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EVENT: ASBESTOS - NEW GUIDANCE FOR DUTY HOLDERS
12 March 2010
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ACS Physical Risk Control Ltd
T: 0141 427 5171 F: 0141 427 2722 E: acs@acs-env.com W: www.acs-env.com
Specialists in Physical Risk Management and Control, incorporating Management of Asbestos, Health & Safety and the Environment
ASBESTOS: NEW GUIDANCE FOR DUTY HOLDERS
Masterclass by Prof Roger Willey on the MDHS 100 Replacement
Thursday 25th March, Audi Conference Centre, Glasgow
The long-awaited replacement to MDHS 100 has now been published: HSG264 ‘Asbestos: The Survey Guide’.
The current asbestos surveys have been renamed and more detailed guidance is now given on sampling and surveying, on the Duty Holder and on competence of surveyors. Also, for the first time, guidance is given for surveying in domestic properties, which is of particular relevance to RSL’s.
0900: Registration / Refreshments
0930-1100:
The 21st Century asbestos problem
Regulation 4
What is meant by the Duty to Manage and the Duty Holder
The detailed changes to asbestos surveys
1100: Refreshments
1115-1230
What is meant by competence of surveyors and survey organisations
The new guidance on asbestos surveying in domestic premises
1230
Discussion Session
1300: Close
Prof. Roger Willey is a renowned asbestos expert and is Managing Director of ACS Physical Risk Control Limited, who are firmly placed as one of the UK’s leading consultancies in asbestos related research, management, testing and training.
Prices – £95 plus VAT per delegate. A 10% discount is offered for bookings of 3 or more places.
Venue – Audi Conference Centre, 520 Hillington Road, Braehead, Glasgow, G52 4UB
To Book or for Further Information – Please contact: Catriona Young on: Tel: 0141 427 5171, Fax: 0141 427 2722 or email catriona@acs-env.com
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TENDER: NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT HOLM AVENUE, DUMFRIES
12 March 2010
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DGHP Ltd is inviting applications from contractors who wish to be considered for inclusion on a select list to tender for the construction of a new housing development, consisting of both mainstream and supported accommodation, located at Holm Avenue, Dumfries.
The contract comprises the erection of 20 no. single and two-storey detached and semi-detached timber framed houses on a vacant site. The works will also include piled foundations and all necessary siteworks and site servicing including: roads, road footpaths and car parking; sewers and house drainage; pavings; fencing; soft landscaping; and water, gas, electricity and telecom mains connections.
The works are programmed to commence in the autumn of 2010 for a period of approximately 15 months, and are estimated to cost in the region of £2.5m.
Contractors will be required to complete a pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ). The purpose of the PQQ is to identify a number of suitably qualified and experienced organisations that will be invited to tender. DGHP will use the information provided in response to the PQQ to determine which organisations are most suited, in the opinion of DGHP, in terms of technical knowledge and experience and organisational and financial standing to submit a tender.
The PQQ is available by recording your interest in the contract via the Public Contracts Scotland website at www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk.
PQQ’s should be returned in hard copy format to DGHP Ltd, 80 Ashwood Drive, Stranraer, DG9 7PF, marked for the attention of Gordon McClintick, FRICS, Procurement and Program Manager (telephone 01387 242644) no later than 1200 hours on Monday, 12 April 2010.
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TENDER: INTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES
12 March 2010
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North Glasgow Housing Association is a Registered Social Landlord based in North Glasgow. It owns and manages over 3,000 units.
We are currently tendering for our Internal Audit Services. This will initially be for a three year period with the possibility to extend this to six years. We are seeking tenders from audit companies with internal audit experience within the RSL sector.
If you wish further information or want to have the tender documents sent to you, please contact Bob Hartness on 0141 336 1300 or rhartness@northglasgowha.com.
The closing dates for tenders will be 2nd April.
North Glasgow Housing Association is a registered charity operating under Scottish Charity number SC 030635 Registered office 50 Reidhouse Street, Springburn, Glasgow, G21 4LS. Registered with the FSA under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 (No1865R(S)) and the Scottish Housing Regulator No: 187.
www.northglasgowha.com.
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SCOTTISH HOUSING JOBS ON-LINE
12 March 2010
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Jobs
Manor Estates Housing Association is seeking a Technical Inspector, Salary (from 1st April 2010) £27,190 - £29,911. Closing date: noon on March 29.
Melville Housing Association is seeking a Housing Assistant (Temporary), Maternity Cover, Salary £18,813 – £21,036, 35 hours per week. Closing date: noon on March 12.
Melville Housing Association is seeking a Property Manager, Salary £34,458 - £37,905 + Car allowance + Final Salary Pension. Closing date: noon on March 15.
Almond Housing Association is seeking a Housing Manager (Ref: ALM 90). Closing date: March 12.
Almond Housing Association is seeking a Corporate & Development Administration Assistant (Ref: ALM 91). Closing date: March 12.
Almond Housing Association is seeking a Debt Recovery Officer [Part Time] (Ref: ALM 92). Closing date: March 12.
For more information on any of the above jobs, or to apply, go to www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs.
Tenders
North Glasgow Housing Association is inviting tenders for Internal Audit Services. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 2.
DGHP Ltd is inviting tenders for a new housing development. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 12.
To advertise Jobs, call Contact Publicity on 0141 204 2042 or email: jobsonline@contactpublicity.co.uk
To advertise Tenders, call Jeff Anderson on 01292 479 443 or email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk |
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MINISTER TO SPEAK AT TIS CONFERENCE
12 March 2010
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The Tenants Information Service (TIS) is delighted to announce that Housing Minister, Alex Neil will be giving a Ministerial Address at the opening session of this year’s annual conference.
The conference will be held at The Beardmore Hotel, Clydebank on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th June 2010. In recognition of financial issues facing landlords and tenants’ organisations this year the cost of the conference is being frozen at 2009 prices.
The theme of the conference ties in with the Government’s proposals in the Housing Bill to improve housing services with the introduction of the Social Housing Charter and the new housing regulator in Scotland.
In addition to workshops there will be a panel session debating investment in affordable housing with guest speakers including representatives from the Scottish Government and Clydesdale Bank. On Saturday evening the winners of the Frances Nelson MBE Award 2010 will be presented with their prizes.
This is the biggest tenants’ event in the calendar and is also open to tenant participation staff and members of staff supporting tenants’ organisations so BOOK A PLACE NOW before it’s too late.
You can download all the information you need for annual conference and the Frances Nelson MBE Award 2010 from the TIS website at www.tis.org.uk or you can telephone the Glasgow office to have it sent out to you on 0141 248 1242. If you have any queries email info@tis.org.uk.
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HIGHLANDS AGREES £4M FOR AFFORDABLE HOMES
12 March 2010
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The Highland Council has agreed £4m of interest-free loans and grants to housing associations in return for almost 100 new affordable homes.
The decision follows the revelation that Scottish Government funding for the purpose is being almost halved, from £32m this year to £17.5million in 2011-12. The housing and social work committee has agreed to give the Albyn Housing Society up to £1.47mi to help buy plots within the Westercraigs development in Inverness, and a further £950,000 to help buy two sites within the Ness Castle scheme in Inverness.
Councillors agreed a further interest-free loan of up to £1.2m to help the Highland Housing Alliance purchase another Westercraigs site and £330,000 to help the Cairn Housing Association buy two plots at Avoch on the Black Isle. The committee also approved a grant of up to £95,000 for Albyn towards the cost of buying and upgrading three properties at Fort Augustus.
Describing the Government’s 45% grant cut as ‘regrettable’, Liberal Democrat councillor and Inverness Citizens Advice Bureau manager, Alasdair Christie calculated that 200 fewer affordable homes would be built while 10,000 people remained on the region’s housing waiting list.
Lochaber councillor, Donald Cameron of the Independent Alliance called for a radical rethink on housing policy to ensure the council achieved a manifesto pledge of paving the way for 2,000 new affordable homes by the end of 2011.
Urging the council to press the point with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, he said: “We need to go back to the old ways when most social housing was delivered by the council. We now have over 200 housing associations in Scotland, all with chief executives, all carrying a large staff.
“Whilst it could mean that jobs would go, you have to remember what their purpose is. We’re trying to build social housing and probably spending too much on administration costs – and, with a reduction in funding, less and less houses will be built.”
Members were informed that the council had received no offers for the former hostel building of Huntly House in Inverness prior to January’s closing date. The facility, on the west bank of the River Ness, closed more than a year ago after the termination of a lease between the council and the Salvation Army.
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WINNER OF SCOTTISH PLANNING AWARDS ANNOUNCED
12 March 2010
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John Swinney
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The Highland Council’s Open Space in New Residential Development guidance and the Glasgow Urban Model were among the winner of the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning.
Europe’s largest onshore windfarm was named overall winner. Scottish Power’s Whitelee windfarm at Eaglesham Moor impressed the judges with its scale, low level of objections and use of innovative technological solutions.
The Open Space guidance won in the Development Plans category while Glasgow’s Urban Model won in Development Management
John Swinney said: "These awards celebrate the positive contributions that individuals and organisations in both the public and private sector make to enabling high quality development in Scotland.
"An efficient planning service is key to delivering strong and sustainable economic growth in Scotland, and particularly to the development of a low carbon economy ? something our future success as a nation depends on.
"I congratulate all winners on their achievements, particularly those behind the overall winner, Whitelee windfarm. These awards demonstrate the important part planning processes play in supporting Scottish industry, particularly those with strong green energy credentials that have a role in cutting emissions and supporting vital Scottish jobs."
Other award winners include Sustainable Design in Argyll and Bute; Renfrew Town Centre Regeneration; Gardyne’s Land in Dundee; and Neilston Renaissance Town Charter.
Commendations were presented to Banknock and Hagg Special Initiative for Residential Led Regeneration, Aberdeen City and Shire Structure Plan 2009 and Spiers Locks Masterplan Framework and Engagement Process.
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SWINNEY HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANT OF EFFICIENT PLANNING SYSTEM
12 March 2010
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Finance Secretary, John Swinney has stressed the importance of work to deliver an increasingly efficient and effective planning system.
He was speaking ahead of the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning, which celebrate best practice in planning and high quality design in Scotland.
The ceremony comes as planning performance statistics for 08/09 show a rise of 1.2% in the number of applications decided in under three months. But the number of planning applications received fell by 15% when compared to 2007/08.
Swinney said: “Scotland’s planning system plays an important role in delivering strong and sustainable economic growth. The awards recognise the very positive contributions made by individuals and organisations to enabling high quality development and planning.
“For our part, the Government has been working with planning authorities and our agencies to accelerate the pace of reform in Scotland’s planning system. The actions we have taken over 2007-09 - the period covered by the statistics - are contributing to a modern, fit for purpose planning system.
“Easier to understand planning policy and the introduction of ePlanning, for example, provide us with a solid foundation on which to build. It is now incumbent on all parts of the public sector to speed up the pace of improvement. The fall in the number of planning applications submitted has coincided with global economic difficulties, from which Scotland has not been immune.
“The statistics show we must continue to build on our work to deliver a more efficient and effective planning system - one which delivers increased certainty and speed of decision making for developers and communities and continuous improvements in performance.
“The Government’s economic recovery plan ensures all activity on planning and regulation supports economic development, and - through greater alignment and work with planning authorities and our agencies - we are working to ensure planning is an aid, not a barrier, to growth in our economy.”
However, CBI Scotland's assistant director, David Lonsdale, said: "Some planning authorities have turned in a creditable performance, but despite all the efforts on planning reform over recent years it is disappointing that overall fewer than half of all major commercial applications are dealt with within the target four month period, even fewer than two years previously.
"Government and planning authorities need to get a firm grip on the situation if performance is to be enhanced across the board and if we are to see a measurable and lasting improvement in Scotland's planning system that supports and facilitates economic activity.
“Greater weight needs to be given to the needs of the economy when considering planning applications, with a greater presumption in favour of development built into our planning system. Local authorities should be better incentivised to support economic development."
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ALBYN GETS VERY GOOD REPORT FROM CARE COMMISSION
12 March 2010
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Albyn Housing Society is continuing to provide very good service levels for its supported clients, according to a Care Commission report.
The Invergordon-based housing association recently had its third inspection by the Care Commission – this was the first under the new grading scheme.
After a detailed inspection, the Care Commission awarded Albyn’s quality of care, support, management and leadership with a five, which means very good.
The Care Commission said: “We are satisfied that Albyn Housing is working hard to provide consistently high standards of care. They are focused, within the remit of a housing support service, on delivering a personalised service.”
The report commended the high level of involvement tenants have determining the type of support they require.
Calum Macaulay, Chief Executive at Albyn, said: “We are delighted with these results as they underline how hard we work to consistently provide a high standard of care.
“This is the first time we have been rated under the new grading system and we will work to continually improve our service with input from our service users between now and our next inspection.”
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CML PRODUCES BUDGET SUBMISSION
12 March 2010
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With the date of the Budget now confirmed as March 24, the Council of Mortgage Lenders has produced a Budget submission urging the government to commit to the ongoing funding of measures to help borrowers in financial difficulty.
CML's submission also urges the government to use the Budget to announce how it will work with the industry to address the market implications of lenders repaying the £300bn support given under the Special Liquidity Scheme and the Credit Guarantee Scheme.
Finally, CML urges the government to clarify how it will address growing demand for affordable housing in both home-ownership and rental tenures, against the backdrop of fiscal cutbacks.
CML director general, Michael Coogan said: "At the moment we cannot see how to square the circle between increasing demand for housing, constraints on the necessary finance to deliver it, the repayment of £300 billion of lending support between 2011 and 2014, and reductions in public spending as the fiscal deficit is addressed. And all of these features apply at a time when more people are going to need housing help.
"Lenders have been active in supporting lending to all tenures, and are committed to delivering an ongoing flow of finance for housing in all its forms, but at the moment there is too little clarity about how the competing policy pressures can be reconciled. The Chancellor should take the opportunity in the Budget to address this.
"We call on the leaders of all political parties to commit to prioritise spending on housing in the coming years, at a time when we recognise difficult investment choices will have to be made in the next comprehensive spending review. Housing can be a driver of economic recovery, but the lack of it contributes to a wide range of social problems."
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HIGHLAND COUNCIL TO SUPPORT ELDERLY
12 March 2010
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The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee is to provide increased support to local communities, to help develop a range of adult learning and healthy living opportunities for older people.
The Committee has noted that the Council and NHS Highland’s strategy for older people seeks to maximise people’s independence, health and quality of life. The strategy emphasises the importance of local preventative services, which provide appropriate and timely support to people, as well as maintaining their health and social relationships. This enables people to live healthily at home for as long as possible.
Chief Operating Officer, Bill Alexander said: “At a time of growing numbers of older people, this is a major initiative that needs to be underpinned by greater capacity within communities; this means supporting communities to be sustainable, and working with older people to create local opportunities for their ongoing learning, health and well-being.
“There are many willing volunteers, and there are also funding streams that can provide the necessary finance, but support is needed to help draft business plans, form committees and meet other organisational demands.”
He indicated that this represented best value at a time of budget challenges, as such community initiatives can help reduce the number of older people who might be admitted to hospitals and care homes.
Vice-Chair of the Council's Housing and Social Work Committee, Councillor Robbie Rowntree said that it was important to develop services that older people had more control over.
He said: “We need to engage with communities, and inform them about what is possible. It is helpful to have an officer who can do that local work, and assist local groups to get established and be sustainable. There is a great will to do that across the Highlands, and as a Council we must be prepared to support local groups to take control of local budgets and deliver services”.
He added that this approach was already proving beneficial in a number of areas across the Highlands.
The Committee agreed to use funding from across the Council and with support from NHS Highland, to fund three local officers on a temporary basis. The posts will be reviewed after a year, to ensure that they are being effective in the development of local activities, and supporting people who might otherwise require admission to hospital or care homes.
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HOUSE PRICES RISE BY 4.7 PER CENT
12 March 2010
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The latest figures from Assetz House Price Watch show that house prices were 4.7% higher in January than at the same time in 2009.
Assetz House Price Watch compiles monthly average figures taken from all of the major house price indices to offer a more accurate picture of house price trends.
The average price, ascertained from the five major UK indices, was £194,168 in January. This is a £8,669 increase on figures for January 2009 and represents 4.7% growth year-on-year. Average house prices are currently at the highest level since October 2008 (£194,735).
The latest figures also eliminate the slight fall in the average house price in December and suggest continued growth in 2010.House prices are now less than 10 per cent (9.73%) below the peak house price of £215,089 recorded in October 2007.
Figures reveal that while the UK continues to see positive growth, the rate of growth continues to slow. The three month rolling average data shows a current annualised growth rate of 2.28% compared to 4.29% last month. The six month rolling average data shows 5.94% annualised growth rate in January, down from 7.79% in December and a high of 11.93% in October 2009.
Stuart Law, Chief Executive of Assetz, said: “The latest Price Watch shows that the monthly rate of house price growth slowed over Christmas but is now rising again. However, the six month average is a more reliable indication of trends and suggests that while growth continues, it has slowed from its historic high of almost 12% in October to a more sustainable level.
“I would expect the annual rise in February to be around 5%, up on January’s figure of 4.7% and predict overall modest growth of 5% by the end of the year. Rightmove, a leading indicator of asking prices, witnessed monthly house price growth of 3.2% in February as sellers increased asking prices due to the reduced levels of stock on the market.
“This rate of growth - which translates as 46% annualised growth – is wholly unsustainable. However, as a result of increased asking prices, we would expect an increase in the agreed price that appears in the Nationwide and Halifax indices next month.”
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HOUSING NEWS: INNOVATION ROUND-UP
12 March 2010
Click the picture to see what is happening here
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LAST CHANCE TO BOOK...2010 CIH ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION
12 March 2010
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2010 CIH Scotland Annual Conference and Exhibition
16-18 March 2010
SECC, Glasgow
Last chance to book!
The housing event of the year is now only weeks away so book now to make sure you don’t miss out.
With a brand new venue and exciting programme, 2010’s CIH Scotland Annual Conference and Exhibition in Glasgow is an event you really won’t want to miss. There are over 50 Forums, Spotlights, Practice and Policy sessions to look forward to, making this year’s Conference the highlight of the housing calendar.
Providing a host of fresh insights into key housing issues, it will leave you energised, informed and better prepared for the future. Our Exhibition will also present you with an unrivalled opportunity to see all the latest products and services – assembled just for you – all under one roof.
Make sure you’re part of this year’s biggest and best housing event. For a closer look and to book your place, see here: www.cihscotland-conference.org.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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TRAINING AT SHARE - A ROUGH GUIDE TO KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT
12 March 2010
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A ROUGH GUIDE TO KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT
Wednesday 24 March
9.30-4.30
Trainer: Alison Smith
Who’s it for and what’s it all about?
This new one day course is for senior staff throughout the organisation and may be of interest to experienced Committee Members. During the day you will explore the key concepts of Knowledge Management, examining what makes it different from information management and what sort of impact effective Knowledge Management can have on your organisation. You will consider some of the challenges of capturing, valuing and protecting knowledge within organisations. You will also have the opportunity to try out some of the most effective KM tools such as storytelling and After Action Reviews as well as hear about how others have used approaches such as communities of practice and knowledge banks.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the session participants will be able to:
Discuss the key aspects of Knowledge Management
List helpful resources to assist in the implementation of good knowledge management
Use practical tools to support their use of Knowledge Management
To book a place or for further information please call 0141 550 7595 or e-mail info@share.org.uk. All our courses as well as a downloadable calendar are listed on our website at www.share.org.uk.
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NEWS 
