EVENT: ASBESTOS - NEW GUIDANCE FOR DUTY HOLDERS
01 March 2010

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 Further Links:

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TENDER: STAKEHOLDER SATISFACTION SURVEY
01 March 2010

Atrium Homes provides housing for just under 1000 households and estate services to a further 1250 owners in East Ayrshire. We wish to engage suitably qualified consultants to carry out a Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey in Spring 2010. Previous experience of conducting a Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey for a social housing provider using a range of methods would be essential as is the ability to capture and analyse data using appropriate systems. If you wish to register an interest in undertaking this survey, please contact Rae Wilson. Telephone: 01563 528816 or Email: info@atrium-homes.co.uk before Friday 12th March 2010. Further Links: www.atrium-homes.co.uk Further Links:

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TENDER: INTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES
01 March 2010

Oak Tree Housing Association owns and manages 1705 properties throughout Inverclyde. We are currently tendering our Internal Audit Services for a 3 year period (2010-2013). We are inviting tenders from Internal Auditors/Audit Companies with experience of internal audit, in particular the RSL sector. If you would like further information and/or tender documentation, please contact Mary McCreadie on 01475 807000 or e-mail info@oaktreeha.org.uk. The closing date for receipt of tenders is the 4th March 2010, at 4pm and we plan to interview shortlisted candidates week commencing 29th March 2010. Registered Office: 41 High Street, Greenock PA15 1NR. Registered with the FSA No: 2232(s) and with the Scottish Housing Regulator No: HCB137 Closing Date: Thursday 4th March 2010. www.oaktreeha.org.uk

TENDER: EXTERNAL INSULATION PROJECT
01 March 2010

Thenew Housing Association is seeking contractors to carry out a Pilot External Insulation Project. Expressions of interest are invited from suitably experienced Contractors who wish to be included in the selection process. The contract will include 24 properties, in 4 closes in the East End of Glasgow with an approximate contract value of £190,000. Contractors' PQQ Documentation must be submitted no later than 5th March 2010; Tenders will be issued in March with a possible site start in May 2010. Contractors who submit expressions of interest will be issued with a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire to establish their suitability for the project and the quality of their service. Expressions of interest should be made to Thenew Housing Association, preferably by e-mail to technical@thenewhousing.co.uk or by post to the address below, no later than 12.00 noon on Friday 5th March 2010. Should you require any additional information, please contact the Technical Team on the above email. Thenew Housing Association Ltd Registered Office: 83 Green Street, Glasgow, G40 2TG Tel: 0141 550 3581 Fax: 0141 550 2433 www.thenewhousing.co.uk

SCOTTISH HOUSING JOBS ON-LINE
01 March 2010

Jobs Melville Housing Association is seeking a Housing Assistant (Temporary), Maternity Cover, Salary £18,813 – £21,036, 35 hours per week. Our Housing Management Section team has a temporary vacancy for a Housing Assistant. This is a full-time temporary position for a period of up to a year covering maternity leave. Are you enthusiastic and hardworking, positive and good humoured, as well as a flexible team player? If so we promise you a job which is challenging, extremely busy but also thoroughly enjoyable. You must believe in customer focussed services and aim to provide best value and quality at all times. You should have good verbal and written communication skills which will enable you to deal effectively and efficiently with a wide range of staff and customers. You should also be a confident and hardworking individual with good interpersonal and organisational skills and be familiar with computer software including Word, Excel and Outlook. We provide generous conditions of service, including: 25 days annual leave per year; 3 public holidays and 10 days over Christmas and New Year; flexible working hours system; and final salary pension scheme. Reporting to our Head of Housing Services, you will be part of our Housing Services Team which has 10 members of staff. You will help the Housing Services Team provide a full range of Housing Management services to approximately 1750 tenants. For an information pack and details, please contact Stacey Bland, HR & IT Manager on 0131 654 4210, e-mail sbland@melville.org.uk or www.melville.org.uk. To find out more about the post please contact Vivienne Gray, Head of Housing Services on 0131 654 4219. Melville Housing Association aims to be an equal opportunities employer and has a no smoking at work policy. Closing date: noon on March 12. Melville Housing Association is seeking a Property Manager, Salary £34,458 - £37,905 + Car allowance + Final Salary Pension. Melville Housing is a charitable organisation committed to supporting local communities by providing quality homes and housing related services. Based in Dalkeith, just south of Edinburgh, we own and manage over 1,700 properties. Our property services team is responsible for delivering a quality repairs service to our tenants. A vacancy has arisen within the team for a Property Manager. You must be committed to customer-focussed services and aim to provide best value and quality at all times. If you have previous experience of working within a busy property maintenance section, at a senior level, you may be the person we are looking for. You will be qualified in construction/maintenance or have extensive relevant experience of property maintenance. Reporting to our Property Service Manager, you will be responsible for the day to day repairs service and supervision of two staff. You will use your people skills to manage our maintenance programmes and your duties although varied will include: control of the property information relative to Planned Maintenance programmes; contractor performance; stock surveys; supervision of property officers; reactive, planned and cyclical maintenance services; Void Management; Policy Development; Quality Control & Health and Safety; and systems development. You must have a car available for business use, a current British driving licence and car insurance which must include cover for business use. For an information pack and application details, please contact Stacey Bland, HR & IT Manager on 0131 654 4210, email info@melville.org.uk. For an informal discussion about the post or the Association please contact Nancy Booth, Property Service Manager on 0131 654 4216 or email nbooth@melville.org.uk. Melville Housing Association aims to be an equal opportunities employer (we guarantee an interview for all applicants who are considered to be disabled under the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 who meet the minimum criteria for the job). We operate a no smoking at work policy. Closing date: noon on March 15. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Housing Manager (Ref: ALM 90). You will be responsible for organising the housing management section, ensuring an efficient and sympathetic service is delivered to the Association’s tenants. This will involve supervising the day-to-day work of the Housing Officers in providing a high quality housing management service. In particular, you will be responsible for monitoring the Association’s rent arrears whilst giving support and advice to Housing Officers, co-ordinating and producing regular housing management reports and assisting with the development, monitoring and review of housing policies and procedures. You should have excellent written and verbal communication skills, be computer literate and possess good organisational skills and the ability to lead and motivate. As a minimum, you should hold the Diploma in Housing or be in your final year of these studies. Alongside knowledge of housing issues, legislation and practice, you must have 5 years housing management experience and 2 years recent responsibility for the management of staff. The successful applicants will be offered a rewarding and satisfying workload and competitive employment package including 34 days leave (pro rata for part-time position), flexi-time scheme (where appropriate), final salary pension scheme and private medical insurance. To apply please download an application pack with supporting documents from our website www.almondha.org.uk or, send an A4 self-addressed envelope, marked “Private & Confidential” quoting the relevant Ref No to Head of Corporate & Development Services, Almond Housing Association, Shiel House, Livingston, EH54 5EH or, e-mail your request with your address & Ref No to enquiries@almondha.org.uk. CVs will not be accepted. Closing date: March 12. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Corporate & Development Administration Assistant (Ref: ALM 91). You will work within a team environment in a busy and often demanding office, be self-motivated, able to work on your own initiative and enjoy a challenging and diverse work load. You should possess a flexible approach to work demands and be able to assist in delivering a high standard of service to both colleagues and tenants in a friendly and professional manner. It is essential that you are proficient in Word, Excel and Access, have good organisation skills and can prioritise your own workload, and are willing to undertake training on our in-house system. You will have either SVQ Level 3 in Business & Administration with 2 years office experience, or 4 years experience in office administration. The successful applicants will be offered a rewarding and satisfying workload and competitive employment package including 34 days leave (pro rata for part-time position), flexi-time scheme (where appropriate), final salary pension scheme and private medical insurance. To apply please download an application pack with supporting documents from our website www.almondha.org.uk or, send an A4 self-addressed envelope, marked “Private & Confidential” quoting the relevant Ref No to Head of Corporate & Development Services, Almond Housing Association, Shiel House, Livingston, EH54 5EH or, e-mail your request with your address & Ref No to enquiries@almondha.org.uk. CVs will not be accepted. Closing date: March 12. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Debt Recovery Officer [Part Time] (Ref: ALM 92). You should have previous relevant financial experience to carry out a range of tasks. The main duties will be to administer the debt control procedures, raise invoices for the factoring service and chargeable repairs, and answer queries from individuals and companies. The successful candidate will also assist in the efficient day-to-day operation of the Finance Section. We are looking for a team player who is self-motivated and able to work on their own initiative. Previous experience of debt management, Microsoft Excel and computerised accounting systems (preferably Sage MMS) is essential. The successful applicants will be offered a rewarding and satisfying workload and competitive employment package including 34 days leave (pro rata for part-time position), flexi-time scheme (where appropriate), final salary pension scheme and private medical insurance. To apply please download an application pack with supporting documents from our website www.almondha.org.uk or, send an A4 self-addressed envelope, marked “Private & Confidential” quoting the relevant Ref No to Head of Corporate & Development Services, Almond Housing Association, Shiel House, Livingston, EH54 5EH or, e-mail your request with your address & Ref No to enquiries@almondha.org.uk. CVs will not be accepted. Closing date: March 12. Tenant Information Service is seeking a Development Officer, £26,331 - £28,680 (2010 / 2011 pay award pending) plus 7.5% unsocial hours’ payment and essential car users allowance. We have an exciting and challenging opening for a Development Officer in our North Lanarkshire Tenant and Resident Participation Project. This Project is funded for three years from 1st April 2010 - 31st March 2013, with a possible one year extension and is a partnership Project between North Lanarkshire Council, North Lanarkshire Tenants and Residents Federation and TIS. The Development Officer will be responsible for providing independent advice and development support to the North Lanarkshire Tenants and Residents Federation and local tenants and residents organisations throughout the area as well as assisting in the further development of tenant participation practice. Applicants should have a recognised qualification in community education, housing or equivalent. Experience of working with tenant / community groups, knowledge of housing issues and a commitment to tenant participation is required. For an application pack please go to: www.tis.org.uk/vacancies or alternatively a hard copy can be requested by contacting Toni Muirhead, Tenants Information Service, Suite 124-128, Baltic Chambers, 50 Wellington Street, Glasgow, G2 6HJ, 0141 248 1242 or e-mail tmuirhead@tis.org.uk. Closing date: March 5. West of Scotland Housing Association is seeking a Director of Property Investment £50,665 - £52,905 (pay award pending), Lanarkshire/Glasgow. We are accustomed to consistent growth and development and are actively planning to continue this trend in the years ahead. Our revenue turnover for 2008/09 was £12m with a further £29m spent on building new properties. We now require an individual with the necessary passion, commitment and drive to contribute at a strategic level and to lead our maintenance and development teams. You should be a strong leader who is confidently able to take an active role within our corporate management team. Suitable candidates should be able to demonstrate that they possess the full range of skills and competencies needed to manage these functions. In return we offer an attractive salary and excellent conditions including a final salary pension scheme. Essential Car Users Allowance will apply to this post. Further details and an application pack are available for download at www.westscot.co.uk, email vacancies@westscot.co.uk or by telephone on 0142 630 4020. Closing date: 12 noon on March 1. For more information on any of the above jobs, or to apply, go to www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Tenders Oak Tree Housing Association is inviting tenders for a Internal Audit Services. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 4. Craigdale Housing Association is inviting tenders for a Tenant Satisfaction Survey. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 8. Hebridean Housing Partnership is inviting tenders for its Approved Contractor List. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: February 26. 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

RECORD NUMBER OF AFFORDABLE HOMES AS FIGURES REACH TEN YEAR HIGH
01 March 2010

Alex Neil The number of new Scottish Government funded affordable homes in Scotland soared to 7,701 last year, official figures have confirmed. It is the highest recorded annual figure since the Government’s Affordable Housing Investment Programme (AHIP) began a decade ago. In addition, 411 new council houses were completed across the country in 2009, compared to 195 in 2008. In total, 39% fewer private sector new homes were built in the year to September 2009 than in the same period in 2008. Housing and Communities Minister, Alex Neil said: “These new figures vindicate the Scottish Government’s decision to accelerate our investment in affordable housing. “It has clearly speeded up the supply of affordable housing for families throughout Scotland whilst supporting jobs, the construction industry and the country’s economy. “It is, however, disappointing that the level of private new build starts has continued to fall sharply in comparison with previous years. “Ensuring an adequate supply of affordable housing presents a major challenge requiring innovative approaches, driven by reform, new thinking and a fresh approach to how housing is funded. “We will continue working constructively with stakeholders and others to accelerate recovery and meet the challenges of the future.” Further Links:

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HOME BUILDERS AND MINISTER AGREE JOINT WORKING TO DELIVER NEW HOMES
01 March 2010

Jonathan Fair Leaders from Scotland’s home building industry met with Housing and Communities Minister, Alex Neil to identify the key elements of the strategy that are needed to increase housing production. The meeting follows soon after industry body Homes for Scotland declared the country’s current housing crisis as the worst since the Second World War, projecting that it could take up to ten years for output to simply return to pre-credit crunch levels of around 25,000 units per annum. The scale of the problem was further highlighted on Friday with the publication of the Scottish Government’s latest statistics showing a 52% decrease in the number of private sector homes completed during Q3 2009 than in the same quarter a year earlier. Key among the issues discussed were lack of funding (both mortgage and commercial), the impact of planning constraints and developer contributions, availability of land of the right type in the right location and the funding of infrastructure projects. The 20 industry leaders agreed to joint working with the Minister to tackle these barriers to any meaningful recovery in the housing market. Homes for Scotland Chief Executive, Jonathan Fair said: “The Minister wished to hear directly from those who face the daily challenge of trying to build the desperately needed new homes our country needs together with maintaining the vital jobs and skills that are required to do so. The frank discussions were a positive signal that the industry continues to work with the Scottish Government to deliver the new homes Scottish families urgently need.” Alex Neil said:"I am delighted to have had the opportunity to meet with leaders from across Scotland’s house building industry. In recognition of the impact of the downturn on housing in Scotland, we have already put in place a range of measures to increase the supply of affordable homes, support jobs and boost activity. “Our meeting provided an opportunity to hear the industry’s concerns and to discuss how we can continue to work together to develop the innovative ideas that will accelerate economic recovery, increase supply and support Scotland’s house building industry. I look forward to continuing that dialogue.” Further Links:

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PETITION INSPIRES SESSION ON ‘SLUM’ HOUSING IN PARLIAMENT
01 March 2010

Frank McAveety A petitioner has inspired an evidence session on the ‘slum’ housing in parts of Govanhill in Glasgow. Housing Minister, Alex Neil and Steven Purcell, the leader of Glasgow City Council, will take part in the Public Petitions Committee meeting on Tuesday. Anne Lear has submitted a petition on behalf of the Govanhill Housing Association, urging the Government to conduct an inquiry into the responsibilities of private landlords, below-standard social housing and the impact of slum living conditions on the health and well-being of residents. Committee Convener, Frank McAveety MSP said: “Govanhill presents a particular housing challenge and this is a petition on behalf of local residents asking for help from national and local government. The hope is that they will be listened to by the key decision-makers who are gathered round the table.” Those attending the meeting at the Scottish Parliament are Alex Neil, Steven Purcell, Anne Lear, Tom Warren, Govanhill Residents Group, and Hamish Battye, Head of Planning and Implementation for NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, South East Community Health Partnership. Further Links:

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HOUSING MINISTER ADDRESSES CONFERENCE ON RURAL COMMUNITIES
01 March 2010

Alex Neil, Minister for Housing and Communities has highlighted how the Government plans to deliver affordable housing to ensure that young people and those on low incomes are not priced out of the countryside. The Minister addressed over 120 delegates at the Rural Housing Service Annual Conference in Birnam. The conference, Building Inclusive Rural Communities, is the largest conference on rural housing held in Scotland. The gathering of delegates from communities, councils, housing associations and the private sector will examine innovative ways of delivering affordable housing in the countryside at a time of spending restraint, will urge local councils to “think rural” when developing housing and planning policy, and will focus on the role of good design and communities in rural housing . Raymond Young CBE, Convenor of the Rural Housing Service said: “The recent report “Rural Scotland in Focus” highlighted how young people can no longer afford to live in the communities where they grew up. “Demand from commuters and retirees is pushing up rural house prices, whilst the small number of council or housing association houses in rural areas is decreasing through right to buy, and housing associations are unable to build replacements because of planning, infrastructure and financial constraints. “This has serious implications for the future of rural shops and schools which are closing without the numbers to sustain them. We hope that our conference will shed light on how we can deliver affordable housing in rural Scotland to help build inclusive and sustainable rural communities” Alex Neil said: “The Government is committed to supporting rural life, rural communities and the rural economy. We understand that people in rural areas can struggle to find affordable homes to rent or buy. That is why we are promoting increased housing supply in rural Scotland and have decided to introduce flexibility in the way we fund housing in remote parts of Scotland. “From 1 April new housing association projects in remote parts of Scotland will benefit from additional grant that will keep housing affordable for our communities. Affordable housing of the right type in the right place helps local businesses to attract and retain employees, as well as enabling young people to stay in the communities in which they grew up. “We continue to work with stakeholders, local delivery partners and communities to develop a more successful rural Scotland.” Further Links:

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QUEENS CROSS PROUD TO BE RECOGNISED
01 March 2010

Queen's Cross Housing Association has been shortlisted in two categories in the Evening Times Community Champion Awards. The awards are made within 10 areas of Glasgow. The awards recognise individuals who give up their time, incredible charities or local organisations, young people who have shown inspirational bravery or fund-raising, plus neighbours who help those around them. The Award Ceremony for Maryhill, Kelvin and Canal took place on Thursday night and the Committee was delighted to be informed that both the Association and Helen Crawford were shortlisted in the final three in the following categories: Public Services Team Award - This is for a remarkable public service team that has made an outstanding contribution to help those they serve. This team working in any public sector will have gone that extra mile to provide help and support, making a difference to the lives of others. Public Services Individual Award - This will be presented to people working for a public service in a local community who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. It could be a teacher, social worker, housing officer, doctor, nurse or emergency services officer. Representatives from staff and committee attended the event. Although neither were outright winners everyone at Queens Cross is exceptionally proud of reaching the final and of the recognition given to all the good work carried out. Further Links

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FIFE DISPLAYS HOUSING IMPROVEMENTS
01 March 2010

Fife Council housing tenants have been given the chance to find out about the types of improvements which are being made to their homes as part of the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) and higher Fife Standard programme. The Council’s Housing and Neighbourhood Services organised the ‘Better Homes’ event in the Rothes Halls, Glenrothes. The event was also supported by the Council’s Building Services who carry out most of the improvement work to council properties. Fife is investing £175m over the next 5 years to bring all its homes up to the SHQS standard which is laid down by the Scottish Government. It requires all social housing to be in a good condition, with modern facilities, energy efficiency measure and to be safe and secure by 2015. Tenants were given the chance to view samples of kitchens, bathrooms, windows, doors, roofing and heating systems and they were also able to get advice on topics like energy efficiency and safety in the home. Chair of the Housing and Communities Committee, Cllr Brian Goodall said: “As part of our key priority to increase access to housing for all Fife’s residents, the Council is working extremely hard to improve the quality of houses it manages. “This will inevitably lead to improved health and well-being of council tenants. We are delighted that over 600 people attended the Better Homes event to see for themselves the measures we are taking to improve the quality of council housing in Fife.” Derek Muir, Head of Housing and Neighbourhood Services added: “Over the last few years we have made a lot of progress towards meeting the housing standard. We have invested around £100m in tackling poor housing in Fife and provided high quality houses that our tenants can both enjoy and be proud to live in. “This is reflected in the very high customer satisfaction levels that we are getting. The Better Homes event provided an opportunity for us to meet our main customers, our tenants, and find out from them what they think about the services we are providing. We hope the information gathered will help us to further improve the services we are providing.” Further Links

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OCHIL VIEW IS GOING FOR GOLD
01 March 2010

Ochil View Housing Association has received a Silver Award as part of the Healthy Working Lives programme organised by the NHS Scotland and is already preparing to go for the Gold Award. It is the aim of Healthy Working Lives to make the improvement to health and well-being in the workplace an integral part of Scottish corporate culture. Association Director, George Tainsh said: “I am delighted we have achieved this coveted award which is a credit to all our management and staff. “Having successfully achieved both the bronze healthy working lives (HWL) award and its predecessor under Scotland’s Health at Work scheme (SHAW) the Association continues to develop a robust framework aimed at maximizing both the physical and mental well being of its staff to ensure that they have the tools to tackle the challenges which exist in the modern workforce.” The award is valid for three years, however Ochil View hopes that before its expiry it will have progressed sufficiently enough to be considered a suitable candidate to be assessed under the gold criteria.

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CHAP PROVIDES LESSON IN SITE SAFETY FOR ABERDEEN PUPILS
01 March 2010

Pupils from a local primary school were given a lesson in site safety when they had the chance to see a construction company put the finishing touches to an Aberdeen city project. The project, a joint venture between Aberdeen City Council and Tenants First Housing Co-operative, has involved CHAP constructing four-bed houses. Primary two children, fully kitted out in hard hats and high-visibility jackets, from Kirkhill Primary School, Kincorth, had the opportunity to visit CHAP Construction’s site on Cairngorm Gardens, where the firm is concluding work to build houses, specifically designed for additional needs family members. From the very early stages of the project, which is being completed within an area adjacent to the school, CHAP has actively involved the local children to make them aware of the work being undertaken, whilst highlighting the dangers of building sites. Representatives from CHAP, for example, spoke to the inquisitive pupils at an assembly during the initial stages of the work to inform them on just what was being constructed nearby to their school. To cap the successful completion of the first homes, the company organised the site visit for the children. Denis, McIntosh, CHAP’s Contracts Manager, said: “The pupils have eagerly watched the project take shape from the grounds of the school and so we were delighted to organise this visit and provide them with the opportunity to view the completed homes. “From the very outset of the work we recognised that it was imperative that we involved the children as much as possible, as it’s vital that youngsters so close to a major construction site know it’s not a playground. “It has been a particularly interesting project for the children to get involved in as, as well as highlighting the dangers of building sites, we’ve been able to inform and educate them on the requirements of those with additional needs, and the measures being taken to ensure minimum disruption to their lives.” The innovative properties consist of three bedrooms on the first floor – with a family bathroom –and one room on the ground floor level with an en-suite, assisting families in remaining as a unit without the need for the additional need member to live in separate accommodation.

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EASTER ROSS HOMES TO RECEIVE MAJOR UPGRADES FROM APOLLO
01 March 2010

The Apollo Group’s Scotland office has been awarded a £500,000 contract by The Highland Council for a major insulation and roofing programme to be carried out on houses in Milton, Easter Ross. The properties, built in the 1940s, are being improved to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard. The upgrade works being carried out by Apollo will greatly improve the homes’ thermal performance and should mean that tenants’ fuel bills are less in future through reduced heat loss from their homes. Eamonn McGarvey, Regional Director for Apollo in Scotland, said: “The Highland Council is an important new client for Apollo and the works that we will be carrying out are very much in line with Apollo’s specialist expertise and our considerable track record across Scotland.”

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NEW CIH TRAINING COURSES IN MARCH & APRIL 2010
01 March 2010

Please see below links to the CIH Scotland website for information on the following new training courses: Maintaining Standards in Temporary Accommodation - Edinburgh - 30 March An Introduction to the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 - Edinburgh - 31 March Maintaining Standards in Temporary Accommodation - Dundee - 12 April Assertive and Persuasive Front-line Communication - Edinburgh - 13 April Bookings can be made online or by downloading our booking form. Further Links:

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TRAINING AT SHARE - EUROPEAN COMPUTER DRIVING LICENCE
01 March 2010

European Computer Driving Licence Tuesdays 9 March to 15 June (excluding 6 April) 9.30am – 12.30pm Trainer: Debby Broughton-Hay Who is it for? This course is designed for all members of staff or committee who use computers on a daily basis, but would like to enhance their skills to enable them to use the most appropriate software for the work they are doing. This not only allows staff and committee to become more efficient at their job, but if they successfully complete the seven modules they gain an internationally acclaimed award accredited by the British Computer Society and widely recognised by employers. Course Content 1. Basic concepts of IT 2. Using the computer & managing files 3. Word processing 4. Spreadsheets 5. Databases 6. Presentations 7. Information & Communication The course covers some theory, but is mostly practical with a test for each of the modules. Learning Outcomes Reach the ECDL level of competency Improve your productivity in the workplace Use Microsoft Office products more efficiently Computer Intro Tuesdays 2, 9 & 16 March 1.30am – 4.30pm (including lunch at 12.30pm) Who is it for? These three sessions are for total beginners and will cover the basics and give users the confidence to use a PC in the workplace. There will be lots of opportunity for practice and this course is suitable for both staff and committee Learning Outcomes Using the Mouse Using the Keyboard Opening and closing the pc Understanding the desktop Using applications: word processing, internet and Entering and Editing text Further Information This will be a gentle introduction covering many of the basics, but the tutor will be guided by the abilities within the group and adapt a suitable relaxed pace. 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. Further Links:

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EVENT: ASBESTOS - NEW GUIDANCE FOR DUTY HOLDERS
02 March 2010

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 Further Links:

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TENDER: STAKEHOLDER SATISFACTION SURVEY
02 March 2010

Atrium Homes provides housing for just under 1000 households and estate services to a further 1250 owners in East Ayrshire. We wish to engage suitably qualified consultants to carry out a Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey in Spring 2010. Previous experience of conducting a Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey for a social housing provider using a range of methods would be essential as is the ability to capture and analyse data using appropriate systems. If you wish to register an interest in undertaking this survey, please contact Rae Wilson. Telephone: 01563 528816 or Email: info@atrium-homes.co.uk before Friday 12th March 2010. Further Links: www.atrium-homes.co.uk Further Links:

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TENDER: INTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES
02 March 2010

Oak Tree Housing Association owns and manages 1705 properties throughout Inverclyde. We are currently tendering our Internal Audit Services for a 3 year period (2010-2013). We are inviting tenders from Internal Auditors/Audit Companies with experience of internal audit, in particular the RSL sector. If you would like further information and/or tender documentation, please contact Mary McCreadie on 01475 807000 or e-mail info@oaktreeha.org.uk. The closing date for receipt of tenders is the 4th March 2010, at 4pm and we plan to interview shortlisted candidates week commencing 29th March 2010. Registered Office: 41 High Street, Greenock PA15 1NR. Registered with the FSA No: 2232(s) and with the Scottish Housing Regulator No: HCB137 Closing Date: Thursday 4th March 2010. www.oaktreeha.org.uk

TENDER: EXTERNAL INSULATION PROJECT
02 March 2010

Thenew Housing Association is seeking contractors to carry out a Pilot External Insulation Project. Expressions of interest are invited from suitably experienced Contractors who wish to be included in the selection process. The contract will include 24 properties, in 4 closes in the East End of Glasgow with an approximate contract value of £190,000. Contractors' PQQ Documentation must be submitted no later than 5th March 2010; Tenders will be issued in March with a possible site start in May 2010. Contractors who submit expressions of interest will be issued with a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire to establish their suitability for the project and the quality of their service. Expressions of interest should be made to Thenew Housing Association, preferably by e-mail to technical@thenewhousing.co.uk or by post to the address below, no later than 12.00 noon on Friday 5th March 2010. Should you require any additional information, please contact the Technical Team on the above email. Thenew Housing Association Ltd Registered Office: 83 Green Street, Glasgow, G40 2TG Tel: 0141 550 3581 Fax: 0141 550 2433 www.thenewhousing.co.uk

SCOTTISH HOUSING JOBS ON-LINE
02 March 2010

Jobs 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. Tenant Information Service is seeking a Development Officer, £26,331 - £28,680 (2010 / 2011 pay award pending) plus 7.5% unsocial hours’ payment and essential car users allowance. Closing date: March 5. For more information on any of the above jobs, or to apply, go to www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Tenders Oak Tree Housing Association is inviting tenders for a Internal Audit Services. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 4. Craigdale Housing Association is inviting tenders for a Tenant Satisfaction Survey. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 8. Hebridean Housing Partnership is inviting tenders for its Approved Contractor List. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: February 26. 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

PLANS FOR LOW CARBON COMMUNITIES
02 March 2010

Andres Duany An internationally acclaimed designer has arrived in Scotland to help create a blueprint for the towns and cities of the future. Andres Duany, who drew up designs for rebuilding work in Louisiana and Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina, is set to run design workshops, known as 'charrettes' in Dumfries, Aberdeen and Fife. The projects are taking part in a Scottish Government initiative to develop sustainable communities that offer residents a high quality of life on a low-carbon footprint. Teams will be working on large and small scale projects, from reshaping existing neighbourhoods to creating new housing developments, community facilities and transport links to offices and schools. A major urban expansion is envisaged for the North side of Aberdeen, with the possibility of building 7,000 new homes in a series of live and work neighbourhoods. The Ladyfield project in Dumfries looks to offer up to 400 new energy efficient homes and large and small business premises to allow people to live within walking distance to work. In Fife plans are being developed for to extend Lochgelly with 1,750 new homes and environmentally friendly connections to the existing town centre. Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon formally launched the initiative at an opening event in Edinburgh, alongside Mr Duany and a number of council leaders, workshop teams and architecture and design industry professionals. She said: "I know the projects are incredibly excited to have a unique opportunity to develop their ideas for aspirational sustainable developments with the support of Andres Duany. This combination has the potential to put Scotland at the forefront of new approaches to planning and development and will attract world-wide interest and recognition of Scottish planning, design and creations.” Duany said: "It will be a privilege to participate in the Scottish Sustainable Communities Initiative. I look forward to working with can-do Scottish professionals and with the public in what will be a model for an inclusive process. "Given the diversity of sites it should be possible to explore a broad range of techniques, all in the hopes of contributing to the new planning system being developed for Scotland. I very much enjoy working with the spirit of innovation and debate which is in the air." Director of Planning, Allan Lundmark from Homes for Scotland, said: "Helping to build low-carbon sustainable communities is the central aim of the industry. To deliver the new homes Scotland needs at affordable prices while ensuring we build sustainable places will present considerable challenges. "The lessons from this initiative will help us meet these challenges and it is an excellent example of the gains that can be achieved when Government works in partnership with the private sector." National Director of the RTPI, Veronica Burbridge said: "The series of charrettes offer a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate the collaborative approach that the modernised planning system in Scotland can deliver in a truly exemplary way. The process has the potential to focus professionals in the private and public sectors, as well as local communities.” Further Links:

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PLANS FOR 380 NEW HOMES IN EDINBURGH REVEALED
02 March 2010

A groundbreaking new property initiative is to result in the creation of 380 new homes for rent on the former site of Edinburgh's Fruitmarket, according to STV. The £38m scheme will see Edinburgh City Council, Dunedin Canmore Housing Association, Rettie & Co and the Scottish Government team up to deliver the properties for mid market rental. Councillor Paul Edie, housing leader, said: “It will help regenerate the area and bring investment in, while also being a contribution to the large number of affordable homes we need. The latest estimate is that we need 15,000 homes over ten years and developments like this will make a significant impact on that. It is an innovative funding model and an exciting project that requires further investigation.” The scheme's new funding model will see the council guarantee Dunedin Canmore's bank loan for the project. If successful, the initiative could be used by other local authorities in future, to encourage development firms to take on housing projects. Housing and Communities Minister, Alex Neil said: “Continuing economic uncertainty puts into sharp relief the financial challenges facing the Scottish Government as it strives to increase the supply of more affordable homes across Scotland. “We all need to innovate in such difficult times to ensure that we can provide more public services when there is less money coming from the UK Government. That is why I am pleased to have been working closely with the council on ideas for providing much more affordable housing for working families in our capital, in places where people wish to live and work. “I have also agreed to provide the extra funding needed to underwrite the commitments which the Council is making to enable this development to proceed. I look forward to learning whether and how the approach might be repeated in the future to help even more people." Further Links:

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GHA WELCOMES HOMELESS PEOPLE TO THEIR NEW HOMES
02 March 2010

Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) has launched a new project to help people who were previously homeless settle into their new homes. New tenants who move into a GHA home through the homeless route will now receive a Welcome Bag packed with useful items to start their tenancy. GHA launched the initiative at an event in Govan attended by GHA tenant chair, Sandra Forsythe and MSP for Govan, Nicola Sturgeon. The project is being delivered in partnership with Starter Packs Glasgow (SPG), NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Scottish Gas. Around 1600 new tenants will receive a Welcome Bag this year. The bags contain items including washing-up liquid, toilet roll, coffee and tea, a cook book, energy-efficient light bulbs, change of address cards and an NHS oral health pack. Sandra Forsythe said: “We want to help people who have found themselves homeless in the past to get back on their feet and to lead happier, more settled lives. We know that moving into a new home takes time, energy and money – and it can be particularly difficult for people who have been homeless. “These tenants are more likely to have lower incomes and need more support than tenants housed through other routes. Our new Welcome Bag contains practical items to help them on the first day of their tenancy, and we hope they will provide a bit of extra and useful support.” As well as the Welcome Bags, GHA tenants who were previously homeless will receive visits from a housing officer at the start of their tenancy to make sure they are settling in. Sturgeon said: “I’m really delighted to support the launch of this extremely worthwhile project. It’s a visionary initiative from GHA. Starter Packs provides an immensely valuable service to the people of Glasgow and it’s great to see GHA, working with Scottish Gas and other agencies, supporting previously homeless tenants setting up their new homes.” GHA’s Neighbourhood Renewal Team and Homeless Accommodation Team have been working with Starter Packs Glasgow on the project. Starter Packs Glasgow will produce, store and deliver the bags on GHA’s behalf. GHA contractors Scottish Gas is backing the Welcome Bags scheme and has provided £10,000 funding as well free energy-efficient light bulbs. The scheme was launched at Clydeview Housing Partnership, which manages homes in the area on behalf of GHA, at Dava Street in the city. The bags will be kept in GHA’s network of LHOs and will be provided to new tenants when they receive the keys to their new home. This will ensure that LHOs can provide a Welcome Bag to a new tenant at the point they receive the keys for their new property. Further Links:

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CASH BOOST FOR COMMUNITIES TACKLING ASB
02 March 2010

Fergus Ewing Five projects across Scotland where residents help decide how best to allocate resources to tackle antisocial behaviour are to receive a share of £100,000. Community Safety Minister, Fergus Ewing said that the Community Wellbeing Champions Initiative helped show that those who live in communities blighted by problems of antisocial behaviour are often best placed to suggest solutions. The establishment of the five pilots was a commitment in the Scottish Government's ASB Framework published last year. The objectives of each of the pilots include to bring diverse people together and support community cohesion; promote empowerment of individuals and communities; and promote active citizenship to create better public services. The local authority involved in each pilot will match-fund the Government's investment, effectively doubling the awards. The local authority areas are Fife, South Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire, Shetland Islands and Stirling. Ewing said: "Antisocial behaviour is a visible symptom of deep-rooted problems such as lack of opportunity and the effects of drink, drugs and deprivation. Such behaviour can bring misery to people living in our communities. "I believe strongly that it is decent people in those communities who hold the key for turning things round. That is why I am delighted to announce funding for these projects - all of them chosen because they involve local residents deciding priorities for action and resources. "Whether it is, for example, a community led health project in Auchtermuchty or a community association in Shetland, all of these projects have demonstrated that they have what it takes to deliver on shared objectives - and to deliver a safer, stronger Scotland." Councillor Harry McGuigan, COSLA spokesperson for Community Wellbeing and Safety said: "The Initiative will champion the role of local elected members in overseeing the engagement and empowerment of communities afflicted by high levels of antisocial behaviour or other community safety issues to develop effective local solutions to local problems. "It will contribute to making our local communities safer and more cohesive to prevent antisocial behaviour. As such, I look forward to the establishment of this initiative in the five selected pilot areas." Further Links

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LINK LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
02 March 2010

Link has launched its new and improved website. The site - www.linkhousing.org.uk - is designed to provide a better service to existing customers, attract new business to Link and help improve the efficiency of internal business processes. Features include: Easy navigation and a fresh, contemporary design High levels of accessibility, with tools including a text reader and high visibility and high contrast versions of the site A dedicated 'Tenant Zone', allowing tenants to access the latest information about their tenancy, report a repair online and get involved in tenant participation activities An enhanced 'Find a Property' section, making it easier for visitors to find out about affordable ownership, homes for rent and sheltered housing A comprehensive careers section featuring online job applications A media centre offering up-to-the-minute information and press release subscritpion for journalists, politicians and their researchers Link is inviting people to visit the site and give their views about it by filling in the online feedback form and to update their bookmarks with the new site address. Further Links

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NEW BANKRUPTCY LAWS IMPACT ON RENT ARREARS IN ANGUS
02 March 2010

A rise in people declaring themselves bankrupt is impacting on rent arrears, Angus Council's Neighbourhood Services committee heard at their meeting. Almost £90,000 in rent arrears is now unrecoverable from tenants in Angus who have applied for sequestration, the Scottish legal term for bankruptcy. The committee heard that the sequestration process has been made easier, and tenants are now able to apply for this themselves. Convener of Neighbourhood Services, Jim Millar said: "We are no longer able to pursue tenants for rent arrears if they have been through a sequestration process, and their debt is wiped out after a year. This is impacting on our efforts to reduce the rent arrears. "However, this remains an extreme step by tenants. It means that they lose any valuable property, including life assurances policies they have and it also has implications for them obtaining future credit. "I would urge any tenants facing difficulties in paying their rent to seek advice from housing officers at the earliest possible stage."

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IRVINE’S FIRST TENANT CONFERENCE HAILED A SUCCESS
02 March 2010

Tenants got the opportunity to meet Irvine Housing Association staff and influence the future direction for the association at its first Tenants’ Conference. The conference was a great success and was attended by around 60 tenants from Irvine, Kilwinning, Dumfries and Drongan. The all-day event provided an excellent opportunity for tenants from all 4 communities to meet with each other, discuss a range of issues and share ideas about key service areas and priorities for the coming year. Delegates participated in a number of workshops, ranging from reviewing the Association’s Customer Services, looking at how it can tailor its services to tenants’ needs, to improving the Repairs and Maintenance Service and meeting Scottish Housing Quality Standard by 2015. Feedback from tenants will be used to improve and shape the Association’s services. Presentations were also given on how to become a shareholding member of the Association and by the TPAS on the early findings from Irvine’s tenant participation survey. This research will be used to strengthen the Association’s approach to community engagement. The Association is exploring the possibility of forming a constitutional partnership with Riverside. A session was delivered by Riverside on how they operate and how the Association’s communities could benefit from a partnership. This included a presentation by a member of Riverside’s Tenants’ Federation. Nicola Thom, Executive Director (Operations) said: “The conference was a great success and really brought people together to discuss the issues that matter most. It is important for Irvine to hear tenants’ views regarding their priorities and ways that we can improve services. The conference demonstrates that tenants want to be proactive in the decision-making process and that we are committed to making that happen.” Delegates also had the opportunity to visit a variety of exhibitors within an Information Village, where they could seek advice and pick up information from partner agencies and contractors on a range of subjects including fire safety, energy efficiency and benefit advice. A Q&A session was held where delegates had the opportunity to ask a panel of representatives from both Irvine and Riverside any questions in an open forum. There was also an interactive feedback session where delegates electronically voted using handsets to give an instant evaluation of the day – a resounding success according to tenants with 96% rating it as excellent or good and 100% voting that they enjoyed the event. Tommy Farrell, Chairman of the Association said, “The Association wants to consult with tenants as much as possible as part of its commitment to providing a top quality housing service. I am delighted that there was such positive feedback at the conference and look forward to strengthening our relationship with our communities by making this an annual event.”

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SCOTTISH H.A.s INVITED TO TAKE PART IN PAN-EUROPEAN PROJECT
02 March 2010

Scottish housing associations are being invited to record their willingness to participate in a pan-European project. The project’s main objective is the demonstration, under real conditions, that advanced ICT components and systems contribute to reductions in the waste of both water and energy, in social housing. Professor Sommerville, a member of ANCHO’s Board is co-ordinating a bid from Scotland, with several European partners, and would welcome expressions of interest from other H.A.’s who would be willing to engage in the formation of a consortium by the end of March. Subsequent team meetings, with the European partners, will take place in Brussels, for which support funding is in place through a Scottish Enterprise pump-priming initiative. The full bid to the EU, which offers 50% funding for eligible costs and a project duration of up to 36 months, is due to be submitted by the 1st June 2010, with a decision expected around December. More details on the call and the proposed bid can be had directly from Professor Sommerville, who can be reached on 0141 331 3628 or by email at jso@gcal.ac.uk.

NEW CIH TRAINING COURSES IN MARCH & APRIL 2010
02 March 2010

Please see below links to the CIH Scotland website for information on the following new training courses: Maintaining Standards in Temporary Accommodation - Edinburgh - 30 March An Introduction to the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 - Edinburgh - 31 March Maintaining Standards in Temporary Accommodation - Dundee - 12 April Assertive and Persuasive Front-line Communication - Edinburgh - 13 April Bookings can be made online or by downloading our booking form. Further Links:

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TRAINING AT SHARE - COMING SOON!
02 March 2010

ilm Level 5 Certificate Coaching & Mentoring in Management DATES: classroom sessions 4 March; 31 March; 20 May; 17 June and 9 Sept : 1-2-1 coaching (1 – 2 hour sessions) – 22 April; 24 June; 28 October Trainer: John Armstrong Who’s it for and what’s it about? The programme provides support for directors and managers working at all levels in the housing association network, who will be playing a prominent and significant role in growing their organisation’s coaching development programs. It will provide practicing managers with the knowledge, skills and confidence to perform effectively as coaches or mentors as part of their normal work role. Course Content: Day 1 - The Coaching and Mentoring Relationship - values Day 2 - GROWing Relationships Day 3 - Learning for Performance Day 4 - Lessons from Geese Day 5 - Holding up the Mirror Learning Outcomes Identify the characteristics of effective coaching and/or mentoring Present a business case for using coaching and/or mentoring to address specific developmental and support needs of the organisation Review your own value systems and ability to challenge inappropriate attitudes, behaviours and workplace relationships Review your ability to communicate effectively Agree a short management coaching and/or mentoring programme Plan, deliver and review your management coaching or mentoring practice Understand how to evaluate the effectiveness of coaching and/or mentoring programmes through reflection and review Assessment In order to achieve the ilm Certificate, each delegate will have to submit two pieces of work. 1. Prepare a proposal for a management coaching or mentoring programme within the organisation and explain how you will ensure best practice. 2. Assess your potential as a management coach or mentor, you must undertake at least twelve hours coaching or mentoring and reflect on your performance. This should be recorded and submitted in the form of a coaching journal. Microsoft Word Introduction Thursdays 4 & 11 March 9.30am – 4.30pm Trainer: Connie Glass Who is it for? Designed for members of staff who use the bare essentials of word processing in the work place and would like to know more about the many time saving features and shortcuts the software has to offer. Course Content Introduction to Word Using the standard toolbar Font formatting Paragraph formatting Page formatting Introducing tables and columns Proofing tools within word Using the clipboard Printing Learning Outcomes Understand the basic concepts of word processing Find your way around the menus and shortcut icons Create, edit, save and print documents Use the various tools to enhance your document Use procedures to automate your work Work with multiple documents Customise your Word settings EUROPEAN COMPUTER DRIVING LICENCE Tuesdays 9 March to 15 June (excluding 6 April) 9.30am – 12.30pm Trainer: Debby Broughton-Hay Who is it for? This course is designed for all members of staff or committee who use computers on a daily basis, but would like to enhance their skills to enable them to use the most appropriate software for the work they are doing. This not only allows staff and committee to become more efficient at their job, but if they successfully complete the seven modules they gain an internationally acclaimed award accredited by the British Computer Society and widely recognised by employers. Course Content Basic concepts of IT Using the computer & managing files Word processing Spreadsheets Databases Presentations Information & Communication The course covers some theory, but is mostly practical with a test for each of the modules. Learning Outcomes Reach the ECDL level of competency Improve your productivity in the workplace Use Microsoft Office products more efficiently QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD BE ASKING Who’s it for and what’s it all about? This is a new series of courses for both experienced and relatively new committee members. They will focus on the committee members’ role as scrutineer of the association’s activities. There is no shortage of information presented to Committees. Sometimes committee members are not sure of the right questions to ask. However there are some critical questions that Committee should be asking. Not only is this good governance but also helps in managing risk as well as being good practice. It also leads to a more productive relationship with the staff team who compile the reports. Each session will be led by an experienced practitioner in the area in question. Wednesdays, 5.30 - 7.45pm Finance 10 March Trainer: John Russell Housing Management 31 March Trainer: Aidan McGuiness Maintenance 21 April Trainer: Jim MacGregor By the end of the course participants will be able to Identify the key areas that they should be questioning List a series of key questions for the particular topic Be more confident in their role as committee member APMP QUALIFICATION IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT Dates for 2010: 15/16 March —feedback to candidates from 1-2-1 assessments 19/20 April —APMP one hour 1-2-1 pre-coaching 4 & 5 May— APMP course (day 1&2) 13 & 14 May—APMP course (day 3&4) 21 May—APMP course (day 5) 7/8 June— APMP one hour 1-2-1 Post-coaching 14 June—APMP Mock Exam 21 June—APMP Exam Who’s it for and what’s it about? The APMP qualification is a five day knowledge based qualification which is supported by structured self-assessment of the candidate’s project management knowledge and capabilities. 1-2-1 pre and post-course coaching sessions are also part of the support framework which ensures that participants have the best possible opportunity to succeed in the examination. This course is aimed at individuals who are embarking on a project management career, or who are seeking to implement change in the workplace. Course Content The APMP Qualification covers 37 knowledge areas from the APM Body of Knowledge (5th edition). Knowledge of these areas is considered fundamental to the professional management of projects. It allows candidates to demonstrate excellent knowledge of all elements of project management from the strategic and commercial implications of their role, to the technical, commercial, organisational and people management skills required to successfully participate in a project team to implement change. These knowledge areas come under the following headings: For further details of the course including syllabus and sample examination questions go to the APM website— www.apm.org.uk/APMP.asp Microsoft Excel Introduction Thursdays 18 & 25 March 9.30am – 4.30pm Trainer: Connie Glass Who is it for? Designed for members of staff who have little or no prior knowledge of spreadsheets, but who would benefit from automatic numerical recalculation. Course Content The basic concepts of spreadsheet The different Excel screens Formatting and customising data Formulas and Functions Charts Printing Learning Outcomes Understand the basic concepts of spreadsheets Find your way around the menus and shortcut icons Create, edit, save and print documents Create simple formulae Use conditional Logic Create a template Create a chart Use the draw toolbar Customise your Excel settings Microsoft Project 2007 Mondays 22nd and 29th March 9:30am – 4:30pm Trainer: Catherine Johnstone Who is it for? This two-day course is aimed at people who want to use technology to monitor the projects that they are undertaking. This would also be beneficial to anyone who is part of the project team to allow them to update progress on the project and understand the various charts that can be produced. This course is designed for staff already using Microsoft Office products and currently managing projects, but who have no previous knowledge of Microsoft Project software. Learning Outcomes Defining the project Setting up tasks and creating linkages Assigning resources Setting the critical path View allocations Evaluate and review the project Resolve any project glitches Print Reports Further Information Come to the course with a particular project in mind and this will aid your understanding of how the software can help to monitor and predict issues along the way. GOVERNANCE OF SCOTTISH HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS INDUCTION DAY Monday 22nd March 2010 9.30am - 1.30pm (including lunch) Facilitators: Rod Hunter & Olwyn Gaffney To date, nine committee members have successfully completed this qualification and received their certificates, and nineteen are currently participating. Successful completion of the qualification will lead to the award of a Certificate recognised by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). The qualification is for all committee members but it is recommended that candidates have served on the committee for at least one year. The qualification is based on a vocational qualification format - that is, you gather evidence of your knowledge and experience and show that you understand your role and responsibilities as a Committee member This induction day will introduce candidates to the qualification, answer questions, explain the methods of assessment, register them with SQA and suggest the best ways to gather evidence. The qualification is estimated to take between 9 and 12 months to complete and requires several meetings between the candidate and the assessor. The qualification Governance of Scottish Housing Associations has three units, Work to Achieve Good Governance of the Housing Association, Contribute Effectively to Governing Body Meetings and Prepare Yourself to Deliver Good Governance of the Housing Association. If you would like to know more please contact Rod Hunter or Olwyn Gaffney at SHARE INTRODUCTION DAY FOR NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS Tuesday 23 March 10.00am – 3.00pm Trainers John Mulholland and Cathy Brien This is a short and intense introductory session for committee members who have recently joined the governing body or might have missed the more comprehensive equivalent Housing Associations in a Nutshell last year. It is a brief but knowledgeable one day introduction to the issues that committee members have to come to grips with. As well as a general introduction to the sector the presentations will also touch on: The responsibilities of a Board/Committee Member. The key aspects of the business planning process and finances The basic elements of Housing Management and Property Maintenance Investment issues relating to new housing Key personal skills needed by Committee members The regulatory environment. In addition the day will also include a short Training Needs Assessment and this will help participants decide and plan future training priorities, as well as meeting one of the requirements of the Regulatory Code of Governance. At the end of the day participants will have Received a general introduction to the housing association sector An individual training plan MAKING YOUR DOCUMENTS LOOK PROFESSIONAL WITH WORD Tuesday 23 March 1:30 – 4:30pm Trainer: Debby Broughton-Hay Who is it for? Designed for members of staff who are responsible for producing agendas, minutes and reports, and who already have a basic knowledge of Word, but would like to be able to use its features more effectively to produce polished, professional documents. Learning Outcomes Produce polished, professional documents Use headers/footers and footnotes/endnotes Add images and logos Use the table of contents Use indexes Use styles Set up time saving features Further Information Bring along your own documents on a memory stick and let Debby help you to work on them to achieve the professionalism you want and pick up some timesaving tips along the way. 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 Committee Leadership Masterclass Wednesday 24 March and Monday 29 March 5.30pm – 7.45pm Trainer: Shirley Otto Who’s it for and what’s it all about? This popular two-evening programme for experienced committee members ran twice in 2009. Governing bodies are at the apex of an association's decision-making structure. They are expected to make the big decisions, set the tone of the organisation and determine the strategic direction. It is essential to good governance that committees take a lead. Yet committee members are part time and volunteers, largely dependent on full time professional staff to carry out their role and responsibilities. This masterclass will explore the committee's leadership role and the dilemmas associated with it. Shirley Otto, who has worked through SHARE with Chairs in the housing association sector and throughout the wider voluntary sector, will lead the sessions. Course Content Discussion and analysis of experience Learning Outcomes By the end of the course participants will be able to: Understand what leadership means for your committee Describe leadership styles Reflect on their own style Be a good leadership role model ASSERTIVENESS FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS Wednesdays 24 & 30 March 5.30 - 7.45pm Trainer: Colin Flynn Who’s it for and what’s it all about This course is for both experienced and new Committee members who want to be more confident participants in the work of their association whether in meetings or in dealing with staff and committee colleagues. Some fairly recent governance research identified very few training needs for committee members in Scottish housing associations apart from assertiveness training. This course seeks to help bridge that gap. Committee Members might be unsure of how to influence or contribute to the work of the organisation. This course which runs over two evenings will give you an understanding of the meaning and relevance of assertive behaviour, helping you be more effective in committee meetings and confident in your role as a Committee Member. Course content Assertive, non-assertive and aggressive behaviour Individual rights and responsibilities Verbal and non-verbal behaviour Saying ‘no’ without feeling guilty The techniques of assertiveness Feedback, criticism and praise By the end of the course participants will be able to Practice assertive behaviour Describe the key elements of assertiveness Be more confident in meetings General Awareness in Project Management Friday 26 March 9.30am – 4.30pm Trainer: Jim McGraw Who’s it for and what’s it about? This course is designed for administrative and professional staff who either work with Project Management staff or are themselves responsible for managing projects in their organisation. A staggering 80 to 90% of projects fail to realise their stated objectives. It is crucial therefore that your housing organisation has skilled and knowledgeable staff who can deliver projects successfully completed, on time, to spec, and within budget. The course is structured to provide an overall general awareness of the Project Management discipline and enable the participants to better understand the change dynamics and the important role that staff functions play in the successful implementation of projects. Course Content The content of this one day course is extracted from the Association for Project Management (APM) Body of Knowledge (BoK) and will include: Project Management in Context (management of change) Project Life-Cycle (start, middle and end of cycle) Stakeholder Management (managing the people) Business case (Why are we doing this project?) Scope Management (What’s in and not in the project?) Scheduling (What comes first?) Project Management Plan (How are we going to do the project?) Change Control (Minimize disruption) Handover & Closeout (Finishing off) Organisational Roles (Who does what?) The course also provides the foundation for further study in the discipline of Project Management leading to professional accreditation by the APM. The next stage being to complete the APM Introductory Certificate in Project Management RENT ARREARS Tuesday 30 March 9:30am – 4:30pm Trainers: Dr Stewart Montgomery & colleague Who’s it for and what’s it about? Effective rent arrears management is central to the work of housing associations. This course is, therefore, of major benefit to associations that strive to prevent arrears to comply with law and Communities Scotland regulatory standards. The course covers in detail raising legal actions, including how to raise court actions; it then examines what happens in court and explains remedies available after decree. The course focuses on policy and practice matters; this ensures that delegates understand how to apply law and good practice standards effectively into practice. This, of course, is critical to meet regulatory standards that emphasise prevention as a major way of controlling arrears. The course is of particular relevance to senior staff and housing officers involved in arrears control as it examines policy and practice in detail. Course Content: the law and arrears control (notices, summons, court hearings) how to develop an effective arrears policy (involving, too, auditing of existing policy and practice) ensuring effective systems of monitoring advice and information requirements Benefits issues are not dealt with specifically in this course. MAILMERGE ESSENTIALS Tuesday 30 March 1:30am – 4:30pm Trainer: Debby Broughton-Hay Who is it for? This half-day session is aimed at members of staff who word process as part of their job and would like to learn to mail merge or consolidate what they already know. Course Content The course will cover creating a new mailing list, as well as using an existing list, creating a form letter and using an existing letter. Learning Outcomes Use mailmerge with confidence Create letters, envelopes and mailing labels Use existing databases in Word, Access and Excel Create a new mailing list in Word To book a place on these courses 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. Further Links:

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EVENT: ASBESTOS - NEW GUIDANCE FOR DUTY HOLDERS
03 March 2010

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 Further Links:

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TENDER: STAKEHOLDER SATISFACTION SURVEY
03 March 2010

Atrium Homes provides housing for just under 1000 households and estate services to a further 1250 owners in East Ayrshire. We wish to engage suitably qualified consultants to carry out a Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey in Spring 2010. Previous experience of conducting a Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey for a social housing provider using a range of methods would be essential as is the ability to capture and analyse data using appropriate systems. If you wish to register an interest in undertaking this survey, please contact Rae Wilson. Telephone: 01563 528816 or Email: info@atrium-homes.co.uk before Friday 12th March 2010. Further Links: www.atrium-homes.co.uk Further Links:

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TENDER: INTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES
03 March 2010

Oak Tree Housing Association owns and manages 1705 properties throughout Inverclyde. We are currently tendering our Internal Audit Services for a 3 year period (2010-2013). We are inviting tenders from Internal Auditors/Audit Companies with experience of internal audit, in particular the RSL sector. If you would like further information and/or tender documentation, please contact Mary McCreadie on 01475 807000 or e-mail info@oaktreeha.org.uk. The closing date for receipt of tenders is the 4th March 2010, at 4pm and we plan to interview shortlisted candidates week commencing 29th March 2010. Registered Office: 41 High Street, Greenock PA15 1NR. Registered with the FSA No: 2232(s) and with the Scottish Housing Regulator No: HCB137 Closing Date: Thursday 4th March 2010. www.oaktreeha.org.uk

TENDER: EXTERNAL INSULATION PROJECT
03 March 2010

Thenew Housing Association is seeking contractors to carry out a Pilot External Insulation Project. Expressions of interest are invited from suitably experienced Contractors who wish to be included in the selection process. The contract will include 24 properties, in 4 closes in the East End of Glasgow with an approximate contract value of £190,000. Contractors' PQQ Documentation must be submitted no later than 5th March 2010; Tenders will be issued in March with a possible site start in May 2010. Contractors who submit expressions of interest will be issued with a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire to establish their suitability for the project and the quality of their service. Expressions of interest should be made to Thenew Housing Association, preferably by e-mail to technical@thenewhousing.co.uk or by post to the address below, no later than 12.00 noon on Friday 5th March 2010. Should you require any additional information, please contact the Technical Team on the above email. Thenew Housing Association Ltd Registered Office: 83 Green Street, Glasgow, G40 2TG Tel: 0141 550 3581 Fax: 0141 550 2433 www.thenewhousing.co.uk

SCOTTISH HOUSING JOBS ON-LINE
03 March 2010

Jobs 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. Tenant Information Service is seeking a Development Officer, £26,331 - £28,680 (2010 / 2011 pay award pending) plus 7.5% unsocial hours’ payment and essential car users allowance. Closing date: March 5. 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 Oak Tree Housing Association is inviting tenders for a Internal Audit Services. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 4. Craigdale Housing Association is inviting tenders for a Tenant Satisfaction Survey. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 8. Hebridean Housing Partnership is inviting tenders for its Approved Contractor List. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: February 26. 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

NEW HOUSING BILL ‘MUST ENHANCE HOMELESSNESS COMMITMENT’
03 March 2010

Graeme Brown The Housing Bill is one of the last major opportunities to bolster the commitment to house all homeless people by 2012 by putting some more of the ‘jigsaw pieces’ in place, according to Shelter Scotland as it hosts a major conference in Glasgow today and submits its written evidence on the Housing Bill to MSPs. The charity is calling on MSPs to help make Scotland’s internationally acclaimed target on homelessness a reality by enhancing the legislation currently going through Parliament. Shelter Scotland supports Scottish Government proposals to reform Right to Buy and how housing is regulated - but it is also arguing for new measures to reduce evictions, increase housing options for homeless people and to end repeat homelessness. In particular, Shelter wants to see strengthened powers to provide support to homeless people who need that help to manage and keep a tenancy. The conference, Sustaining tenancies, preventing evictions and allocating homes: the new Housing Bill?, will hear from representatives from the Scottish Government, the voluntary sector and the Scottish Housing Regulator. Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, said: “In 2003 MSPs of all parties legislated to give everyone in Scotland the right to a home by 2012. That commitment has been envied and emulated internationally. “But we also know that having a house is not always enough for every homeless person. Some people need support to ensure that they can manage it well and keep it. Without that support, some families can end up becoming homeless over and over again. That is why we need to end the ‘postcode lottery’ that means the availability of these services is dependent upon which local authority area you are in. “That is why I am asking MSPs, tenants groups and housing professionals to strengthen the way that homeless people get housing support. “If the 2012 commitment is to live up to its promise, then we must act now to pull some of the missing pieces of the jigsaw into place. Our additions to the Housing Bill will help do this. But we must not forget that more affordable rented homes to meet housing need and end homelessness are an absolute must.” Further Links:

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RENT FREEZE FOR GHA’S 60,000 TENANTS
03 March 2010

The rents of Glasgow Housing Association’s 60,000 tenants will be frozen this year. The decision to hold rents – as well as service charges for furnished lets, lock-up garages and very-sheltered housing - at their 2009/10 prices has been taken by the GHA Board after consulting tenants. The 1587 tenants who responded to the consultation on the annual rent review overwhelmingly agreed with the move, which means tenants will continue paying the same rent as they do now until March, 2011. Chief Executive, Martin Armstrong gave a commitment to tenants GHA would continue to improve services, while keeping rents affordable. He also assured tenants this year’s freeze would not lead to a big increase next year. He said: “We are committed to ensuring rents are affordable and we plan to keep them as low as we possibly can next year too. We hope this move will help tenants who are continuing to feel the effects of the recession. By continually striving to identify ways we can deliver better value for money in everything we do, we will keep delivering improvements and better services.” GHA’s consultation confirmed that 98% of tenants supported the rents-freeze proposal for 2010/2011, while 1.3% of those who responded disagreed and 0.7% did not agree nor disagree. The rent freeze follows GHA’s announcement two weeks ago it was to do more work on its proposals to introduce a new structure for rents across the city. The re-structure was due to be introduced in 2011 and was designed to make all rents simpler, fairer and easier to understand. The proposals would have put all properties into 11 bands, based on their size and type. The rents of 51% of tenants would have decreased, with 49% increasing. All changes, up or down, would have been phased in at £5 a week. However after listening to - and taking on board - tenants’ and stakeholders’ views in a separate and extensive consultation, GHA decided to delay the re-structure to look at how it could make rents for those facing the biggest rises in the restructure more affordable. Further Links:

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ANGUS TO HELP VULNERABLE TENANTS REMAIN AT HOME
03 March 2010

Angus Council is to target those who are in most need to help to remain in their own homes by ensuring that resources go to those who need them most, the Neighbourhood Services committee has agreed. The committee heard that ring-fencing of the private sector housing grant (PSHG) had been removed and instead, funding from the Scottish Government would be made available to three core priorities: grants for adaptations of older disabled owners; ensuring local care and repair schemes are funded for core services and implementing the provisions of the Housing (Scotland) Act. Convener of Neighbourhood Service, Jim Millar said: “We recognise and support the community care agenda and are keen to help older people to remain in their own homes. Angus Council has a long standing tradition of supporting those who need both financial and non financial assistance to live independent lives.” The committee also agreed to go to the open market to test the provision of recycled furniture and goods in Angus for homeless people moving into a house. This is in line with procurement regulations which require local authorities to tender for goods and services. Cllr Millar said: “At present, we operate a voucher scheme through furniture projects and this arrangement will continue until July this year. After that, we will go to an open market test process before deciding how we need to take this valuable service forward. “We want to give the maximum benefit that the council can provide to those people who are moving into a house after being homeless. We would ask the providers to work with us to show how best we can use these services to help build successful tenancies.” At their meeting, the committee agreed to set up a cross party working group to look at strategic policies issues around the marketing testing of recycled goods. The group will also include representation from the Angus volunteer groups organisation. Further Links:

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MILLION POUNDS UP FOR GRABS IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY DESIGN AWARDS
03 March 2010

There are just seven weeks left to stake a claim for a share of £1m as part of a Scottish Government fund to encourage innovative ways of improving the energy efficiency of Scotland’s homes. The Energy Saving Trust, which runs the scheme on behalf of the Government, says that more than 30 per cent of Scotland’s existing homes are hard to treat due to the age or design of the properties. Victorian tenements, homes with solid stone walls and the large numbers of rural homes across Scotland which are off the gas network are among the main problems. Now, communities, architects, housing providers and the construction industry are being encouraged to join forces and apply for funding for their ideas on the best energy efficiency solutions for Scotland’s homes. Projects must produce carbon dioxide savings of at least 40 per cent. Entrants are being asked to find pioneering and affordable solutions that can inspire others. Successful projects will receive a contribution towards their costs of up to £250,000. Entries should focus on ways of improving the energy performance of Scotland’s existing homes, and particular credit will be given to those applications which provide innovative solutions for hard to treat housing such as Victorian tenements or older rural properties. Up to £5,000 per project is available to help with calculations and design of bids, but applicants need to hurry as this funding is only available until the end of March. EST Director in Scotland, Mike Thornton, said: “Residential properties, particularly older ones, are significant producers of carbon dioxide, so improving home energy performance is a major challenge. “The awards aim to encourage the best of Scottish design talent and innovation to help meet this challenge head on. The scheme makes homes easier and cheaper to heat as well as achieving significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions and helping to develop skills, support local supply chains and enhance the capabilities of Scotland’s construction businesses.” Further Links:

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CAS APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE
03 March 2010

Howard McKenzie Citizens Advice Scotland has appointed Howard McKenzie as its new Chief Executive. He will take up his post on March 22, succeeding Kaliani Lyle, who has held the post since 1999. Howard, 54, is a qualified Manager with 30 years experience in the business and education sectors. Originally a tenant dairy farmer in Dorset, he became a qualified teacher, teaching agriculture, special needs education and management. He worked in a variety of colleges in England before moving to Motherwell College in 1995 where he managed the curriculum, ICT and finance. Most recently, he spent eight years (2001-09) as Principal and Chief Executive of Jewel and Esk College in Edinburgh. He now runs his own consultancy business, providing management and project support for a number of public and private businesses. Howard is based in Livingston and will work from the main CAS office at Spectrum House in Edinburgh. He will take up his post is 22 March – which means he will have a week’s overlap with Kaliani Lyle, who will formally leave at the end of the month. Howard said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have been appointed. CAS does superb work, both in supporting the bureaux around the country and in campaigning for changes in public policy, and I’m really looking forward to being a part of that team effort. I am keen to get started and to make a difference. “I’m very aware however that I have a tough act to follow in Kaliani Lyle, but I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work with her for a week, so she can help me settle in and get my bearings. I’m confident that I’ll be able to get to grips with promoting and strengthening the sector, which is more important than ever in helping the vulnerable people in our society.” Kaliani Lyle said: “I’ve already had some good conversations with Howard. He is full of energy and enthusiasm and is clearly very committed to our aims and values. "I’m really looking forward to working with him in my last week here, and I have no doubt at all that he will take the movement from strength to strength. I am delighted to see that CAS will be left in safe hands.” Further Links

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NEW CARE INFORMATION FOR OLDER SCOTS
03 March 2010

Shona Robison Older people who need care should find the process easier in future, thanks to a new information service. Care Information Scotland (CIS) offers a single point of information - through one phone number and web address - on the care available for older people throughout the country. It offers detailed information for older people and their families on the range of community care services available from local authorities, the private and voluntary sector. Public Health Minister, Shona Robison said: "Up and down Scotland there are fantastic care services for older people - helping older people to remain independent in their own homes where possible and providing quality residential care where necessary. "But we know that until now it hasn't always been easy to find out what your options are, where help is, what kind of care you can get or what costs might be involved. Care Information Scotland will change all that, providing clear information that is thorough and easy to understand. "It will make life much easier for anyone seeking information - in what can often be a crisis situation for a family - on care and support for themselves or for older relatives." Councillor Ronnie McColl from Cosla said: "I am extremely impressed by the approach taken by CIS, both in terms of their helpline and their first class website. I am particularly taken by the way in which this central information service links in with every council across Scotland. "Their approach to working with older people is both sensitive and well-informed and would not hesitate to recommend the service to my own constituents." Gloria McLoughlin, deputy Chief Executive of Scottish Care, said: "The world of care services for older people can be extremely difficult to navigate and Scottish Care welcomes the launch of the Care Information Scotland website. "As a member of the advisory group for Care Information Scotland, Scottish Care has been involved in the development of this service - the first of its kind in Scotland - and I am confident it will help to signpost older people, their friends and family to the care information that is relevant to them. "This centrally managed and up-to-date information about all aspects of care in Scotland will benefit users, their carers and families and has the potential to share national Scottish Government policy in a meaningful way. The new service communicates clearly eligibility for care, access to care, costs and the choices people have allowing them to make informed decisions." Further Links

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EAST LOTHIAN APPROVES NEW REPAIRS REPAYMENT POLICY
03 March 2010

East Lothian Council has approved a new policy and interest rate arrangements for Common Repairs repayments. The move is in response to changes in national legislation covering the Common Repairs Charging Order. The council has also taken this as an opportunity to revise the levels of interest payable, which was set when the scheme was first introduced in the mid-90s. Interest rates for new repayment agreements will be based on the variable rate set by an agency of the UK Treasury. The Council offers advice and information to private property owners on essential maintenance works. In particular, the common repairs scheme helps owners in flatted or shared developments to carry out essential maintenance works where there are two or more owners jointly responsible. While many owners will arrange and pay for repairs to be carried out, in some cases they cannot reach an agreement. In these cases, and to ensure essential repairs continue and the building does not become hazardous, the Council can serve a statutory notice. Where an owner fails to comply with the statutory notice, the Council has the power to carry out the repairs and recharge them. The full costs, plus interest, are calculated and repaid by the owner over a 30-year period using the property as security. The money can be repaid in full at any point during the agreement's term or when the property is sold. The Repayment Charge will be introduced in East Lothian on 1 April 2010, replacing the current Charging Order. The terms of the agreement remain substantially the same however the legal documentation is easier to read and understand. As a local authority, the council can borrow money from the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB), part of the UK Treasury. The interest rate is calculated daily by the Treasury to reflect the market conditions and is generally lower than that available commercially. Although funding for common repair repayment agreements comes from council reserves not borrowing, the Council has agreed to apply this independent interest rate to all new Repayment Orders. Additionally, Council agreed to review existing Charging Orders with a view to introducing equitable interest arrangements across the new and old schemes. This will be subject to a further report to Cabinet with full cost implications. Cabinet member for Housing, Councillor Stuart Currie said: "In any repayment arrangement, we have to make sure that the council's and, ultimately, the taxpayer's investment is protected but that we do not profit from it or enter the realms of becoming a commercial lender. The Public Work Loan Board is an independent agency with an interest rate calculated daily by the UK Treasury. Using this rate will be much more reflective of the financial market, ensure the council's costs and risks are covered and help homeowners struggling to pay for essential common statutory repairs. "We believe that the new interest rate arrangements will ensure an equitable and appropriate scheme to carry out essential maintenance to common properties served with a statutory repair notice."

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HBJ GATELEY WAREING GIVES HELPING HAND TO HOMELESS PEOPLE IN GLASGOW
03 March 2010

Law firm, HBJ Gateley Wareing, has donated 1.035 tonnes of household goods to Starter Packs Glasgow, a charity that helps homeless people set up new homes in Glasgow. Staff and partners in the firm’s Edinburgh and Glasgow offices donated two vans worth of cutlery, crockery, bed linen and cleaning materials which will help six families starting new tenancies in Glasgow. The donations also resulted in a carbon saving of approximately eight tonnes. This forms a key part of the firm’s robust corporate social responsibility programme which includes a number of fundraising initiatives and environmental and community involvement projects throughout the year. Starter Packs Glasgow is committed to helping people who are or who have been homeless to set up new homes with basic household items. In 2009 it helped over 1295 households, redistributing goods worth over £225,000 in the Greater Glasgow area. Development Manager, Sarah Findlay from Starter Packs Glasgow said: “We cannot thank the firm enough for their collection of these vital goods. Their support for helping homeless people is invaluable and we are most grateful to them for this.” Susan McDonald, Associate at HBJ Gateley Wareing said: “This is an amazing effort by our teams in Edinburgh and Glasgow and the household items that we donated will go towards helping those in need to get the best possible start in their new home. “Many of us take having basic household items such as cutlery, cups and bed linen for granted, and for the people we have helped through this initiative our donations are much needed. “Working with Starter Packs Glasgow has given us a real insight into the needs of people starting tenancies in Scotland and we hope to carry on our relationship with the charity with further collections in the future.”

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REFORM SCOTLAND SEEKS VIEWS ON HOW TO EXTEND ROLE OF THIRD SECTOR
03 March 2010

A major transfer of power from government to voluntary organisations will lead to better public services in Scotland, a leading think tank has said. Reform Scotland calls for a radical re-think on the part that the voluntary - or third - sector can play in helping to improve choice, accountability and value-for-money in many areas of community life. It said: “We need a shift in power from government to the institutions of civil society and, in particular, an increase in the role of the third sector in Scotland.” In a consultation paper entitled Voluntary Power, the independent, non-partisan think tank calls on politicians to acknowledge and support the huge, but largely untapped, resource that the voluntary sector offers. It added: “In areas such as education and health, giving people much greater control over the services they receive and choice from a wider range of providers is the key to higher standards. "By ending public sector monopolies in the provision of such services and creating a level playing field, third sector organisations would have a much greater opportunity to deliver services." Reform Scotland says its proposals to reform health and education would ensure that public funding reflected choices made by people who would often look to third sector providers because they would frequently offer more "personalised, compassionate and innovative approaches". This would mean that in education, for example, third sector organisations would be able to set up and run new independent, publicly-funded schools for parents looking for an alternative to local authority provision. In healthcare, all hospitals and community healthcare providers would become independent, not-for-profit trusts and be part of the third sector. The purpose of the consultation is to discuss how the third sector in Scotland can be expanded so it can fulfil this role. It says that one way to achieve this could be to extend the use of self-directed support or the direct payments scheme currently available to disabled people to allow them to buy and manage the care they need. Alison Payne, research director of Reform Scotland, said: “Over time, too much power has been taken away from people and local communities in Scotland and transferred to central government. “The public are increasingly unhappy with the results of this because it has not led to the quality of public services seen in many other countries and has opened up an increasing divide between the governing and the governed who have little ability to shape their own lives and the future of their communities.” Further Links

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LAST CHANCE TO BOOK...2010 CIH ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION
03 March 2010

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! Further Links:

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TRAINING AT SHARE - COMING SOON!
03 March 2010

ilm Level 5 Certificate Coaching & Mentoring in Management DATES: classroom sessions 4 March; 31 March; 20 May; 17 June and 9 Sept : 1-2-1 coaching (1 – 2 hour sessions) – 22 April; 24 June; 28 October Trainer: John Armstrong Who’s it for and what’s it about? The programme provides support for directors and managers working at all levels in the housing association network, who will be playing a prominent and significant role in growing their organisation’s coaching development programs. It will provide practicing managers with the knowledge, skills and confidence to perform effectively as coaches or mentors as part of their normal work role. Course Content: Day 1 - The Coaching and Mentoring Relationship - values Day 2 - GROWing Relationships Day 3 - Learning for Performance Day 4 - Lessons from Geese Day 5 - Holding up the Mirror Learning Outcomes Identify the characteristics of effective coaching and/or mentoring Present a business case for using coaching and/or mentoring to address specific developmental and support needs of the organisation Review your own value systems and ability to challenge inappropriate attitudes, behaviours and workplace relationships Review your ability to communicate effectively Agree a short management coaching and/or mentoring programme Plan, deliver and review your management coaching or mentoring practice Understand how to evaluate the effectiveness of coaching and/or mentoring programmes through reflection and review Assessment In order to achieve the ilm Certificate, each delegate will have to submit two pieces of work. 1. Prepare a proposal for a management coaching or mentoring programme within the organisation and explain how you will ensure best practice. 2. Assess your potential as a management coach or mentor, you must undertake at least twelve hours coaching or mentoring and reflect on your performance. This should be recorded and submitted in the form of a coaching journal. Microsoft Word Introduction Thursdays 4 & 11 March 9.30am – 4.30pm Trainer: Connie Glass Who is it for? Designed for members of staff who use the bare essentials of word processing in the work place and would like to know more about the many time saving features and shortcuts the software has to offer. Course Content Introduction to Word Using the standard toolbar Font formatting Paragraph formatting Page formatting Introducing tables and columns Proofing tools within word Using the clipboard Printing Learning Outcomes Understand the basic concepts of word processing Find your way around the menus and shortcut icons Create, edit, save and print documents Use the various tools to enhance your document Use procedures to automate your work Work with multiple documents Customise your Word settings EUROPEAN COMPUTER DRIVING LICENCE Tuesdays 9 March to 15 June (excluding 6 April) 9.30am – 12.30pm Trainer: Debby Broughton-Hay Who is it for? This course is designed for all members of staff or committee who use computers on a daily basis, but would like to enhance their skills to enable them to use the most appropriate software for the work they are doing. This not only allows staff and committee to become more efficient at their job, but if they successfully complete the seven modules they gain an internationally acclaimed award accredited by the British Computer Society and widely recognised by employers. Course Content Basic concepts of IT Using the computer & managing files Word processing Spreadsheets Databases Presentations Information & Communication The course covers some theory, but is mostly practical with a test for each of the modules. Learning Outcomes Reach the ECDL level of competency Improve your productivity in the workplace Use Microsoft Office products more efficiently QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD BE ASKING Who’s it for and what’s it all about? This is a new series of courses for both experienced and relatively new committee members. They will focus on the committee members’ role as scrutineer of the association’s activities. There is no shortage of information presented to Committees. Sometimes committee members are not sure of the right questions to ask. However there are some critical questions that Committee should be asking. Not only is this good governance but also helps in managing risk as well as being good practice. It also leads to a more productive relationship with the staff team who compile the reports. Each session will be led by an experienced practitioner in the area in question. Wednesdays, 5.30 - 7.45pm Finance 10 March Trainer: John Russell Housing Management 31 March Trainer: Aidan McGuiness Maintenance 21 April Trainer: Jim MacGregor By the end of the course participants will be able to Identify the key areas that they should be questioning List a series of key questions for the particular topic Be more confident in their role as committee member APMP QUALIFICATION IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT Dates for 2010: 15/16 March —feedback to candidates from 1-2-1 assessments 19/20 April —APMP one hour 1-2-1 pre-coaching 4 & 5 May— APMP course (day 1&2) 13 & 14 May—APMP course (day 3&4) 21 May—APMP course (day 5) 7/8 June— APMP one hour 1-2-1 Post-coaching 14 June—APMP Mock Exam 21 June—APMP Exam Who’s it for and what’s it about? The APMP qualification is a five day knowledge based qualification which is supported by structured self-assessment of the candidate’s project management knowledge and capabilities. 1-2-1 pre and post-course coaching sessions are also part of the support framework which ensures that participants have the best possible opportunity to succeed in the examination. This course is aimed at individuals who are embarking on a project management career, or who are seeking to implement change in the workplace. Course Content The APMP Qualification covers 37 knowledge areas from the APM Body of Knowledge (5th edition). Knowledge of these areas is considered fundamental to the professional management of projects. It allows candidates to demonstrate excellent knowledge of all elements of project management from the strategic and commercial implications of their role, to the technical, commercial, organisational and people management skills required to successfully participate in a project team to implement change. These knowledge areas come under the following headings: For further details of the course including syllabus and sample examination questions go to the APM website— www.apm.org.uk/APMP.asp Microsoft Excel Introduction Thursdays 18 & 25 March 9.30am – 4.30pm Trainer: Connie Glass Who is it for? Designed for members of staff who have little or no prior knowledge of spreadsheets, but who would benefit from automatic numerical recalculation. Course Content The basic concepts of spreadsheet The different Excel screens Formatting and customising data Formulas and Functions Charts Printing Learning Outcomes Understand the basic concepts of spreadsheets Find your way around the menus and shortcut icons Create, edit, save and print documents Create simple formulae Use conditional Logic Create a template Create a chart Use the draw toolbar Customise your Excel settings Microsoft Project 2007 Mondays 22nd and 29th March 9:30am – 4:30pm Trainer: Catherine Johnstone Who is it for? This two-day course is aimed at people who want to use technology to monitor the projects that they are undertaking. This would also be beneficial to anyone who is part of the project team to allow them to update progress on the project and understand the various charts that can be produced. This course is designed for staff already using Microsoft Office products and currently managing projects, but who have no previous knowledge of Microsoft Project software. Learning Outcomes Defining the project Setting up tasks and creating linkages Assigning resources Setting the critical path View allocations Evaluate and review the project Resolve any project glitches Print Reports Further Information Come to the course with a particular project in mind and this will aid your understanding of how the software can help to monitor and predict issues along the way. GOVERNANCE OF SCOTTISH HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS INDUCTION DAY Monday 22nd March 2010 9.30am - 1.30pm (including lunch) Facilitators: Rod Hunter & Olwyn Gaffney To date, nine committee members have successfully completed this qualification and received their certificates, and nineteen are currently participating. Successful completion of the qualification will lead to the award of a Certificate recognised by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). The qualification is for all committee members but it is recommended that candidates have served on the committee for at least one year. The qualification is based on a vocational qualification format - that is, you gather evidence of your knowledge and experience and show that you understand your role and responsibilities as a Committee member This induction day will introduce candidates to the qualification, answer questions, explain the methods of assessment, register them with SQA and suggest the best ways to gather evidence. The qualification is estimated to take between 9 and 12 months to complete and requires several meetings between the candidate and the assessor. The qualification Governance of Scottish Housing Associations has three units, Work to Achieve Good Governance of the Housing Association, Contribute Effectively to Governing Body Meetings and Prepare Yourself to Deliver Good Governance of the Housing Association. If you would like to know more please contact Rod Hunter or Olwyn Gaffney at SHARE INTRODUCTION DAY FOR NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS Tuesday 23 March 10.00am – 3.00pm Trainers John Mulholland and Cathy Brien This is a short and intense introductory session for committee members who have recently joined the governing body or might have missed the more comprehensive equivalent Housing Associations in a Nutshell last year. It is a brief but knowledgeable one day introduction to the issues that committee members have to come to grips with. As well as a general introduction to the sector the presentations will also touch on: The responsibilities of a Board/Committee Member. The key aspects of the business planning process and finances The basic elements of Housing Management and Property Maintenance Investment issues relating to new housing Key personal skills needed by Committee members The regulatory environment. In addition the day will also include a short Training Needs Assessment and this will help participants decide and plan future training priorities, as well as meeting one of the requirements of the Regulatory Code of Governance. At the end of the day participants will have Received a general introduction to the housing association sector An individual training plan MAKING YOUR DOCUMENTS LOOK PROFESSIONAL WITH WORD Tuesday 23 March 1:30 – 4:30pm Trainer: Debby Broughton-Hay Who is it for? Designed for members of staff who are responsible for producing agendas, minutes and reports, and who already have a basic knowledge of Word, but would like to be able to use its features more effectively to produce polished, professional documents. Learning Outcomes Produce polished, professional documents Use headers/footers and footnotes/endnotes Add images and logos Use the table of contents Use indexes Use styles Set up time saving features Further Information Bring along your own documents on a memory stick and let Debby help you to work on them to achieve the professionalism you want and pick up some timesaving tips along the way. 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 Committee Leadership Masterclass Wednesday 24 March and Monday 29 March 5.30pm – 7.45pm Trainer: Shirley Otto Who’s it for and what’s it all about? This popular two-evening programme for experienced committee members ran twice in 2009. Governing bodies are at the apex of an association's decision-making structure. They are expected to make the big decisions, set the tone of the organisation and determine the strategic direction. It is essential to good governance that committees take a lead. Yet committee members are part time and volunteers, largely dependent on full time professional staff to carry out their role and responsibilities. This masterclass will explore the committee's leadership role and the dilemmas associated with it. Shirley Otto, who has worked through SHARE with Chairs in the housing association sector and throughout the wider voluntary sector, will lead the sessions. Course Content Discussion and analysis of experience Learning Outcomes By the end of the course participants will be able to: Understand what leadership means for your committee Describe leadership styles Reflect on their own style Be a good leadership role model ASSERTIVENESS FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS Wednesdays 24 & 30 March 5.30 - 7.45pm Trainer: Colin Flynn Who’s it for and what’s it all about This course is for both experienced and new Committee members who want to be more confident participants in the work of their association whether in meetings or in dealing with staff and committee colleagues. Some fairly recent governance research identified very few training needs for committee members in Scottish housing associations apart from assertiveness training. This course seeks to help bridge that gap. Committee Members might be unsure of how to influence or contribute to the work of the organisation. This course which runs over two evenings will give you an understanding of the meaning and relevance of assertive behaviour, helping you be more effective in committee meetings and confident in your role as a Committee Member. Course content Assertive, non-assertive and aggressive behaviour Individual rights and responsibilities Verbal and non-verbal behaviour Saying ‘no’ without feeling guilty The techniques of assertiveness Feedback, criticism and praise By the end of the course participants will be able to Practice assertive behaviour Describe the key elements of assertiveness Be more confident in meetings General Awareness in Project Management Friday 26 March 9.30am – 4.30pm Trainer: Jim McGraw Who’s it for and what’s it about? This course is designed for administrative and professional staff who either work with Project Management staff or are themselves responsible for managing projects in their organisation. A staggering 80 to 90% of projects fail to realise their stated objectives. It is crucial therefore that your housing organisation has skilled and knowledgeable staff who can deliver projects successfully completed, on time, to spec, and within budget. The course is structured to provide an overall general awareness of the Project Management discipline and enable the participants to better understand the change dynamics and the important role that staff functions play in the successful implementation of projects. Course Content The content of this one day course is extracted from the Association for Project Management (APM) Body of Knowledge (BoK) and will include: Project Management in Context (management of change) Project Life-Cycle (start, middle and end of cycle) Stakeholder Management (managing the people) Business case (Why are we doing this project?) Scope Management (What’s in and not in the project?) Scheduling (What comes first?) Project Management Plan (How are we going to do the project?) Change Control (Minimize disruption) Handover & Closeout (Finishing off) Organisational Roles (Who does what?) The course also provides the foundation for further study in the discipline of Project Management leading to professional accreditation by the APM. The next stage being to complete the APM Introductory Certificate in Project Management RENT ARREARS Tuesday 30 March 9:30am – 4:30pm Trainers: Dr Stewart Montgomery & colleague Who’s it for and what’s it about? Effective rent arrears management is central to the work of housing associations. This course is, therefore, of major benefit to associations that strive to prevent arrears to comply with law and Communities Scotland regulatory standards. The course covers in detail raising legal actions, including how to raise court actions; it then examines what happens in court and explains remedies available after decree. The course focuses on policy and practice matters; this ensures that delegates understand how to apply law and good practice standards effectively into practice. This, of course, is critical to meet regulatory standards that emphasise prevention as a major way of controlling arrears. The course is of particular relevance to senior staff and housing officers involved in arrears control as it examines policy and practice in detail. Course Content: the law and arrears control (notices, summons, court hearings) how to develop an effective arrears policy (involving, too, auditing of existing policy and practice) ensuring effective systems of monitoring advice and information requirements Benefits issues are not dealt with specifically in this course. MAILMERGE ESSENTIALS Tuesday 30 March 1:30am – 4:30pm Trainer: Debby Broughton-Hay Who is it for? This half-day session is aimed at members of staff who word process as part of their job and would like to learn to mail merge or consolidate what they already know. Course Content The course will cover creating a new mailing list, as well as using an existing list, creating a form letter and using an existing letter. Learning Outcomes Use mailmerge with confidence Create letters, envelopes and mailing labels Use existing databases in Word, Access and Excel Create a new mailing list in Word To book a place on these courses 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. Further Links:

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EVENT: ASBESTOS - NEW GUIDANCE FOR DUTY HOLDERS
04 March 2010

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 Further Links:

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TENDER: STAKEHOLDER SATISFACTION SURVEY
04 March 2010

Atrium Homes provides housing for just under 1000 households and estate services to a further 1250 owners in East Ayrshire. We wish to engage suitably qualified consultants to carry out a Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey in Spring 2010. Previous experience of conducting a Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey for a social housing provider using a range of methods would be essential as is the ability to capture and analyse data using appropriate systems. If you wish to register an interest in undertaking this survey, please contact Rae Wilson. Telephone: 01563 528816 or Email: info@atrium-homes.co.uk before Friday 12th March 2010. Further Links: www.atrium-homes.co.uk Further Links:

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TENDER: INTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES
04 March 2010

Oak Tree Housing Association owns and manages 1705 properties throughout Inverclyde. We are currently tendering our Internal Audit Services for a 3 year period (2010-2013). We are inviting tenders from Internal Auditors/Audit Companies with experience of internal audit, in particular the RSL sector. If you would like further information and/or tender documentation, please contact Mary McCreadie on 01475 807000 or e-mail info@oaktreeha.org.uk. The closing date for receipt of tenders is the 4th March 2010, at 4pm and we plan to interview shortlisted candidates week commencing 29th March 2010. Registered Office: 41 High Street, Greenock PA15 1NR. Registered with the FSA No: 2232(s) and with the Scottish Housing Regulator No: HCB137 Closing Date: Thursday 4th March 2010. www.oaktreeha.org.uk

SCOTTISH HOUSING JOBS ON-LINE
04 March 2010

Jobs 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. Tenant Information Service is seeking a Development Officer, £26,331 - £28,680 (2010 / 2011 pay award pending) plus 7.5% unsocial hours’ payment and essential car users allowance. Closing date: March 5. 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 Craigdale Housing Association is inviting tenders for a Tenant Satisfaction Survey. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 8. 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

ROSS WILSON PUBLIC RELATIONS
04 March 2010

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SECOND FRANCES NELSON AWARD LAUNCHED
04 March 2010

The Tenants Information Service (TIS) is delighted to announce the second Frances Nelson MBE Award in memory of Frances Nelson MBE. This award was introduced in 2009 to commemorate the contribution which Frances made to the tenants’ movement in Dundee and throughout Scotland. Frances Nelson MBE was a founding member and Chair of the Dundee Federation of Tenants’ Associations (DFTA). As a result of this she became involved with TIS serving on the committee from 1993 before becoming Vice-Convenor and then Convenor in 2003. She remained as Convenor until she sadly passed away in February 2009. Frances was totally committed to improving tenant participation throughout Scotland. In 2010 there are two categories, the first for a local tenants’ or tenants’ and residents organisation and the second for an umbrella organisation such as a Federation. The two winners will be presented with their prizes at this year’s Annual Conference which is taking place on 12th and 13th June at The Beardmore Hotel in Clydebank. The price of this year’s conference has been frozen at 2009 prices and is about “Raising Standards in 2010 and Beyond.” You can download all the information you need for the award and annual conference 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. Closing date for award entries is Friday 23rd April 2010 at 12 noon. If you have any queries email info@tis.org.uk. Further Links:

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MELVILLE AGREES BELOW-INFLATION RENT INCREASE
04 March 2010

Melville Housing Association has announced a below-inflation rent increase of two per cent from 1 April 2010. The increase, agreed following detailed consultation with tenants, will allow Melville to continue providing high quality services and keep its planned maintenance and property improvement programme at current levels. Melville contacted all 1750 of its households in December, with 72% of those who replied saying they’d be happy with the proposed two per cent increase. In addition, 80% of those who replied thought Melville’s current rent and service charges to be reasonable and affordable. Melville’s Chief Executive, Andrew Noble, said: “We are very aware that for many people this year has not been an easy one. Setting rent levels for the coming year was therefore a very difficult process. “We are, however, satisfied that the modest, below-inflation rent increase agreed with our tenants is a fair one that will allow us to continue to provide quality housing and deliver a high level of service to all our tenants.” Income for the coming year will help Melville deliver a series of improvements to tenants’ homes including an extension to the current double-glazing programme. Melville has also recently signed up to Allpay, allowing its tenants far greater flexibility in how and where they can pay rent. As well as the usual methods tenants can also pay by text message and at any shop showing the Paypoint logo. Further Links:

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GHA PRAISED FOR SYSTEMS THINKING
04 March 2010

Glasgow Housing Association’s focus on putting customers at the heart of the organisation has been showcased in a new academic book. GHA is one of six key case studies outlining successful ‘Systems Thinking’ across UK businesses which are featured in the book ‘Delivering Public Services That Work: Systems Thinking in the Public Sector - Case Studies’ by esteemed business sector author John Seddon. Systems Thinking methodology, which was introduced to GHA by Vanguard Scotland, encourages businesses to see their service through the eyes of their customers rather than judging success by a series of management-led targets. By looking from the outside in, staff have been able to secure fundamental change right across the city. Systems Thinking at GHA has led to better letting performance, improved rent collection and reduced arrears. Since its introduction to GHA’s frontline managers and teams, rent arrears have reduced by £2.3m. Time to let houses has reduced by half to 27 days on average and GHA is now seen as one of the best performing social housing providers in its peer grouping for house letting. GHA’s lets within four weeks has reached 68% (compared with a year end figure of 49% in 2007-08). Another example contained within the book focuses on tenants taken to court for rent arrears. Since reviewing the previous processes, GHA has achieved considerable improvement in rent collections levels while dramatically reducing the use of legal action to recover outstanding debt. This has been possible through focusing efforts on helping customers stay in their home, through early tenancy advice, and to counselling on debt and benefits when tenants run into difficulty. Graeme Hamilton, Service Development Manager at GHA, will give a short talk at the book launch on March 9 at the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts in London outlining the successes of applying Systems Thinking at GHA. He said: “The building blocks are now in place across all frontline offices to allow staff to process customer enquiries in a significantly different way and achieve improved performance as a result. After a year of Systems Thinking everyone at GHA is reaping the rewards. The results speak for themselves. “Managers are learning to read and anticipate trends in their own business unit based on weekly actions, experiments and customer demand. We’re leading the field now and other housing associations are queuing up to find out why we are now so successful.” GHA became the first accredited Vanguard centre in the UK in 2009 allowing its team of internal consultants to continue the good work of bringing about further change in other work areas like revenue repairs and capital investment. Further Links:

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PLANS FOR NEW CARE HOME IN STONEHAVEN BACKED BY COUNCILLORS
04 March 2010

Plans to build a new care home in a north-east town and provide independent accommodation for the elderly have been hailed by councillors, The Press & Journal has reported. The ageing Edenholme care home at Stonehaven is to be replaced with a new building in the heart of the town, alongside new private houses for the elderly. The £7m project was welcomed by members of Aberdeenshire Council’s Kincardine and Mearns area committee. Head of community care, Patricia Maclachlan told councillors that Edenholme was not up to current standards: “It is a Victorian villa over three floors which was ideal in the past but really won’t accommodate the care needs in care homes in the 21st century. The physical environment leaves a lot to be desired.” The new building and up to eight private houses are proposed for a site in School Road previously pinpointed as land for a new primary school. The “innovative project” would create the feeling of a “care village”, the first of its kind in Aberdeenshire, said Ms Maclachlan. Early designs for the new home have been tested by the Stirling Dementia Centre with some “very positive” results, she added. Consultations with current Edenholme residents had been very positive about the plans, she said. A community consultation session is being held at the town’s Mackie Academy on March 18 to give details of the project to local residents. Stonehaven councillor, Peter Bellarby said: “I very much welcome the provision of a care home in Stonehaven. Lots and lots of good work has been done (at Edenholme) there but it really is not fit for the 21st century.” He approved of the size and location of the site: “It is good in terms of accessibility. You need a care home that is in the community, not on the edge of it.” Further Links:

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SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL TENANTS AGREE TO RENT INCREASE OF 3.75%
04 March 2010

South Lanarkshire Council house rents will rise by 3.75% for 2010/11 after an extensive consultation process to gauge tenants’ views on the matter. This equates to an average increase of £1.95-a-week and compares with last year’s average rise of £1.99. The new rent levels will take effect in April, at the start of the new financial year. Tenants were fully involved in the process of deciding this year’s rent increase, starting with a Budgeting and Rent-Setting Conference last September, which led to a tenant-led question time event in December. A series of presentations to Tenants’ Forums across the council area offered them the chance to express a preference on four options for a rent increase: 0%, 2.75%, 3.75% and 4.75% with associated levels of investment. It was felt very strongly by tenants that the HomeHappening programme needs to continue and be completed by 2011/12, and the consequent overall consensus was for the 3.75% increase that would enable this to be the case. HomeHappening recently completed its 20,000th house, meaning that three out of every four council houses have now been covered by the programme and, with the funding assured through the rent rise, the programme is heading into 2010/11 with no sign of easing up. £40.5m will be spent in 10/11 and will pay for tenants in 2950 homes to be offered brand-new kitchens and bathrooms in 23 separate projects, including a range of other work to improve the quality of life for tenants in advance of the legal deadline for achieving the Scottish Housing Quality Standard by 2015. More than £1m of this has been earmarked for external works, such as repairs to the external fabric of properties, roofing replacement, structural work on walkways and repair work to roughcast, while a further £190,000 will pay for environmental improvements to the surrounding areas. Housing investment will also cover a variety of miscellaneous projects to the tune of more than £4.6m, including refurbishment, heating system replacement or installation, structural work, the upgrading of lock-ups and work to ensure properties comply with the Disability Discrimination Act, while more than £6.2m will cover a range of projects across the Council area, including decoration allowances and home insulation. And with customer surveys continuing to show satisfaction levels of 99%, there is reassurance that the programme is improving people’s lives right across the South Lanarkshire area. Further Links

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DUNDEE WARNS TENANTS OVER RIGHT-TO-BUY AGENTS
04 March 2010

Dundee City Council has advised tenants to be on their guard if they were approached by anyone offering to act as agents for the right to buy scheme. A council spokesman said: "We have been made aware that tenants have been canvassed by a firm who charge £50 to complete right to buy forms. "We would like to make it clear to our tenants that the council does not canvass its tenants over right to buy and any services that it provides in relation to the scheme are free. "The housing department has been told of one vulnerable family who were visited by a company which convinced them to apply to buy their home, despite the fact they could not afford a mortgage and did not fully understand the implications of what they had signed for. "Our advice to any tenant who is contacted by any firm offering its services for right to buy is to contact the council. We do not charge people for filling in forms or providing guidance." Further Links

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BARNARDO’S SCOTLAND ACHIEVES TOP AWARD
04 March 2010

Barnardo’s Scotland has been given a special business excellence award which recognises its commitment to continually improving its services for children and young people. The organisation has been awarded the Committed to Excellence Award by Quality Scotland and it is the first children’s charity in Scotland and one of only ten voluntary organisations in Scotland to achieve this Europe-wide recognised award. Martin Crewe, Director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “Barnardo’s Scotland is delighted to be the first children’s charity in Scotland to receive this business excellence award. We are committed to improving all areas of our work to ensure that we are able to help the most vulnerable children and young people turn their lives around.” Committed to Excellence is a Europe-wide scheme which is run by the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM), which allows organisations to highlight how they continuously improve their services. EFQM is the most widely used business excellence framework in Europe, with over 30,000 businesses using the excellence model to improve performance by systematically assessing their strengths and weaknesses to continually improve themselves. The award was given to Barnardo’s Scotland by Quality Scotland which is accredited by EFQM to run the Committed to Excellence scheme.

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CLAIMS MANAGEMENT COMPANIES WARNING
04 March 2010

Dodgy debt advice firms taking advantage of a legal loophole are targeting vulnerable families in the area with a blizzard of cold calls. Scottish Scambusters have warned of a recent increase in activity by unauthorised claims management companies that falsely claim they can guarantee to wipe out personal debts. Scambusters team leader in north east Scotland, Katherine Hart said: "Consumers should think very carefully before committing themselves to these claims management companies and handing over hundred of pounds in advance, even if they have been promised a refund if the claim is unsuccessful. "Many of these companies are charging extortionate upfront fees for their service to review customers' agreements and then charge a win fee if their claim is successful. In many instances the companies claim the upfront fees are non-refundable." The companies are vague about the legal argument they use to pursue claims but according to Scambusters many appear to base it on whether a credit agreement taken out before April 2007 and still in existence is enforceable. In April 2007 a new version of the Consumer Credit Act came into effect and some firms claim many of the agreements taken out before this date are completely unenforceable and that consumers can have debts cancelled and claim back thousands of pounds. Claims management companies that do business in England and Wales have to register with the regulator run by the Ministry of Justice but many are exploiting a loophole by only doing business in Scotland or Northern Ireland to avoid regulation. Authorised claims management companies are banned from cold calling in person or using high pressure selling. Scottish Scambusters is a Government-funded enforcement team, hosted by trading standards services in Dundee and North Lanarkshire councils and set up to target and deal with rogue traders and business malpractice across all of Scotland. There is a claims management helpline on 0333 200 0110, or anyone who has given details to a suspect operation can contact Consumer Direct on 0845 404 0506.

SHORTAGE OF HOUSE SELLERS IN SCOTLAND CAUSES UPTURN IN BUYER ACTIVITY
04 March 2010

Scotland's housing market remains so starved of good quality stock that recent reaction to new properties coming onto the market for sale has caused buyer activity unseen since the selling heydays of mid 2008, Rettie and Co has said. It said response to a recent six page advertisement in a national newspaper featuring properties new to the market throughout Scotland could only be described as 'unprecedented in the past 18 months'. Tony Perriam, director of residential sales, said: “Within hours of the office opening activity was frenetic. Of 27 new properties advertised on that single day, one went under offer within three hours. Another had 12 viewings scheduled for the following day and went under offer that evening. “Another had seven viewings arranged over the course of the first day of its exposure and also went under offer the next. Finally, a third, which had failed to sell with another agent was re-advertised and attracted an offer within three working days. In total seven are now under offer and we are negotiating serious interest on a further five properties promoted that day.” Perriam said Rettie & Co. has also experienced a three fold increase in the number of active buyers registering on its database in February, as compared to the same time last year. He added: “This extraordinary – and to an extent unexpected - buyer interest points to the undisputable fact that market supply is tightly constricted at present which is re-introducing a noticeable element of competition with some properties. “Buyers who have stood on the sidelines for months are proving impatient to act, driven on by the perception of improving market sentiment and the desire to miss any changes in tax regulations a potential change of Government may enforce.” Mr. Perriam said as the market continues to display such an appetite for stock, especially for affordable family homes in urban areas. Sellers are finding themselves in the enviable position of not having to compete with other propositions to vie for potential buyers’ attention. Further Links

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LAST CHANCE TO BOOK...2010 CIH ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION
04 March 2010

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! Further Links:

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TRAINING AT SHARE - APMP QUALIFICATION IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT
04 March 2010

APMP QUALIFICATION IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT Dates for 2010: 15/16 March —feedback to candidates from 1-2-1 assessments 19/20 April —APMP one hour 1-2-1 pre-coaching 4 & 5 May— APMP course (day 1&2) 13 & 14 May—APMP course (day 3&4) 21 May—APMP course (day 5) 7/8 June— APMP one hour 1-2-1 Post-coaching 14 June—APMP Mock Exam 21 June—APMP Exam Who’s it for and what’s it about? The APMP qualification is a five day knowledge based qualification which is supported by structured self-assessment of the candidate’s project management knowledge and capabilities. 1-2-1 pre and post-course coaching sessions are also part of the support framework which ensures that participants have the best possible opportunity to succeed in the examination. This course is aimed at individuals who are embarking on a project management career, or who are seeking to implement change in the workplace. Course Content The APMP Qualification covers 37 knowledge areas from the APM Body of Knowledge (5th edition). Knowledge of these areas is considered fundamental to the professional management of projects. It allows candidates to demonstrate excellent knowledge of all elements of project management from the strategic and commercial implications of their role, to the technical, commercial, organisational and people management skills required to successfully participate in a project team to implement change. These knowledge areas come under the following headings: For further details of the course including syllabus and sample examination questions go to the APM website - www.apm.org.uk/APMP.asp. 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< /a>. Further Links:

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EVENT: ASBESTOS - NEW GUIDANCE FOR DUTY HOLDERS
05 March 2010

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 Further Links:

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TENDER: STAKEHOLDER SATISFACTION SURVEY
05 March 2010

Atrium Homes provides housing for just under 1000 households and estate services to a further 1250 owners in East Ayrshire. We wish to engage suitably qualified consultants to carry out a Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey in Spring 2010. Previous experience of conducting a Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey for a social housing provider using a range of methods would be essential as is the ability to capture and analyse data using appropriate systems. If you wish to register an interest in undertaking this survey, please contact Rae Wilson. Telephone: 01563 528816 or Email: info@atrium-homes.co.uk before Friday 12th March 2010. Further Links: www.atrium-homes.co.uk Further Links:

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SCOTTISH HOUSING JOBS ON-LINE
05 March 2010

Jobs 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. Tenant Information Service is seeking a Development Officer, £26,331 - £28,680 (2010 / 2011 pay award pending) plus 7.5% unsocial hours’ payment and essential car users allowance. Closing date: March 5. 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 Craigdale Housing Association is inviting tenders for a Tenant Satisfaction Survey. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 8. 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

CMS ENVIRO SYSTEMS WIN LANARKSHIRE GREEN BUSINESS AWARD
05 March 2010

CMS Enviro Systems Ltd has won a top environmental award at the Lanarkshire Business Excellence Awards. CMS picked up the Award for Best Green Business after demonstrating clear links between improvements to their company performance, through environmental and sustainable processes and practices. The judges were impressed at how CMS harnessed new business opportunities resulting from emerging environmental technologies and how those practices positively impacted on their business, including recycling 100% of extracted windows and doors from properties during window replacement contracts, which has led the company to securing business for the next four years. The awards are the highlight of the Lanarkshire business calendar, where last year CMS Enviro Systems collected the award for ‘Best Performing Business’ over 26 employees. The company is a leading manufacturer and installer of high quality PVCu, aluminium and timber hybrid windows, doors and curtain walling systems for a client base that includes Local Authorities, Housing Associations and main contractors. The company also recently won the VIBES (Vision in Business for the Environment) award for’ Best Management’ Medium Category (between 50 and 250 employees) and the ‘Best Green Business for waste’ award at the Green Business Fife Awards. Andrew Kerr, managing director of CMS Enviro Systems, said: "We’re delighted to win such a significant award. To have our environmental credentials recognised and rewarded at a local level is a great achievement for us.” www.cms-es.co.uk

GWSF ISSUES RESPONSE TO HOUSING BILL
05 March 2010

Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations (GWSF) has responded to the call for views issued on the Housing (Scotland) Bill by the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Communities Committee. GWSF Chair, Lyn Ewing said: “I hope the Committee will find our submission useful in summarising what community-based housing associations (CBHAs) see as the big issues in the Bill. And I am pleased that EVH and SHARE have endorsed the GWSF response on behalf of their respective memberships. “Our submission focuses on the Bill’s proposals for housing regulation, and on tackling serious housing disrepair in the private sector. “GWSF has long argued that the proposed Scottish Social Housing Charter should be about more than just houses and housing services. The Charter and the new Regulator should also address the wider issues that help create successful neighbourhoods, since these are so often where the real concerns of residents lie. “The Bill says that the new Scottish Housing Regulator would have a duty to act in a proportionate, transparent and accountable way. This is a good starting-point, but more is needed to make sure these principles become a reality. We have made a number of suggestions for how this could be achieved. “The Bill is detailed on some issues, but very light on detail in other areas. This matters, because the new Regulator’s approach will be shaped by wider policy priorities. To give just one example, the Bill would open up registration as a social landlord to bodies from outside Scotland. At a time when some are arguing for restructuring of Scottish housing associations, this is deeply worrying. “Being local is the key to the success of CBHAs and other local housing associations. We would like to see a Housing Bill that recognises this much more clearly.”

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CASTLEHILL APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE
05 March 2010

David Lappin David Lappin, 45, has taken over the role of chief executive of Aberdeen-based Castlehill Housing Association. The position became available following the retirement of Gordon Kyle. Under Gordon’s 26 year tenure, the association has grown from managing under 200 units to the present day figure in excess of 1,600 properties across Aberdeen city, Aberdeenshire & Moray, with regional offices in Ellon & Elgin. Shauna Reith, the Convener of the association, said: “We are delighted with the appointment of David as our new chief executive. He brings a wealth of experience in social housing with him and I am sure this will be put to very good use in the difficult time which is now facing all housing associations.” David said: “Under Gordon's leadership, Castlehill has established itself as a well respected organisation providing quality housing and services for our customers. I am looking forward to working with our management committee and staff to build on our strengths and take the association forward to a successful future" As part of the changes within the organisation, Gail Robertson has been promoted to the position of Director of Housing Services with immediate effect. Further Links:

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RUSSIANS POLITICIANS VISIT GHA
05 March 2010

Politicians from Russia saw firsthand how Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) is transforming homes in Glasgow. Three councillors from Glasgow’s twin city of Rostov-on-Don got a tour of GHA new-build homes in Barmulloch this week – and were highly impressed by what they saw. The Russian dignitaries – councillors Stanislav Zatonskiy, Igor Molotov and Igor Berezhnoy – are representatives of Rostov-on-Don’s Duma, or council, and were keen to see examples of new social housing in Glasgow. The first phase of GHA’s new-build programme saw 239 new homes built at three sites in the north of the city – Barmulloch, Mansel Street and Avonspark Street. Work is also underway on another 422 homes at nine sites across the city in Phase 2 of the association’s new-build programme. The visiting Russian councillors also saw an example of a communal heating system in some GHA properties in Shettleston. Igor Molotov, head of city services in Rostov, said: “The GHA houses are very comfortable and very high quality. Tenants who live there must be very happy. Housing of such quality in Rostov-on-Don would be private, as social housing there tends to be high-rise flats.” Philip Watson, GHA’s Regeneration development officer, said: “Our Russian friends were impressed at the standard of the housing in our new-builds.” The group also had a tour of a group heating system in Shettleston, where one external boiler feeds individual radiators in every home. Councillor Molotov added: “Visits like this are very valuable for exchanging ideas and learning from each other. “Rostov-on-Don and Glasgow are very similar cities – the people are friendly and have the same sense of humour. We learned a lot during our visit and we are very grateful.” During their five-day visit to the city, the Russian dignitaries also visited the Glasgow School of Sport, Glasgow University Medical School and toured a whisky distillery beside Loch Lomond. Rostov-on-Don, the largest and most industrialized city in south west Russia, has been twinned with Glasgow for 24 years. Further Links:

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INSULATE TO STOP ENERGY BILLS GOING THROUGH THE ROOF
05 March 2010

Roseanna Cunningham Householders have been urged to insulate their homes in insulation to save hundreds of pounds on heating bills and reduce our impact on the environment. As part of the latest phase of the Scottish Government’s Go Greener campaign, Environment Minister, Roseanna Cunningham was joined by interior design duo Colin and Justin to help make insulation the must-have home improvement for 2010. Safely home from their jungle exploits on I’m a Celebrity, Get me Out of Here, Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan helped Ms Cunningham launch the new campaign to promote the benefits of home insulation. Cunningham said: “Scotland is leading the world on reducing carbon emissions. Installing loft and cavity wall insulation is a great way for individuals to do their bit and stop energy bills going through the roof. “Around a third of heat in a poorly insulated house disappears straight through the roof. Installing loft insulation helps keep the heat in and will save the average household £150 every year through reduced energy bills. “Loft insulation is effective for at least 40 years and, assuming an average insulation cost of £250, will pay for itself in just two years. As we emerge from one of the coldest winters on record and start turning our minds to home improvements and repairs I challenge any canny Scot not to see the value in investing in insulation.” Justin Ryan said: “Being in the jungle was a great experience but we actually spend most of our time in Glasgow, where the temperatures aren’t quite so balmy and central heating is a must during the winter. “For us, having a fabulous home also means a home that is kind to the environment and making sure you have good insulation is an excellent way of reducing emissions, as well as saving yourself some cash.” Colin McAllister added: “Our own home in Glasgow is well insulated and it’s good to know we’re doing our bit for the environment.” The Energy Savings Trust (EST) is supporting the campaign by providing free, impartial advice on home insulation through the network of advice centres it manages on behalf of the Scottish Government. Mike Thornton, Director, Scotland, for EST, said: “Having your loft insulated is cheaper and easier than people think. It’s important that its installed correctly so we encourage having it fitted by a professional installer and we can put those interested in touch with installers in their local area.” Further Links:

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FYNE HOMES’ DIRECTOR RETIRES
05 March 2010

Alan McDougall Fyne Homes has announced the retirement of its Director, Alan McDougall. Alan was the first employee of Isle of Bute Housing Association Ltd which was created in 1979 to address the serious problem of sub-standard housing stock within central Rothesay. During his 30 year career he has led its growth from a small organisation based on Bute offering rented houses in Rothesay to its expansion into the Fyne Group, which includes Fyne Homes, Fyne Initiatives and Fyne Futures. The Group operates in Bute, Cowal, Mid Argyll and Kintyre offering a much needed choice of affordable and sustainable housing for rent and ownership throughout these diverse rural areas. Don Williams, Chair of Fyne Homes said: “I want to thank Alan for his terrific contribution over the past 30 years and his participation in building a thriving business. He leaves behind him a very capable Management Team and a sound organisation which is well positioned to continue meeting all the challenges of providing for those in housing need now and in the future." Alan is looking forward to having more time to extend his voluntary work with disadvantaged young people which has been on the backburner for the last few years, seeing a bit more of the world and pursuing other challenges which might even include finally getting his golf handicap down to a respectable level. Further Links:

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VIEWS SOUGHT ON FUTURE OF SOUTH WEST GREENOCK
05 March 2010

River Clyde Homes is currently building 336 new homes for tenants in Port Glasgow and the East End of Greenock in what is one of the largest house development programmes underway in Scotland. The next area earmarked for development is South West Greenock and the housing association is undertaking a study to find out if several sites in the Larkfield area of Greenock are viable for new build housing. The study will look at the land which will be freed by demolishing flatted stock at Cumberland Road, Cumberland Walk, Stafford/Cumberland Road, 1-7 Angus Road and the former Springfield School site in Banff Road. The architect leading the study, John Newman, for FBN Architects will present initial findings on each site at a community consultation drop-in event at Ravenscraig Sports Centre, Auchmead Road, from 3.30pm - 7pm on Wednesday, 10th March 2010. The designers involved in the feasibility study will explain how the sites could potentially be laid out based on information which has been identified relating to ground conditions, services, safety issues, access to sites and environmental issues like parking and open space. Following the community consultation, the draft plans will be amended and finalised. The plans will then be costed to ascertain if the sites can be developed economically. A further community event will take place in May to explain the feasibility study outcomes. River Clyde Homes would like to invite the community of Larkfield to attend the event to shape and inform the feasibility study outcomes for the benefit of the whole community. Angela Spence, Head of Regeneration at River Clyde Homes, said: “We have made a great start on our commitment to build 850 new homes for rent by 2016. South West Greenock is an area which has already received significant investment in the form of the new Inverclyde Academy and Aileymill Primary and Nursery School by Inverclyde Council. It is an area popular with tenants and has a strong community. “The feasibility study is just the start of the process of redevelopment of the area and I would encourage all locals with an interest in the future of the area to join us next Wednesday to influence the outcomes of the study. Our experience of such events in Woodhall and the East End of Greenock is that they are popular and tenants and residents have an important role to play in development plans.” Further Links

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KNOWES RECOGNISED FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE
05 March 2010

Following a rigorous assessment by the Center for Assessment Ltd, Knowes Housing Association has been awarded the Governments Customer service Excellence award. The assessor’s overall impression of Knowes is that “the Association has a clear commitment to putting the customer at the centre of its activities. “All staff and committee members were clear on customer care being paramount to the organization. “During the assessment it became very clear that the organisation values working with others to provide its customers and the wider community with ‘joined up’, high quality services delivered locally.” Pierre De Fence, Knowes Director said: “We are delighted to have an independent acknowledgement of our staff commitment to customer service, and going through this process has helped us identify areas where we can further improve our services.” Further Links

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GLASGOW TOWER BLOCK SCHEME HELPS PEOPLE INTO WORK
05 March 2010

Lovell, working in partnership with Routes to Work South and West Whitlawburn Housing Cooperative, has provided work experience placements for five local unemployed people through a major modernisation scheme in Cambuslang, Glasgow. The five spent 13 weeks working on a scheme to modernise the Roslin Tower block on the West Whitlawburn estate which Lovell has carried out for West Whitlawburn. Since then, two of the five have continued working with Lovell through an employment agency while another two have gained jobs with Lovell subcontractors. Lovell regional director, Alan Taylor said: “Creating training and job opportunities where we work is a key factor in helping regenerate communities. “We are really pleased to have been able to join forces with Routes to Work South and West Whitlawburn to provide construction experience through the Roslin Tower scheme. It’s very satisfying that the placements have led to further work for four of the people involved.” Arranged through Routes to Work South, the placements provided construction experience with different tradespeople including plumbers, electricians and steel workers. The improvement scheme at the 12-storey tower has included the installation of a new aluminium rainwater cladding system and a new aluminium roof. Lovell has also decorated internal communal areas and replaced kitchens and bathrooms at six flats. Stephen Barr, Chief Executive, Routes to Work South, said: “Working with employers at an early stage and developing training programmes to meet their recruitment needs is vital to move people back into employment. Lovell showed a real commitment to partnership and our clients and by raising skill levels has created significant benefits for local people and the wider community.”

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SOUTH LANARKSHIRE APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR OF HOUSING
05 March 2010

Lindsay Freeland A new man will be at the helm as South Lanarkshire Council’s Housing and Technical Resources enters the next financial year at the start of next month. Lindsay Freeland, currently Head of Area Services, will take over as Executive Director from Jim Hayton, who is retiring after completing his five-year fixed term in the role. Lindsay, 50, was appointed after a selection process that had attracted applicants from far and wide. He has served as Head of Area Services for five years, with his wide remit having included the flagship HomeHappening kitchen and bathroom replacement programme. Appropriately, his tenure as executive director will cover the completion of HomeHappening in 2012, with plans already underway to determine the next programme of council housing investment. As executive director, his responsibilities will cover a huge range of projects, services and responsibilities, from homelessness and the new housing allocation policy to the £850million programme to rebuild or modernise every one of South Lanarkshire’s primary schools. Lindsay joined South Lanarkshire Council in 1995, having previously served as deputy director of housing with Cunninghame District Council. He said: “I would like to wish Jim all the best in his retirement and congratulate him on everything he has achieved over the last five years. “During that time, I have worked closely with him and have learnt a great deal from his extensive knowledge of public-sector housing. I hope to add that to my own experience gained both during and before my time with South Lanarkshire Council to enable me to build on our deserved reputation for innovation and delivery of first-class services and take Housing and Technical Resources forward to further successes.”

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HOUSING NEWS: INNOVATION ROUND-UP
05 March 2010

SCOTLAND PETITION INSPIRES SESSION ON ‘SLUM’ HOUSING IN PARLIAMENT GHA PRAISED FOR SYSTEMS THINKING Click the picture to see what is special about this development LONDON BARNET HOMES SET TO CREATE BOROUGH’S FIRST ECO ESTATE FIRST GREEN VICARAGE APPROVED AT BRENT HOUSING DEVELOPMENT NORTH EAST STUDENTS SHOWCASE THEIR BUSINESS ACUMEN NEW WAKEFIELD GROUP TAKES ACTION AGAINST GANGS NORTH WEST KHT OFFERS FREE ADVICE TO FAMILIES RECOGNITION FOR COSMOPOLITAN STAFF DIVERSITY HANDBOOK SOUTH EAST FREE INSULATION SCHEME FOR ADUR HOMES SLOUGH LAUNCHES ILLEGAL ‘SHEDS WITH BEDS’ CRACKDOWN SOUTH WEST WEYMOUTH & PORTLAND HOUSING RESIDENTS GIVE BLOCK A MAKEOVER SOVEREIGN TWYNHAM SAYS ‘NO’ TO DRUGS EAST SUPPORT SCHEME HELPS 130 WOMEN AT RISK WELLINGBOROUGH CHILDREN HAVE A ‘BLAST’ DURING HALF TERM WEST MIDLANDS SANDWELL HOMES LAUNCHES ‘PARANOID’ CAMPAIGN TO STAMP-OUT DRUG DEALING FHM DELIVERS GREEN REFURB TO ECO COUPLE Further Links

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LAST CHANCE TO BOOK...2010 CIH ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION
05 March 2010

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! Further Links:

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TRAINING AT SHARE – MICROSOFT EXCEL INTRODUCTION/MICROSOFT PROJECT 2007
05 March 2010

Microsoft Excel Introduction Thursdays 18 & 25 March 9.30am – 4.30pm Trainer: Connie Glass Who is it for? Designed for members of staff who have little or no prior knowledge of spreadsheets, but who would benefit from automatic numerical recalculation. Course Content The basic concepts of spreadsheet The different Excel screens Formatting and customising data Formulas and Functions Charts Printing Learning Outcomes Understand the basic concepts of spreadsheets Find your way around the menus and shortcut icons Create, edit, save and print documents Create simple formulae Use conditional Logic Create a template Create a chart Use the draw toolbar Customise your Excel settings Microsoft Project 2007 Mondays 22nd and 29th March 9:30am – 4:30pm Trainer: Catherine Johnstone Who is it for? This two-day course is aimed at people who want to use technology to monitor the projects that they are undertaking. This would also be beneficial to anyone who is part of the project team to allow them to update progress on the project and understand the various charts that can be produced. This course is designed for staff already using Microsoft Office products and currently managing projects, but who have no previous knowledge of Microsoft Project software. Learning Outcomes Defining the project Setting up tasks and creating linkages Assigning resources Setting the critical path View allocations Evaluate and review the project Resolve any project glitches Print Reports Further Information Come to the course with a particular project in mind and this will aid your understanding of how the software can help to monitor and predict issues along the way. 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< /a>. Further Links:

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