have the ECDL or similar IT competency certification. A minimum of 5 years experience of procurement and building contract management is essential for this post, along with a proven knowledge of multi-tenure housing refurbishment. Full details of the duties of the post and a person specification can be obtained on our website at www.acha.co.uk; by contacting the HR & Corporate Services Department, 63/65 Chalmers Street, Ardrishaig, PA30 8DX, Tel No 01546 604095 or by emailing recruitment@acha.co.uk. Closing Date for Applications: 12 noon on Friday 17 September 2010. Interviews will be held in Lochgilphead on: Friday 8th October 2010. ACHA welcomes applications from all sections of the community and is committed to promoting equal opportunities. This post will be subject to a Disclosure Scotland check. Berwickshire Housing Association is seeking a Projects Manager, Negotiable dependent on experience, Duns, Berwickshire. Fixed term (Consultancy basis will be considered). Part time and variable depending on level of activity. We require someone equally creative and who is a strong team player to work with our Management Team and the Board to deliver our key capital projects. You should be able to assist our future planning in the new economic world where we will be receiving little or no Housing Association Grant funding to build new homes. You must have a proven track record of managing and delivering capital projects, and in addition, identify new business opportunities for the Group. You will develop new ways of working to deliver on the following key projects for us: The development of a dual registered nursing and residential home in Berwick upon Tweed to replace an existing residential home; The development of a small community wind farm; and development of a fresh land strategy, making best use of our existing land bank to build new affordable homes without grant funding. With a flexible approach to the working hours, you will be able to respond to the variations in work demands of the projects. The post will initially be agreed on a fixed term or consultancy basis by mutual agreement. We are part of the local Borders Housing Network, and as such, all of our residential development projects will now be undertaken by the Borders Lead Developer. You will work well with them and to liaise on any projects they undertake on our behalf. We are committed to a future that sees us sharing more services with our local partners to gain the best advantage from this. If you would like to discuss this post informally prior to submitting a formal application you are welcome to contact either John Bain, Head of Human Resources, Helen Forsyth, Chief Executive or Colin Howard, Finance Director on 01361 883115. For an application pack, please call Laura Armstrong on 01361 883115. Closing date for completed applications: noon on Friday 3 September 2010. Interviews will be held week commencing 13 September 2010. We are committed to ensuring we provide equality of opportunity in employment. To advertise Tenders, call Jeff Anderson on 01292 479 443 or email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk

GWSF ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2010: KEEPING IT LOCAL!
03 September 2010

GWSF’s sixth Annual Conference is being held in Glasgow on Friday 5th November. It takes place against a background where we will be just six months away from next year’s Scottish elections. And we will know more about just how severe cuts in public spending are going to be over the next three years. These cuts will have a serious effect on housing – and on many other vital services our communities depend on. Community controlled housing associations (CCHAs) have made a huge difference in regenerating communities in the west of Scotland. How can we promote our achievements and the benefits of local control? How will we negotiate our way through tougher economic times? And what kind of policies do we need from government, to make sure CCHAs continue to flourish? “Keeping it Local” will give staff and committee members an opportunity to get to grips with these questions, and more besides. There will be keynote addresses from Alex Neil MSP, the Minister for Housing and Communities, and from Johann Lamont MSP, the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party in the Scottish Parliament. Lesley Riddoch, broadcaster and journalist, will ask whether “localism” is just a gimmick thought up by the new UK Coalition Government to make cuts - or whether it’s the key to better services and stronger communities in Scotland. The conference workshops will be led by CCHA staff and committee members – and will look in detail at the challenges and opportunities the future holds. Click Here for the Flyer (pdf).

FREE CONSULTATION EVENT ON 21ST CENTURY WELFARE
03 September 2010

Free Consultation Event 21st Century Welfare Friday 17 September 2010, 10am until 1230 Moira Bayne, Director, Ownership Options in Scotland Fiona Campbell, Housing and Benefits Consultant Albany Learning and Conference Centre 44 Ashley Street, GLASGOW, G3 6DS The Department for Work and Pensions has now published plans for benefits reform. Details at www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations. Proposals will streamline the current range of benefits and tax credits while still giving extra support for areas such as housing and disability. You are invited to come along, hear a presentation on the proposals, think about any implications and contribute to a collective response. The event is aimed at those giving benefits advice and assistance as well as those with financial responsibility for projects which rely on funding from welfare benefits. Contributions will be collated and presented to the government in response to their consultation document. The closing date for submissions is 1st October. This is a free event. If you would like to attend or hear a bit more please get in touch on moira@oois.org.uk by Monday 13th September 2010. Please note that if you are offered a place and do not attend or send a substitute we reserve the right to charge a £30 administration fee. www.ownershipoptions.org.uk www.fionaccampbell.co.uk Further Links

HOUSING CHARTER TO PROMOTE INTEREST OF TENANTS
03 September 2010

Alex Neil A consultation has been launched about a Scottish Social Housing Charter. The new legislation proposed in the Housing Bill, currently being considered by the Scottish Parliament includes powers to modernise the regulation of social housing; creating an independent Scottish Housing Regulator, which will safeguard and promote the interests of tenants, homeless people and other service users. The Bill also requires Ministers to consult on outcomes that social landlords should be delivering, which will be laid down in the Scottish Social Housing Charter. The Regulator will use the Charter as the framework for monitoring and assessing a landlord's performance; it will publish performance reports; and it will be able to set performance improvement targets. Minister for Housing and Communities, Alex Neil said: "I want everyone to receive a high quality housing service. The Charter will set out what all landlords in the social rented sector should be achieving for their tenants. "It will also give tenants and other service users a clear idea of what they can expect from their landlords. It's important everyone gets involved in shaping this important document so please send us your comments. I want to hear from tenants, landlords and anyone else who believes they can make a positive contribution." Gordon MacRae, Head of Communications and Policy, Shelter Scotland, said: “We welcome the announcement of a consultation on the Scottish Social Housing Charter, which we will be contributing to. “The Charter is an opportunity for the tenants of today and tomorrow to have their say on the future of social housing - it is important the voices of homeless people are not forgotten. We want the Charter to pave the way for improvements in housing and homelessness services across the country.” Further Links

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TWO MORE SECOND STAGE TRANSFER BALLOTS GET GO-AHEAD
03 September 2010

More than 2,500 tenants in Glasgow will be given a chance to vote in October 2010 on plans to transfer their Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) homes to community ownership. GHA Board has approved business plans from two community-based housing associations who want to take ownership of a total of 2630 homes under the process known as Second Stage Transfer (SST). And the Scottish Housing Regulator has given approval, in principle, for GHA tenants in the two Local Housing Organisations (LHOs) to be balloted on the plans. An initial consultation period in each area will take place week beginning Monday, September 6, giving tenants the chance to consider the detailed proposals. Ballot papers will then be issued on 25 October, with tenants given three weeks to respond. It is expected that if a majority of tenants voting in each area are in favour of the plans, the homes will transfer in the summer. The two LHOs where tenants will be balloted are New Gorbals LHO – where 1573 properties in Eglinton Court and Cavendish, Norfolk Court, Sandiefield Road, Riverside and Ballater and the McNeil Street and Braehead Street areas would transfer to New Gorbals Housing Association; and Queens Cross (South Maryhill) LHO - where 1057 properties in North Woodside/St George’s Cross; Garscube Rd/Maryhill Rd and North Kelvinside areas would transfer to Queens Cross Housing Association. GHA Tenant Chair, Sandra Forsythe said: “We are committed to delivering Second Stage Transfer where it is what tenants want and I’m delighted more tenants will be given a say in October on the future of their homes.” Fraser Stewart, Director of New Gorbals Housing Association, said: “We are delighted GHA has approved our proposal which promises additional investment and local control. We look forward to tenants having their say on what we have to offer.” Paul Rydquist, Acting Chief Executive of Queens Cross, said: “We have worked with the local community for a number of years and are delighted tenants will have the opportunity to vote for their preferred landlord. Our proposals were developed with tenants and include improvements to services such as stair cleaning, graffiti removal and security.” The two LHOs which will go to ballot in October are among 29 local communities in a timetable for SST which could see up to 16,500 homes transfer in 2010 and 2011. So far, 13 Second Stage Transfers – involving 4055 houses – have been completed since March, 2009. Further Links

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HILLCREST AND NHC MERGER CONCLUDED
03 September 2010

Hillcrest Housing Association and Northern Housing Company (NHC) are happy to announce that the proposed ‘merger’ was legally concluded on 1st September 2010 and NHC have now become a subsidiary of HHA in the evolving Hillcrest Group of Companies. NHC bring their own portfolio of 400 properties in Dundee and Perth into the Group along with their long experience of mid market renting. Both parties hope to rapidly expand the portfolio of mid market renting through a variety of methods; new build, leasing unsold properties from private developers and transferring the management of some of HHA’s older stock. John Mulloy, Hillcrest Group Chief Executive, said “We aim, as a Group, to offer a full price range of rented housing from social to open market rents. NHC with their track record of mid market renting built up over almost a century are an ideal partner and vehicle for what we consider should be a promising growth niche in the future.” Stuart Shephard, Managing Director at Northern Housing, said: “This is an excellent prospect for NHC. There are a number of quick opportunities around that should provide early growth benefits for NHC as a result of joining the Hillcrest Group.” Further Links

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REGULATOR PUBLISHES ADVISORY NOTE ON FINANCIAL RISK AND VIABILITY
03 September 2010

The Scottish Housing Regulator has published a Regulatory Advisory Note on financial risk and viability. The purpose of the advisory note is to highlight some key risks that it sees emerging for the sector over the next few years. The regulator expects that some of these risks will have significant implications for a number of RSLs, and the Advisory Note restates the importance of good forward planning, governance and risk management in the current environment. The Advisory Note advises all RSLs to give due attention to the emerging issues through their ongoing management of risk and business planning. Further Links

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ROYAL VISIT TO CASTLEHILL’S NEW SHELTERED HOUSING
03 September 2010

Castlehill Housing Association’s sheltered scheme in Ballater, Aberdeenshire has celebrated its 20th anniversary with a return visit by Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal. The visit was particularly memorable, as the Princess Royal had performed the opening ceremony on 20th August 1990, just over 20 years ago. The Princess Royal met with all 13 residents of Monaltrie Court, Ballater as well as scheme staff, senior staff and the Convener of the Association, Shauna Reith. Shauna Reith thanked the Princess Royal for attending and invited her to sign the visitors’ book. David Lappin, Castlehill’s Chief Executive, said: “We were pleased to welcome back the Princess Royal on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Monaltrie Court. She was genuinly interested to see how we fared so many years on.” Gwenneth Fowler, the Manager of Monaltrie Court said “All the residents were delighted to have the opportunity to meet the Princess Royal, especially Marion Meade, our remaining original tenant, who presented her with a flower posy.”

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CALL FOR IMPROVEMENT IN CHILDREN’S RESIDENTIAL CARE
03 September 2010

Councils, the Scottish Government, NHS boards and other bodies should be managing residential child care services better to help children and young people achieve their full potential. An Accounts Commission and Auditor General report, Getting it right for children in residential care, also says councils need a better understanding of the costs involved, so they can consider how their services provide value for money and possible efficiencies. Around 1,600 children and young people are living in residential care at any one time. They are some of the most vulnerable people in society and many have very complex and challenging needs. Some children thrive, but many have poor educational attainment and experience major problems as adults, such as unemployment, homelessness, spending time in prison and mental health problems. Councils are working on becoming better ‘corporate parents’, with support from the Scottish Government. However, there still needs to be a greater emphasis on the long-term outcomes and life chances of children in residential care. Many children’s care plans lack clear action points and long-term goals. John Baillie, Chair of the Commission, said: “Child care is one of the most difficult and demanding aspects of council duties. Residential care cannot be expected to fix all the difficulties faced by vulnerable children and their families, but there is a lot that councils and their partners could be doing to improve these services. “They need to ensure they act as ‘corporate parents’, improve their understanding of what leads to the best outcomes and focus on the support they are providing for the long term needs of each child or young person, as any good parent would for their own child.” At least £250m is spent on residential child care every year, with the total cost of care unknown as there are no full estimates of indirect costs. Expenditure increased by 68% between 2001/02 and 2008/09 and may rise further. Better understanding of what leads to the best outcomes would help public bodies target spending. Each council makes its own arrangements for placements, using either in-house provision or one of over 100 residential units and schools in the private and voluntary sectors. Contractual arrangements between councils and independent providers are generally weak. Further Links

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TERENCE GETS A NEW LIFESTYLE FROM CLYDE VALLEY H.A.
03 September 2010

Clyde Valley Housing Association tenant Terence Tochel is enjoying life in his new bungalow, thanks to ‘barrier free’ building design, which enables him to live independently. Living with his parents, Terence had been at the top of North Lanarkshire Council’s housing list for some time. In addition, to maximise his chances of securing housing, Terence had registered with housing associations in the area. However, as a wheelchair user, was unable to get housing that met his accommodation needs. Whenever a house did become available, it was generally inappropriate in design and layout, meaning it could not be offered to Terence. In effect, because the Council did not have any available, adapted properties and were not building any new homes, the chances of Terence being housed were slim. The solution was for Terence to be nominated for a new build property. New properties are built to standards that have wider doorways, ramped access, light switches sited lower on walls and electrical sockets higher, enabling occupation by any person. Have gone through the formal allocations process, it was identified that Terence was a high priority, and as a result was able to be allocated one of Clyde Valleys’ new build bungalows in Viewpark, his preferred area. Terence said: “The biggest advantage is having independent living. I have the freedom to suit myself in my own space, making my own decisions. My parents are happy for me and have peace of mind knowing I am in an environment that is both safe and comfortable. It has also enabled them to have more time to themselves and with other members of our family.” Clyde Valley Chairperson, Bill Dickie, added: “In these times when there is a great demand for good, affordable, rented accommodation, it is gratifying to know that Terence has been provided with not only a good home, but a new way of life”. Further Links

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HOUSE PRICES FALL FOR SECOND MONTH IN A ROW
03 September 2010

House prices fell for the second month in a row in August, according to the Nationwide building society. Prices fell 0.9% last month, following a 0.5% decline in July, Nationwide said, adding that it was the first time that prices had fallen for two consecutive months since February 2009. The average house price now stands at just over £166,500. Nationwide said house prices had "essentially stagnated over the summer". The quarter-on-quarter rate of change - generally seen as a smoother indicator of recent price trends - fell from 1.2% in July to 0% in August. "As more sellers have returned to the market, buyers have a greater selection of properties to choose from and more bargaining power with which to bid down asking prices," said Martin Gahbauer, Nationwide's chief economist. But he added: "Given that the price increases of the last year had gotten ahead of the recovery in the wider economy, the current correction is not an unhealthy development." The annual rate of house price inflation fell sharply from 6.6% in July to 3.9% in August. Further Links

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HOUSING NEWS: INNOVATION ROUND UP
03 September 2010

Click the picture to see what is special about this van SCOTLAND COUNCILS GIVEN MORE POWERS TO CLAMPDOWN ON PARTY FLATS MHP LAUNCHES MORAY’S FIRST EVER FULLY ELECTRIC VEHICLE LONDON SOUTHWARK TENANTS TO GET AUTOMATIC REBATES WHEN SERVICES GO DOWN NEW LANDLORD RED TAPE SHOWS NEED FOR EXPERIENCED AGENCY HELP SOUTH EAST SHOREHAM HARBOUR RECEIVES ECO-TOWN FUNDING BOOST EAST KENT TENANTS RESPOND TO NEW ALMO PLAN SOUTH WEST MELIN RECOGNISED FOR GETTING RESIDENTS CONNECTED FORUM SETS OUT FIVE-STEP PLAN TO HOUSING REVIVAL NORTH EAST ISOS STARTS WORK ON GREEN HOME REVOLUTION NEW CREDIT UNION LAUNCHED BY TEESDALE HOUSING ASSOCIATION NORTH WEST CONTOUR HOMES LAUNCHES NEW DIRECTORATE HOME BY MERSEYSTRIDE STILL EMPLOYS DESPITE CUTBACK ON FUTURE JOBS FUND EAST LINCOLN UNI BOFFINS DEVELOP BLUEPRINT FOR NEW BREED OF GREEN AFFORDABLE HOMES SECURITY INITIATIVE IS FIRST IN THE COUNTRY TO TARGET ABUSE VICTIMS WEST MIDLANDS MIDLAND HEART TAKES UNEMPLOYED YOUNGSTERS ‘BEHIND THE SCENES’ ROOFTOP RESIDENTS TO RUN HOUSING STANDARDS EVENT

SPOTLIGHT: HONEYWELL ENERGY SAVING CONTROLS SAVE TIME, EFFORT AND DISRUPTION
03 September 2010

Andy Blythe, Paul & Matt Wareing Honeywell energy saving controls save time, effort and disruption, says Colchester-based heating installer, Paul Wareing. “These heating controls are absolutely fantastic!” - that’s Colchester-based heating installer Paul Wareing’s opinion of the new energy saving Sundial RF2 wireless enabled heating control packs from Honeywell. “They save over three hours work when I upgrade an old gravity heating system while replacing the boiler. “It’s so simple – with a Sundial RF2 pack there’s no wiring between the wireless room thermostat and timer. The timer just hooks onto the existing back plate during upgrades and the thermostat works straight away. With no control cables to install or cable holes to drill, it’s quick and easy for the installer and there’s much less disruption to householders. The wireless thermostat can be wall mounted, or used on its table stand so the householder can choose the best sensing location.” Paul knows all about heating systems and the best products to use, having been a heating installer for 27 years since completing his apprenticeship. He has had his own business, Paul Wareing Plumbing & Heating Ltd, for 20 years. “Honeywell are the best controls to use for reliability and energy efficiency, so I use them regularly, from programmers to zone valves. I’ve long been a big fan of Honeywell wireless controls and the new Sundial RF2 wireless packs make upgrades and new installations even easier and quicker.” Sundial RF² packs have many features enabling users to avoid wasting fuel, as well as providing more accurate temperature control. By matching boiler firing to the load on the system so it operates much more efficiently, therefore saving energy. They are designed to be very easy to use. Three types of Sundial RF² pack are available to match a heating system’s exact needs. Each pack comprises a wireless enabled timer, a wireless room thermostat and (in pack 3) a wireless cylinder sensor. For details for Honeywell of Sundial RF² packs visit www.honeywelluk.com, email literature@honeywell.com or call 01344 656172. Contact details for Paul Wareing: Paul Wareing Heating & Plumbing Ltd, Atlantis, Chase Road West, Great Bromley, Essex CO7 7UA. Tel: 01206 251434.

NEW CIH TRAINING COURSES IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2010
03 September 2010

Please see below links to the CIH Scotland website for information on the following new training courses: Managing Sustainable Tenancies Dundee - 29 September Introduction to Leadership Inverness - 30 September Housing Law Series - Homelessness Edinburgh - 4 October Working with Challenging Behaviour in Sheltered Housing Edinburgh - 5 October Bookings can be made online or by downloading our booking form.

CIH SCOTLAND PRESENTS… HAVE YOU GOT THE XCELLENCE FACTOR?
03 September 2010

Have you got the Xcellence Factor? 29th September 2010, Macdonald Houston Hotel, Edinburgh West The Xcellence Factor brings together some of the top specialists in culture change, leadership and customer service, from inside and outside the housing industry. Against the backdrop of trying to do more with less, come along and hear from those that have beaten the odds to: successfully turn around failing businesses or communities done more with less and still delivered top class service used innovative methods, thinking or training to change and improve service delivery or implement new policy Guest speakers on the day include: Mike Stevenson, Thinktastic Gwen Butler, Prospects Community Housing Joe Gorman, Clydesdale Housing Association Plus many more! Innovative, entertaining and totally different from your normal conference, the day will give you many ideas to create a brilliant 'people driven' business. Benefits of attending this event: Hear from some of the leading housing organisations and businesses in Scotland and have your chance to ask questions Learn from the experts on what makes great leadership An excellent opportunity to network with fellow professionals and be involved in interactive discussions Be inspired and motivated Who Should Attend: Chief Executives, Directors, Heads of Services, Managers, Customer Service, Team Leaders, Managers & Human Resources Managers and front line service providers. Aims and Outputs You should attend if you want to: Create a positive culture following transfers, mergers and service redesign Deliver fantastic customer services Create a brilliant place to work Anyone who wants to improve moral and effectiveness of their organisation Be personally inspired To book your place and for further information pleaseClick Here.