EVENT: ASBESTOS - NEW GUIDANCE FOR DUTY HOLDERS
08 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
08 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
08 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. 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

SEVEN FIRMS TO TAKE PART IN NEW HOUSING TRIAL
08 March 2010

Alex Neil Seven companies have successfully bid to take part in a £2.5m trial to allow an extra 100 first time buyers to buy a new shared equity home. Participating developers will take equity stakes jointly with the Scottish Government in unsold or partially built private stock. Buyers will pay 60-80% of the purchase price with the remainder of the cost split equally between the Scottish Government and the developer. Housing and Communities Minister, Alex Neil said: "I am pleased that some of the key players from Scotland's house-building industry have embraced this new trial. Continuing economic uncertainty puts into sharp relief the financial challenges facing the Scottish Government as we strive to increase the supply of affordable homes across the country. "This Government will continue to work with the housing industry to develop the innovative ideas that will accelerate economic recovery, increase choice and opportunities for those looking for a home and support Scotland's house-building industry." Chief Executive of Homes for Scotland, Jonathan Fair said: "Having pressed hard for the introduction of this scheme, I am absolutely delighted to learn the initial pilot has attracted so much support from the housing industry. "Home ownership remains the tenure of choice for the vast majority of Scots but currently the big stumbling block, particularly for credit-worthy First Time Buyers, remains the availability of mortgage finance. This action by the Scottish Government supports the strenuous efforts already being made in this area by individual home builders." The successful developers are Persimmon Homes, Bellway Homes, Cruden Homes, Parc Craigmillar, Bett Homes, Highland Housing Alliance and Taylor Wimpey. Homes available through the New Supply Shared Equity with Developers trial will be marketed by the developers. The trial scheme is part of the existing Low-cost Initiative for First Time Buyers (LIFT) New Supply Shared Equity (NSSE) scheme. When the owner decides to sell their home, the Government and developer will receive the value at the time of sale of the percentage equity stake funded. Properties available through the scheme will be entry level homes for first time buyers on low or moderate incomes, so would not normally be expected to exceed an upper price limit of £140,000 per unit (except where agreed for larger family properties). Council of Mortgage Lenders policy consultant, Kennedy Foster said: "This product helps those who have not managed to build up a big savings pot make the most of what they have got to get onto the housing ladder. At the same time it helps the house building industry get back on its feet. We therefore welcome the expansion of the Low-Cost Initiative for First Time Buyers to include this product."

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FIRM APPOINTED TO BUILD NEW ABERDEEN COUNCIL HOMES
08 March 2010

Aberdeen City Council has appointed a contractor to build the city’s first new council housing in a generation. Stewart Milne Construction will build 85 homes at Hayton Road in Tillydrone, Byron Park in Northfield and Rory Hall in Cults in the first phase of the council’s new-build programme. Housing and environment convener, Aileen Malone said: “The appointment of Stewart Milne Construction, which follows a robust tendering process, means that work can now begin on building these much-needed new homes. “I’m sure that everyone who is waiting for an affordable rented home will be as excited as I am at the prospect of seeing this new social housing taking shape. This will be a great boon to many families who are waiting for affordable rented housing in Aberdeen. “The city is in real need of good, new homes and I am delighted that building work will very soon begin. I look forward to welcoming the first families into these new properties, which will be built to a high standard next year.” Vice-convener, Mark McDonald added: "This is another important step on the road to developing new affordable council homes, which will help to regenerate the communities where they are being built. "Many people, myself included, have grown up in a time when council housing was sold off, and never built, now we are building again to provide homes for the people of Aberdeen and I think that is truly exciting." Thirty new homes, consisting of a mix of home types and sizes, including two and three-bedroom family properties, will be built on the Hayton Road site to provide much-needed new housing in Tillydrone. Byron Park, where a mixture of 28 homes including three and four-bedroom family properties will be built, will be developed as a Homezone scheme with a courtyard layout to encourage social interaction and create sheltered, useable external spaces. Twenty-seven amenity-standard flats will be built at Rorie Hall. They will be one and two bedroom properties with gardens for the ground floor residents and balconies on the first and second floors. The development will include communal and private outdoor space for the residents. All of the properties will be built to a high standard and will be environmentally sustainable, quality homes. Bill Imlach, managing director of Stewart Milne Construction said: "As a local contractor, we are delighted to have been awarded these contracts by the Council. These projects are a welcome boost for the division, particularly in the current economic conditions. “We intend to incorporate some of the latest sustainable technologies and specifications to ensure energy efficiency and low running costs for the tenants. It's been some time since the authority has been in a position to commission new housing and we look forward to working with them to provide high quality homes."

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HIGHLANDS FACE 45 PER CENT CUT IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUNDS
08 March 2010

Highland Council has been advised that the funds available in 2011-12 to promote affordable housing developments are to be significantly reduced by the Scottish Government. Councillor Margaret Davidson, Chairman of the Housing and Social Work Committee, revealed that funding was being cut to £17.5m – a bigger cut than anticipated and 45% less than the current funding level of £32m. She said: “We were anticipating a reduction in the level of funding we receive for new affordable housing for 2010-11, but the cut in our allocation is even worse than we had feared. Our original estimate in 2011-12 was to start work on up to 350 house sites. Although no figures have yet been agreed ,given this level of funding the actual number will be substantially less. “This is real disappointment as we have made such good progress in recent years in providing more sites for much-needed affordable private and rented accommodation.” In 2007-08, a total of 421 houses were completed. This figure rose to 525 the following financial year and 567 in 2009-10. A total of 391 are anticipated in this financial year. The council will continue to use its Landbank Fund as a revolving facility to forward fund housing projects with a guarantee from the Scottish Government that any loans will be repaid in April 2011.This will maximise the amount of new affordable housing in the Highlands despite next years cuts. Cllr Davidson called on the Scottish Government to give higher priority to housing developments in the Highlands given the large housing waiting lists and the acute need for affordable housing. At a time of recession, the affordable housing programme was very much welcomed by the construction industry. Further Links:

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SHR UPDATES ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND STATISTICAL RETURN FORMS
08 March 2010

The Scottish Housing Regulator has updated its Annual Performance and Statistical Return (APSR) Forms & Guidance. The regulator has continued to review and streamline information requirements from RSLs to focus on areas of risk. This year’s return is shorter than the previous one, and it takes better account of developments such as Choice Based Letting. SHR has taken advice from sector representatives on the wording of the amendments. All mainstream, small, management only Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), LHO sub-committees (managing stock on behalf of Glasgow Housing Association) and Abbeyfield Societies will be required to complete a return for 2009-10. Further Links:

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PIONEERING PARTNERSHIP PROJECT HELPS YOUNG BORDERERS
08 March 2010

A unique and novel project is about to be launched in Galashiels, designed to help vulnerable young people make the transition to fully independent living. The initiative is based around an existing block of flats in Albert Place, Galashiels, and will provide not only self-contained accommodation for four young people, but also training on the full range of skills needed to maintain their tenancies and to make the best of their abilities, at home and in the jobs market. The youngsters who will benefit from this project will be given tenancies of up to 6 months in the Albert Place flats, along with round-the-clock support from a Transitions Team containing specialist advisers on employment and training, housing options and general life skills. This project has been developed jointly by Scottish Borders Housing Association, which owns and leases the flats, Scottish Borders Council’s Social Work Department, which provided a grant of £274,000 to assist with the cost of the building’s conversion and refurbishment, as well as employing the Transitions Team, and finally, the Scottish Government, which contributed £83,848 towards the cost of a Training Flat within Albert Place and the cost of additional staff within the Transitions Team. The Albert Place facility is also unique in having been developed in close liaison with young people who themselves have in the past experienced the transition to successful independent living. It is intended that these young folk will continue to play a part in the project once it is fully up and running, as they are seen as key to its success. The newly-completed accommodation will be opened formally, and the project launched, on March 10, at noon. Executive Member for Social Work, David Raw, will jointly open the facility along with David Pye, SBHA Board Member and also Chairman of SBHA Plus, the Association’s subsidiary company which was awarded the Wider Role grant for this project. Cllr Raw said: “I am delighted to see the development of this service to support Scottish Borders young care leavers. Close collaboration between agencies has made this possible. As an Elected Member I am very aware of my responsibilities to these vulnerable young people and look forward to seeing further developments that help them to become responsible adults.” Further Links:

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FIFE TO INSTALL SPRINKLERS IN NEW BUILD HOMES
08 March 2010

Life saving sprinkler systems are set to be installed in 57 new build Fife Council homes. Members of the Housing and Communities committee took the decision in principal at a meeting and also agreed a new build design standard that will provide enhanced energy performance. The new properties will meet the new building regulations standards that will be introduced later in 2010 which will require a 30% minimum improvement in carbon emissions compared to previous regulations and the homes will also be built to Very Good Eco Homes standards. This will ensure that properties are highly efficient and affordable to run. The energy performance standard will mean a new benchmark which will be implemented in the Council’s next two new build projects at Rosyth and Ladybank. The installation of domestic fire sprinklers and additional guidelines on reducing accidents will also help make the Council’s new homes even safer. The sprinkler systems will automatically trigger in the event of a fire to dampen and extinguish a blaze in very early stages, preventing its spread through a home and saving lives. Additional improvements recommended by the Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents will also be included such as secure child proof cupboards in the kitchens. Councillor Brian Goodall, chair of the Housing and Communities committee, said: “This is excellent news and something which I’m proud to be involved in. The agreement in principal to put sprinkler systems into our new homes in Rosyth and Ladybank along with providing highly energy efficient properties sets a new standard which I think all new builds should meet and is a tremendous step forward for us. “The sprinklers will also compliment the range of other safety measures including smoke alarms in our homes and prove we are doing everything we can to keep Fifers safe.” A further report will be brought to the next meeting of the Housing and Communities committee giving funding options for the new sprinklers. Further Links:

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NORWEGIAN REGENERATION EXPERTS VISIT EDINBURGH
08 March 2010

A group of Norwegian regeneration experts have visited Edinburgh to find out how the Capital has tackled rebuilding areas of the city. The party of 26 officials – consisting of engineers, landscape architects, area planning, architects, building modellers and project managers - will see at first hand some of the exciting developments in the city. After a civic reception at the City Chambers they will be given a presentation on the Gracemount demolition last year which is part of the 21st Century Homes Project which will see 1,300 new council homes built across the city – the first for more than a generation. The party will then visit various projects in Edinburgh including the new Craigroyston High School, developments at the Forthquarter and the Western Harbour and finish at Pennywell Arts Centre. The Arts Centre is hosting a community engagement event in partnership with the Council in relation to the regeneration of the area. Regeneration work involves a great deal of partnership work and representatives from the Port of Leith Housing Association (Western Harbour) and Places for People (Forthquarter) will also be present. Councillor Paul Edie, Housing Leader for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We’re delighted that we can share our expertise with our Norwegian colleagues. We have had considerable success in regenerating many parts of Edinburgh and I am sure they will find their visit extremely enlightening. “Hopefully some of the good practices we have in this city can be put to good use in their country.” Further Links

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WORK EXPERIENCE SUCCESS IN DUMFRIES INSPIRES OTHERS TO FOLLOW SUIT
08 March 2010

Students from Dumfries and Galloway have enjoyed an invaluable insight into future employment opportunities after seeing the benefits a work experience scheme brought to another local school. Connaught Partnerships Ltd, who is providing repairs, maintenance and planned improvements to Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership (DGHP) properties in the area, agreed to offer work experience to students from Wallace Hall Academy after teachers saw the success of a recent similar scheme at the nearby Sanquhar Academy. As a result, four Third Year students from the Thornhill area participated in the week long programme that offered experience in all aspects of the repairs and maintenance programme including plumbing, joinery, plastering and customer service. Alan Hill, Connaught partnership manager, said: “The recent work experience programme with Sanquhar Academy was a great success and when Wallace Hall enquired if we could extend the programme to include them we were delighted to help. “We are committed to utilising local skills and labour whilst working with Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership and an extension of this is to provide work experience and careers guidance to the next generation of the local workforce. The students who participated were a credit to Wallace Hall and demonstrated great enthusiasm and ability and hopefully the work experience programme will have gone some way to help them decide if work in the maintenance and repairs industry is for them.” Barry Graham, Headteacher at Wallace Hall Academy, commented: “We were delighted that Connaught agreed to give a group of our Third Year pupils the opportunity to experience a wide variety of work situations. The pupils concerned had a very valuable week which they thoroughly enjoyed.” DGHP and Connaught are working in partnership for four years to provide repairs, maintenance and planned improvements to 10,500 properties across Dumfries and Galloway. Further Links

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UNEMPLOYED DUNDONIANS GET HELP BACK INTO WORK
08 March 2010

A group of unemployed people in Dundee are set to undertake six months' work in the city to help improve their job chances. They have been given temporary work as painting assistants with Dundee Contract Services under the Future Jobs Fund, which supports the creation of jobs for long-term unemployed young people and others who face significant disadvantage in the labour market. Dundee Contracts convener, Councillor Jimmy Black and director, Ken Laing today met the 10 as they took part in a training programme at the Clepington Road headquarters. Councillor Black said: "The new assistants will be involved in the re-decoration of housing department properties prior to them being offered to new tenants. "Hopefully, the experience they will gain over a six-month period may help their chances of securing long-term employment in the future." As the city's biggest building maintenance contractor, DCS has also for many years ensured that apprenticeships are available in a wide variety of trades to provide quality work for the city council and local housing associations.

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FIRST MINISTER WELCOMES £50M BIG LOTTERY FUND
08 March 2010

Plans for a new £50m BIG Lottery Fund initiative to support young Scots leaving care and older people with dementia and their carers can transform many thousands of lives across Scotland, First Minister, Alex Salmond said. Mr Salmond reaffirmed the Scottish Government's commitment to supporting those most in need as he met Alison Magee, Chair of the Scotland Committee of the BIG Lottery Fund to discuss their plans at Bute House in Edinburgh this morning. He said: "The Scottish Government is working with agencies and charities across the country to achieve a fairer Scotland with opportunities for all to flourish and the decision to invest #50m to target the needs of young care leavers, older people with dementia and their carers, will go a long way to supporting that aim. "Lottery funding decisions are taken independently of government, but the Scottish Government has been working closely with the BIG Lottery Fund to identify key issues distinctive to Scotland and we will continue to explore innovative ways to tackle them. "Dementia touches the lives of many thousands of Scots - both those with the condition and individuals who invest so much of their time to care for their loved-ones. Dementia is a national priority for the Scottish Government. We will launch our dementia strategy next month and a revised national carers strategy later in the year - plans that will build on our investment in services to improve support for carers and those they care for. "The Government is also committed to ensuring every child gets the chance to fulfil their potential, whether or not they have been in care; that is why we have acted to improve the educational attainment and achievement of these young people, including providing additional training and resources. "We will continue to support the BIG Lottery Fund as it aims to ensure this planned investment makes a real difference for Scots and delivers a shared vision of transformational change in communities the length and breadth of Scotland."

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UK HOUSING MARKET IMPROVING FASTER THAN MOST OF EUROPE
08 March 2010

Signs of recovery are already visible in some European housing markets, especially in sales levels and prices, says the latest RICS European Housing Review. A significant number of European residential markets were starting to show signs of recovery as early as spring / summer 2009 and further revival is expected in 2010. Norway led the way with prices rising by 12%, followed by Finland where they rose by eight percent and then Sweden, who saw a seven percent increase. In the UK, prices rose by one percent in 2009 overall, but by 10% since their lowest point in April. Low interest rates and reviving economies helped to avoid housing market meltdown across much of Europe. In Germany, Italy, Netherlands and France, last year’s falls were relatively moderate (between -four percent to -six percent) and though today markets are still fragile, they are starting to stabilise and to see some price growth. However countries with vulnerable economies will continue to experience depressed markets and falling prices. The worst performing markets of 2009 were Ireland, Spain, Greece, most central and eastern European countries, and especially the Baltic States where prices declined between -27% to -53% in 2009. Geographically, together they form an unlucky horseshoe around the edges of Europe. The economies of Europe are only showing weak signs of growth and this will hold back housing markets, especially if unemployment continues to rise. Most European house building industries, with the exception of Germany and Switzerland, are also still suffering the impact of the global financial backlash and housing supply will need some time to recover. The report's author, Professor Michael Ball, said: "The shallowness of the downturn in core European housing markets has surprised many commentators. But Europe is not the USA, and the problems and policy responses have been different. Mortgage defaults have only risen modestly. Low interest rates and central bank support for mortgage markets have played key roles in bringing recovery. “Huge problems remain unfortunately. Housing markets around the fringe of Europe are still dragging down economies in a vicious circle and all European housing markets continue to face credit constraints and great uncertainty. ” Simon Rubinsohn, RICS chief economist said: “A combination of extraordinarily low interest rates and a raft of government measures have helped to put a floor under residential property markets in most European countries. “A firmer tone to the macro news flow is also providing a layer of support with clear evidence that an economic recovery is now under way. Indeed, in a number of cases the boost to liquidity has pushed prices back in the direction of previous highs. However, other housing markets are continuing to labour. In particular, the overhang of supply remains a drag in Spain and Ireland. “ Further Links

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LAST CHANCE TO BOOK...2010 CIH ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION
08 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 - GOVERNANCE OF SCOTTISH HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS
08 March 2010

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. 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
09 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: NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT HOLM AVENUE, DUMFRIES
09 March 2010

DGHP Ltd is inviting applications from contractors who wish to be considered for inclusion on a select list to tender for the construction of a new housing development, consisting of both mainstream and supported accommodation, located at Holm Avenue, Dumfries. The contract comprises the erection of 20 no. single and two-storey detached and semi-detached timber framed houses on a vacant site. The works will also include piled foundations and all necessary siteworks and site servicing including: roads, road footpaths and car parking; sewers and house drainage; pavings; fencing; soft landscaping; and water, gas, electricity and telecom mains connections. The works are programmed to commence in the autumn of 2010 for a period of approximately 15 months, and are estimated to cost in the region of £2.5m. Contractors will be required to complete a pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ). The purpose of the PQQ is to identify a number of suitably qualified and experienced organisations that will be invited to tender. DGHP will use the information provided in response to the PQQ to determine which organisations are most suited, in the opinion of DGHP, in terms of technical knowledge and experience and organisational and financial standing to submit a tender. The PQQ is available by recording your interest in the contract via the Public Contracts Scotland website at www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk. PQQ’s should be returned in hard copy format to DGHP Ltd, 80 Ashwood Drive, Stranraer, DG9 7PF, marked for the attention of Gordon McClintick, FRICS, Procurement and Program Manager (telephone 01387 242644) no later than 1200 hours on Monday, 12 April 2010. Further Links:

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SCOTTISH HOUSING JOBS ON-LINE
09 March 2010

Jobs Manor Estates Housing Association is seeking a Technical Inspector, Salary (from 1st April 2010) £27,190 - £29,911 + CAR ALLOWANCE + FINAL SALARY PENSION, Edinburgh. Our busy Technical services team is responsible for delivering a quality responsive repairs service and planned improvement works to our customers. A vacancy has arisen within the team for a Technical Inspector following a restructure of the team last year. 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, 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 the Senior Technical Officer, you will be responsible for day to day repair inspections, empty house inspections, planned maintenance contract support and routine estate inspections. You will use your people skills to assist the section in achieving the annual planned maintenance programme of work; Contractor Performance; Stock Surveys; Reactive, planned and cyclical maintenance services; Empty house inspections and control; Contribute to policy development reviews; 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 Lorraine Hutchison, Office Manager on 0131 337 3222, email info@manorestates.org.uk. For an informal discussion about the post or the Association please contact Alan Naysmith, Senior Technical Officer on 0131 337 3222 or email anaysmith@manorestates.org.uk. Manor Estates 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 29. Melville Housing Association is seeking a Housing Assistant (Temporary), Maternity Cover, Salary £18,813 – £21,036, 35 hours per week. Closing date: noon on March 12. Melville Housing Association is seeking a Property Manager, Salary £34,458 - £37,905 + Car allowance + Final Salary Pension. Closing date: noon on March 15. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Housing Manager (Ref: ALM 90). Closing date: March 12. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Corporate & Development Administration Assistant (Ref: ALM 91). Closing date: March 12. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Debt Recovery Officer [Part Time] (Ref: ALM 92). Closing date: March 12. For more information on any of the above jobs, or to apply, go to www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Tenders Craigdale Housing Association is inviting tenders for a Tenant Satisfaction Survey. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 8. DGHP Ltd is inviting tenders for a new housing development. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 12. To advertise Jobs, call Contact Publicity on 0141 204 2042 or email: jobsonline@contactpublicity.co.uk To advertise Tenders, call Jeff Anderson on 01292 479 443 or email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk

PLANS TO IMPROVE PRIVATE RENTED HOUSING
09 March 2010

Alex Neil Plans to improve the standard of private rented housing in Scotland have been unveiled. The Scottish Government is consulting about the proposed Private Housing (Scotland) Bill. Views are being sought about the private rented sector, licensing of mobile homes and 20 year residential lease and standard security rules. Housing and Communities Minister, Alex Neil said: "This Government is committed to encouraging a thriving private rented sector, which provides good quality and well managed accommodation. "Although the private rented sector makes up a small proportion of all housing in Scotland, it is an important part of the market. In some areas private renting provides a significant amount of permanent housing, elsewhere it is a vital short-term solution for people at various stages in their lives. "This Bill proposes changes that will lead to landlords and tenants having a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities. It aims to improve standards and crucially, deliver a better deal for tenants and landlords." Professor Douglas Robertson, Chair of the Private Rented Sector Strategy Group said: "These proposals, drawing on a comprehensive review of the private rented sector - the largest of its kind ever undertaken in Scotland - and discussed at length by the Scottish Private Rented Sector Strategy Group, will help in creating better informed consumers and providers. "This is seen to be the best means to ensure a better functioning rental market, where everyone knows their rights and expectations. "Supporting this ambition the proposed reforms focus on further refining the landlord registration system, refining the licensing of homes in multiple occupancy, tackling specific overcrowding issues and making improvements to the existing tenancy regime. "Having a better functioning market for rented housing in a laudable ambition, given the key role this sector plays, at different points, in the lives of Scottish people."

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NEW PRIVATE RENTING BILL IS SIMPLY ‘HALFWAY HOUSE BILL’, SAYS SHELTER SCOTLAND
09 March 2010

New proposals to improve the private rented sector are welcome but are only ‘halfway’ to the bigger reforms that are really needed, according to Shelter Scotland as it responds to the publication of the Scottish Government’s Private Housing (Scotland) Bill. Gordon MacRae, Head of Communications and Policy, Shelter Scotland, said: “Last week’s pictures of Govanhill in Glasgow show that slum landlords are still with us. Although most landlords do a good job, there is a persistent minority who tarnish the reputation of all. “There’s some good ideas published today (Monday) and we will go through the proposals in full in the weeks to come. But it is only really a Halfway House Bill. Measures to improve the private rented sector must go further for the benefit of tenants and good landlords. “This would mean the Scottish Government committing to a second bill covering the likes of an overhaul of regulation of the private rented sector, including landlord registration, a revamp of tenancy laws to promote longer term tenancies, and effective action against illegal eviction.” He added: “A properly regulated private rented sector that ensures a safe and secure home for tenants, as well as giving landlords the chance to work within a professional, high quality area of housing is where Scotland needs to get to.”

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EVENT: HOT TOPIC ON HEALTH AND SAFETY
09 March 2010

The widely anticipated Hot Topic on Health & Safety is now ready for booking! The event will take place at Jury's Inn, 80 Jamaica Street, Glasgow on the afternoon of May 6, 2010. Hear from keynote speakers Ivor and Jeff from Fifth Dimension, who will use their unique communication skills to give us their own take on behaviours and attitudes related to health and safety, and Elena Fry, Partner, Biggart Baillie LLP, who will cover how to avoid incidents and court action by maintaining simple steps to best protect your organisation. Join in a variety of workshops on Risk Assessments, EVH new Health & Safety Manual, Personal Safety in the Workplace and Driving at Work. Further information and a booking form can be found on our website www.evh.org.uk. Don't miss your chance to be part of this great value event which is filling up fast! Further Links:

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CONTRACTORS AND TRAINEES HONOURED AT TOiL CEREMONY IN LEITH
09 March 2010

The seven apprentices celebrate Seven trainees graduated from Training Opportunities in Lothian (TOiL) Project at a ceremony in Leith and, for the first time, five of the contractors who trained them were also honoured. The programme offers six months’ paid work experience placements aimed at getting young school leavers, with few or no qualifications, skills and work experience to get them into the job market. Training placements are with local firms in a variety of trades and give the trainees real experience and skills that employers look for, whilst paying them a decent wage while learning. The programme is backed by Port of Leith Housing Association, which also provides in-house training and career guidance for the trainees. The seven trainees – Paul Glynn (placed with N W Watt & Son), Kevin Casey (Carillion), Badou Sallah (Carillion), James Glasgow (M Gillhooley Contracts), David Craig (Margaret Blackwood Housing Association), Kenny Lindsay (Out of the Blue Arts Education Trust) and Robbie Duncan (Mitie Property Services) – have worked on a range of skills from plumbing and joinery to painting and decorating. The contractors were recognised in a range of awards as follows: Certificate of Recognition: N Watt & Son, Edinburgh; Silver Award: Quality Decor, Dalkeith and TB Mackay, Granton; and Gold Award:Hugh Muirhead & Son Ltd, Leith and MITIE Property Services (Painting & Decorating), Roddinglaw. Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of Port of Leith, said: “I am delighted to see our trainees graduate after six months’ hard work on placements that have sent some of them around Scotland. Already one of our trainees has secured an apprenticeship on the back of the skills learned through TOiL and another two have found work. The others won’t be far behind. “At this time, when the pinch of recession is still being felt, we thought that it was also important to honour the contribution made to the project by the contractors we work with. It would be easy for them to step back from supporting trainees at this time but they haven’t. "Without them, there would be no programme and we are grateful for their ongoing support. But it goes without saying that we are always looking for new building trades companies to help us with our placements.” Further Links:

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VIEWS SOUGHT ON REDEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR THORNYBANK
09 March 2010

Locals view the plans for Thornybank The housebuilder behind a mixed use development in the Thornybank area of Dalkeith have expressed their delight at the numbers and positive feedback from those attending a public exhibition of their draft proposals. Formerly home to Forrest Furnishings, the site has been redundant for some time. Developer, Mactaggart & Mickel Homes propose to build in the region of 90 new homes on the site, one quarter of which will be affordable housing. Proposals for the site also include a local food store, a series of small business units and an office development. It is estimated that the development could generate as many as 100 permanent new jobs. Ken Hopkins, Strategic Land Manager for Mactaggart & Mickel Homes, said: “We heard a lot of very positive comments about our draft plans for the Thornybank site. People were particularly supportive of the mix of housing on offer and our proposals for a local food store were also very well received. “There were also a number of very helpful practical suggestions which we will try to incorporate into the planning application for development of the site. “I’m pleased that so many members of the local community took the opportunity to come along to the event and to give us the benefit of their input. Over the coming weeks, we will be reviewing our proposals in light of the detailed feedback we’ve received. After that, we hope to submit a formal planning application to Midlothian Council in the course of May.” Further Links:

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OCHIL VIEW ANNOUNCES RENT FREEZE FOR 2010/11
09 March 2010

Ochil View Housing Association has advised all tenants that rent and service charges will remain unchanged for 2010/11. This decision was made as part of the approval of the Association’s budget by the Management Committee and follows a process of consultation involving Ochil View tenants. The Association agreed with its tenants in 2009 that, if the rate of inflation was negative, that rents would not be increased. The Association’s annual rent review is linked to the rate of inflation in September which, in September 2009, was -1.4%. This rent freeze delivers on this commitment and will be applied to all the Association’s housing properties in Clackmannanshire and West Fife. The Association’s Director, George Tainsh said: “We aim to keep rents as affordable as possible and believe our rents offer good value for money. The Association is facing difficult financial and economic times as are our tenants and we are therefore pleased to be able to freeze rents whilst maintaining high levels of investment in our housing stock. “Tenants therefore should not be concerned that a rent freeze will impact on investment as the Association plans to spend over £2.4m in tenants’ homes during the coming year.” Further details of the Association’s investment programme will be announced in the near future. Further Links:

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DEVELOPER TO CONSULT ON INVERURIE PROPOSALS
09 March 2010

Taylor Wimpey is to hold a community engagement event to consult on potential development options for land at Souterford on the Oldmeldrum Road, Inverurie, for inclusion in the Council’s Local Development Plan. Aberdeenshire Council is reviewing the current Local Plan and replacing it with what will be called a 'Local Development Plan', which will guide development within Aberdeenshire for the period to 2023. The site at Souterford has long been considered for housing by the Council, with its inclusion as an area of search for future housing within the Aberdeenshire Local Plan. It achieved one of the strongest evaluation scores in the Council’s own Inverurie Capacity Study (2008). Taylor Wimpey’s proposal is for a residential, sustainable and deliverable development of up to 300 houses, including affordable housing. Measuring over 9 hectares, the site is within walking distance of the train station and in close proximity to the town centre. Attendees at the event will also be able to view and provide feedback on potential options for the delivery of a new primary school, riverside parkland and potential link road. The event will be held on March 10/11 at the Wyness Hall, Jackson Street, Inverurie (1pm-7.30pm on 10th and 10.30am-7.30pm on 11th) and is open to the community. The Council consulted on its 'Main Issues Report' which is the key document for early engagement on the Local Development Plan between May and July 2009. This identifies choices for development in the area, and in particular, locations where it is felt development should and should not occur. In January 2010 the Council reported that it had received around 3,000 responses to the consultation, expected to result in about 27,000 issues which will be considered and presented to councillors. In its submission to the consultation, Taylor Wimpey highlighted that the site is excellently positioned for future development, especially as Inverurie is in need of new housing and has limited opportunities for expansion due to physical and natural constraints. In fact a Bank of Scotland report (May 2009) named Inverurie as the hardest place for essential public sector workers to buy a home. In the Inverurie Capacity Study the site scored 80% and was bettered by only two other sites. The scores ranged between 62% and 84%. The proposed development also lies outwith the 1 in 200 year flood plain. This proposal is a continuation of Taylor Wimpey’s commitment to Aberdeenshire, providing jobs and investment for the economy. Elspeth Lamb, Strategic Land Manager for Taylor Wimpey said: “We are delighted to be presenting our options for development to the local community. The site is excellently positioned for future development and achieved one of the highest scores in the Inverurie Capacity Study. “Inverurie is in need of new housing and the proposed development is of key significance to the town and its positioning within the Strategic Growth Area between Blackburn and Inverurie. Taylor Wimpey is committed to delivering sustainable development in Aberdeenshire, creating new jobs, helping to further develop key areas and bringing much needed investment.” Further Links

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INVERCLYDE TO INVEST IN HELPING PEOPLE STAY IN THEIR HOMES
09 March 2010

Inverclyde Council has committed an extra £800,000 to support the elderly and vulnerable allowing them to stay in their own homes. Minimum grants of 80% are available to provide equipment and adaptations for disabled people following assessment by an Occupational Therapist from the Inverclyde Centre for Independent Living. The minimum grant applies to every resident owner in Inverclyde, irrespective of income or property value. Applicants who are on a number of benefits can receive the maximum grant of 100%. Convener of Health and Social Care, Councillor Joe McIlwee said: “This is an incredibly important service that really does improve the quality of people’s lives. For those affected by disability or chronic conditions something as simple as climbing into a bath or up the stairs becomes as challenging as climbing Everest. The fact they can apply for help to overcome these difficulties allows them to live as near normal lives as possible and, importantly, to stay in their own homes.” The total budget for 2010/11 will now be £950,000 - £460,000 more than the budget originally approved in February 2009 of £490,000. Vice Convener, Councillor Gerry Dorrian said: “It really is vital that people who may be eligible for these grants come forward for assessment. Arthur and Glenys are typical of the kind of people we can help and I think it is obvious that without these adaptations to their home they may well have had to move.” Adaptations under the scheme include internal or external stairlift; level access shower; tracking hoist; access ramp; doorway widening; over-bath shower; and construction of an extension to provide suitable amenities. The scheme also allows for the removal of previously approved adaptations for tenants of private landlords. Financial assistance for extensions to provide extra living accommodation will be offered on a means tested basis, with no entitlement to a minimum grant level and taking into account savings over £10,000. Further Links

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MPs ARE RIGHT TO CALL FOR END TO BANKS’ ‘UNFAIR’ POLICIES
09 March 2010

Kaliani Lyle Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) has called for an end to unfairness in the banking sector. Responding to the report published by the Scottish Affairs committee of MPs, which refers to “unfair and aggressive tactics”, CAS have said they would like to meet soon with the Scottish banks to discuss ways in which they can change their policies and so take the pressure off their customers. CAS Chief Executive, Kaliani Lyle said: “This report outlines a number of areas in which banking practices have been unfair to their customers. The recommendations are very much in line with what we have been calling for, and with what we told the committee when we spoke to them last year. So we strongly welcome the report and we hope that the banking sector also accepts it in full. “People in Scotland are suffering hugely because of the impact of the recession, and for many the banks have been making things worse. Unfair fees, inappropriate lending policies and high interest rates have combined to put added pressure on to people – many of whom have been driven unnecessarily into debt, which could have been avoided had the banks pursued more flexible policies. “The report urges that the banks should work with us now to put these policies right. We are very keen to do this and we will be contacting the banks to set up such communications. We hope they respond positively. We have a responsibility now to work fast to put things right, so that no-one suffers for one day longer than they need to. “We also welcome the report’s recommendation that government continue to aupport advice services to the full. It’s clear that many people depend on their local CAB, and without it would struggle even more.”

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PERTH AND KINROSS TO DISCUSS HOUSING AND COMMUNITY CARE CHARGES
09 March 2010

A Charging Statement for Housing and Community care services will be discussed by members of the Perth and Kinross Council’s Housing and Health Committee tomorrow. The proposed Charging Statement summarises the different charging arrangements for services such as council housing rent, sheltered housing, personal care, day care and residential care, and sets out how clients can obtain financial assistance with these charges if necessary. The document sets out the principles behind the charging arrangements, the charges associated with particular services, how the Council can help to maximise the income of service users and how the Council works out how much someone will have to pay for a service. It also sets out services for which there is no charge. Housing and Health Convener, Councillor Peter Barrett, said: “This Charging Statement ensures that the process of charging for our services is transparent. The Council aims to ensure that clients in receipt of Housing and Community Care Services are not placed in financial hardship as a consequence of the way services are charged for. “All our service users who have to pay a charge are offered a financial assessment to determine how much they can pay towards the cost of chargeable services. Clients are also offered an income maximisation assessment to make sure they are receiving all the benefits to which they are entitled. “All income generated by charges contributes to service budgets and ensures the continued development and delivery of high quality services. The Charging Statement will provide clear guidance to people who use our services about when they will be expected to pay for them, how much it will cost and what help and assistance the Council can provide.” Members of the Committee will be asked to approve the Charging Statement at their meeting on March 10.

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LAST CHANCE TO BOOK...2010 CIH ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION
09 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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COMING SOON TO SHARE
09 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 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
10 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: NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT HOLM AVENUE, DUMFRIES
10 March 2010

DGHP Ltd is inviting applications from contractors who wish to be considered for inclusion on a select list to tender for the construction of a new housing development, consisting of both mainstream and supported accommodation, located at Holm Avenue, Dumfries. The contract comprises the erection of 20 no. single and two-storey detached and semi-detached timber framed houses on a vacant site. The works will also include piled foundations and all necessary siteworks and site servicing including: roads, road footpaths and car parking; sewers and house drainage; pavings; fencing; soft landscaping; and water, gas, electricity and telecom mains connections. The works are programmed to commence in the autumn of 2010 for a period of approximately 15 months, and are estimated to cost in the region of £2.5m. Contractors will be required to complete a pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ). The purpose of the PQQ is to identify a number of suitably qualified and experienced organisations that will be invited to tender. DGHP will use the information provided in response to the PQQ to determine which organisations are most suited, in the opinion of DGHP, in terms of technical knowledge and experience and organisational and financial standing to submit a tender. The PQQ is available by recording your interest in the contract via the Public Contracts Scotland website at www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk. PQQ’s should be returned in hard copy format to DGHP Ltd, 80 Ashwood Drive, Stranraer, DG9 7PF, marked for the attention of Gordon McClintick, FRICS, Procurement and Program Manager (telephone 01387 242644) no later than 1200 hours on Monday, 12 April 2010. Further Links:

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SCOTTISH HOUSING JOBS ON-LINE
10 March 2010

Jobs Manor Estates Housing Association is seeking a Technical Inspector, Salary (from 1st April 2010) £27,190 - £29,911. Closing date: noon on March 29. Melville Housing Association is seeking a Housing Assistant (Temporary), Maternity Cover, Salary £18,813 – £21,036, 35 hours per week. Closing date: noon on March 12. Melville Housing Association is seeking a Property Manager, Salary £34,458 - £37,905 + Car allowance + Final Salary Pension. Closing date: noon on March 15. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Housing Manager (Ref: ALM 90). Closing date: March 12. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Corporate & Development Administration Assistant (Ref: ALM 91). Closing date: March 12. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Debt Recovery Officer [Part Time] (Ref: ALM 92). Closing date: March 12. For more information on any of the above jobs, or to apply, go to www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Tenders DGHP Ltd is inviting tenders for a new housing development. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 12. To advertise Jobs, call Contact Publicity on 0141 204 2042 or email: jobsonline@contactpublicity.co.uk To advertise Tenders, call Jeff Anderson on 01292 479 443 or email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk

FIVE MORE SECOND STAGE TRANSFER BALLOTS GET GO-AHEAD
10 March 2010

More than 1,000 tenants in Glasgow will be given a chance to vote next month on plans to transfer their Glasgow Housing Association homes to community ownership. The GHA Board has approved business plans from five community-based housing associations who want to take ownership of a total of 1037 homes under Second Stage Transfer. The Scottish Housing Regulator has given approval, in principle, for GHA tenants in the five Local Housing Organisations (LHOs) to be balloted on the plans. An initial consultation period in each area will take giving tenants the chance to consider the detailed proposals. Ballot papers will then be issued in April with tenants given three weeks to respond. It is expected that if a majority of tenants voting in each area are in favour of the plans, the homes will transfer in the summer. The five LHOs where tenants will be balloted are Blairtummock LHO – where 178 properties in Blairtummock in Easterhouse would transfer to Blairtummock Housing Association; Cathcart HA LHO - where 283 properties in Cathcart in the South Side would transfer to Cathcart and District Housing Association; Levernwood Housing Association LHO - where 69 properties in Levernwood in Nitshill would transfer to Rosehill Housing Co-operative; Holmbyre LHO - where 119 properties in Holmbyre in Castlemilk would transfer to Thenew Housing Association; and Wellhouse Tenants Direct - where 388 properties in Wellhouse in Greater Easterhouse would transfer to Wellhouse Housing Association. GHA Tenant Chair, Sandra Forsythe said: “We are committed to delivering Second Stage Transfer where it is what tenants want and I’m delighted more tenants will be given a say in just a few weeks on the future of their homes.” Cathcart & District Director, Christine Leitch said: “Cathcart & District is delighted that negotiations with GHA have reached this stage. The Association is committed to empowering local tenants and believes that SST will give the people of Cathcart and Mount Florida a real say in respect of their housing.” Joe Williamson, director of Wellhouse, said: “Wellhouse has 15 years’ experience and a proven track record of delivering high-quality housing as well as new facilities and services for our tenants. We believe SST will provide real benefits for the community and we are delighted to have the opportunity to converse with local people to ask them what they would like and then to deliver the services they require.” Cathie Mulligan, Chairperson of Blairtummock, said: “We have waited a while for the chance to move towards SST, but we are raring to go. We have proven over the years that we are much more than just a landlord and this ballot gives our LHO tenants the chance to enjoy the full benefits of true community ownership.” The five LHOs which will go to ballot next month are among 29 local communities in a timetable for SST which could see up to 16,500 homes transfer in 2010 and 2011.

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HOUSING IS KEY BUILDING BLOCK TO IMPROVING CHILDREN’S LIFE CHANCES
10 March 2010

Graeme Brown The issue of child homelessness will be thrown under the spotlight at a major one day conference next month – organised and announced Shelter Scotland. Housing is a vital building block to improving the life chances of children and young people - yet across Scotland today thousands of children and young people are stuck in poor quality accommodation or lack a permanent home. The conference, Housing – the missing piece of the jigsaw? on March 30, in Edinburgh, will focus on the importance of housing and homelessness services working with social work, health and education, to improve the life chances of children and young people faced with homelessness or living in bad housing. The conference will feature a DVD of children talking about their experiences of homelessness and key note speeches from experts in the field, including Graeme Brown, Director, Shelter Scotland and Tam Baillie, Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People. Graeme Brown said: “Homelessness and bad housing can have a devastating effect on children and young people, causing upheaval and distress and seriously impacting on their life chances. “This upcoming conference will shine a light on how we can tackle the issues involved with child homelessness. The children and young people of Scotland are our future which is why we must all work together to bring about positive change for those who are homeless and badly housed. “Last year there were around 24,000 children in households assessed as homeless across Scotland and just over 6,200 dependent children were stuck in temporary accommodation. And shockingly there are 43,000 children living in overcrowded households across Scotland. “Behind those figures bad housing has a devastating impact on the life chances of children. Research shows that children living in bad housing are nearly twice as likely as other children to leave school without any qualifications. “In addition, children living in acute bad housing are twice as likely to not attend school compared to children who are living in adequate housing. And children living in bad housing are five times more likely to lack a quiet place to do their homework as other children.”

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HOUSING CUT ‘ANOTHER HAMMER BLOW’ FOR HIGHLAND BUILDING SECTOR, SAYS SBF
10 March 2010

Michael Levack The Scottish Building Federation has hit out at news that Highland Council faces a 45% cut in Scottish Government funding for affordable housing for 2011-12, forecasting “significant business failures” and “substantial lay-offs” in the region’s construction industry as a result. The industry body has also complained that, as competition for dwindling public sector contracts intensifies, many firms are already being forced to put in “suicidal tenders” to secure new work. It has suggested that, with further cuts on the horizon, such practices will push an increasing number of construction firms to the wall. SBF Chief Executive, Michael Levack described the cuts as “even worse than we had feared” and described them as “another hammer blow” for the Highland construction industry. He also suggested that the impact on employment and skills would be “acute”, with many Highland building firms under severe pressure and hundreds of apprentices unable to start or complete their training and forced to seek out an alternative career. A SBF Highland Association survey found that three quarters of members in the region described themselves as “heavily reliant” on the public sector. Traditionally viewed as a strength, the Highland industry’s strong reliance on public sector investment now makes it particularly vulnerable to threatened cuts in public sector capital investment, the SBF has warned. A growing crisis in the availability of affordable housing across the region will also accelerate a continuing outflux of workers from the region, further stifling its economic recovery, Mr. Levack added. He also expressed concern that the effects of the cuts would be to create a skills shortage which would stoke up major cost inflation in the construction sector when the economy finally recovers. Levack said: “We expected cuts but these are even worse than we had feared. This is yet another hammer blow for the Highland construction industry. “But this is not just disastrous for the building sector. It will do nothing to address a growing crisis in affordable housing provision in some of the most rural and remote parts of Scotland. Such a drastic cut in public funding will stifle the region’s economic recovery, forcing an increasing number of younger people to leave the Highlands altogether in search of a job and an affordable roof over their head. “For the construction industry in the Highlands, the impact will be to create an acute skills shortage that will stoke up major cost inflation when the recovery finally comes.” Further Links:

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SCOTTISH HEROES GET FUNDING BOOST
10 March 2010

Alex Neil Visiting Erskine Home for ex-service men and women, Housing and Communities Minister, Alex Neil has revealed that 11 projects will share a £80,000 fund to help heroes at home in Scotland. The projects will deliver new or innovative approaches to veterans' issues, or activities not funded by the Scottish Government or the Ministry of Defence. Successful projects include £10,000 for a supported accommodation pilot in Erskine providing five cottages alongside welfare advice, re-training and employment advice for recently discharged service personnel; and The Thistle Foundation (£10,000), a lifestyle management course which will help 40 veterans to improve their lives, on a 10-week course Mr Neil said: "The Government is determined to increase support for Scotland's armed forces veterans. We will never forget the bravery of our heroes or the debt of gratitude we owe them. "These projects will allow veterans to use the skills, experience and confidence gained through their service careers as well as helping them adjust to civilian life." Erskine's Chief Executive, Major Jim Panton said: "I am pleased that Alex Neil paid a visit to the Erskine Edinburgh Home and Personnel Recovery Centre today. I trust he has enjoyed his visit and that he also enjoyed meeting many of our residents. He seemed impressed with our work in caring for the country's veterans. "I would also like to thank him for the 10,000 pound grant Erskine has received from the Scottish Veterans Fund which we will use for our Supported Transition Project. This project will see Erskine providing wounded or injured soldiers who are leaving the Forces with housing, employment and training to help ease the transition back into civvy street. "This could not come at a more important time due to the ongoing operations our Armed Forces are involved in throughout the world. I hope this will encourage the public to donate to our cause in order that we can continue to provide the highest standard of care to veterans for many years to come." Further Links:

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BORDERS YOUNG PEOPLE GET COOKING TRAINING
10 March 2010

You Can Cook has begun a programme with young people and housing association tenants in the Scottish Border that will help them learn basic techniques and skills in cookery. Through five workshops, participants will benefit from a varied programme that will help raise awareness of how to plan, budget, prepare, cook and serve meals based on a healthy and nutritional diet. You Can Cook is committed to self-help and empowering participants to take that step forward in changing their lifestyle for the better. The project in the Borders has been able to go ahead, due to funding from Awards for All and a Wider Role grant from the Scottish Government. Some of the early beneficiaries will be young people involved in the Albert Place Transitions Project to be launched today by Scottish Borders Housing Association and Scottish Borders Council. The programme includes information about nutrition, benefits of organic and non-organic foods, buying local produce and fair trade issues with the ultimate objective of helping vulnerable people make an informed choice. Planning and budgeting skills and knowledge about additives, flavourings, pesticides, fertilisers, E numbers are integral to the programme. You Can Cook is an established programme that is run by a qualified and experienced chef, who recruits and trains people from the local community to share their expertise and passion for cooking with those who do not fully understand the benefits of healthy and nutritional eating. This provides an opportunity for beneficiaries from the project of learning how to become a community cook and disseminate their learning and acquired skills with other people. The programme’s philosophy is based on the axiom “we are what we eat” and helps vulnerable people to understand how they can nourish their bodies in an appropriate way to improve their well being. The planning and budgeting elements of the programme will also help participants to manage their shopping in a more economic way and reduce expenditure by not purchasing high cost ready meals. The project will be organised into five blocks and each block comprise six sessions. Each session is for two hours and You Can Cook provides all the tools, ingredients and a community chef together with a qualified chef provides the expertise. Further Links:

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FISH PROJECT NETS FOUR NEW WELFARE RIGHTS OFFICERS
10 March 2010

ACHA (Argyll Community Housing Association) has developed a new welfare rights service for tenants in partnership with Dunbritton Housing Association and West Highland Housing Association. Building on the success of the FISH project (financial inclusion services in housing) from last year, the housing association partnership has obtained grant funding of £259,000 from the Scottish Government and the Henry Smith Charity for four new welfare rights officers for an 18 month period. The new welfare rights officers will help tenants of the three associations from all over Argyll and Bute to claim benefits and credits that they are entitled to. It is very often elderly people or those on low incomes who are not claiming and in the UK last year there was an estimated £16 billion of un-claimed income related benefits alone. ACHA’s Chief Executive, Alastair MacGregor said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to assist our tenants to claim benefits – money they are entitled to and previously have missed out on. This will be a welcome income boost for many individuals and to the Argyll economy. “At a time of real pressure on grant resources I am really pleased that the hard work of the three associations concerned has managed to secure this valuable resource to help our people.” The new welfare rights officers will provide services through the ACHA office network throughout Argyll and Bute and will also link up with West Highland and Dunbritton Housing Association facilities. Further Links:

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HIGHLAND COUNCIL REASSURE OVER FUTURE OF CARE HOMES
10 March 2010

The Leader of The Highland Council has given a categorical assurance that the only work currently being carried out on the future of Council care homes is a review of the business case for building care homes at Burnside/Ach an Eas, Inverness, Muir of Ord, Fort William, Tain and Grantown. This work is scheduled to be completed by the end of this month and the aim is that a report is taken to the full council on 13 May. Councillor Foxley said that before the Council had taken a decision on 17 December last year to proceed with the business case review, the Council’s Leadership had been given a number of options for future action. One included undertaking an option appraisal on the transfer of all Council care homes and their operation to the private sector or to a trust. This option had been dismissed and had not been presented to the Council for consideration. He said: “The clear view of the Leadership was to recommend to the council that we conduct a business review of each of the five proposed projects. This recommendation was accepted. We will examine each of the projects and assess the costs and benefits of the investments so we have the information we require to decide how best to spend the funding available to us. We should have this information by the end of the month and we will take a report to the full council for consideration.” Councillor Margaret Davidson, Chairman of the Housing and Social Work Committee, added: “We are entirely focused on preparing a business case for each of the five homes.” She said the Council ran a total of 10 residential and 9 community care homes. In recent times, it had invested more than £4m on the refurbishment of Bayview House, Thurso; Seaforth House, Golspie; Dail Mhor, Strontian; Melvich Community Care Unit; Strathburn House, Gairloch; the MacKintosh Centre, Mallaig and Pulteney House, Wick and the Telford Centre, Fort Augustus. The Council also purchases places from the independent sector in providing accommodation for older people. Further Links

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FORTH HOUSING STAFF SUPPORTS START-UP STIRLING
10 March 2010

The staff of Forth Housing Association has presented Start-Up Stirling with a cheque for £1,000. Start-Up helps homeless families and individuals when they move into a long-term tenancy from temporary accommodation. This money was raised by the Forth’s staff team over the past year by fundraising lunches, dress down days and other fundraising events. Christine Hancox, Project Co-ordinator said: “Start-Up Stirling has seen a steady increase in the demand for its services in the last year. This kind donation from Forth will allow us to help many more families.” Each household gets allocated a starter pack which consists of 3 boxes containing household goods, food and cleaning materials and each pack costs approximately £45. A kettle, toaster and duvet are also provided and these cost another £40. Start-Up Stirling relies on donations of foodstuffs, cleaning materials etc to keep the cost of starter packs to a minimum. If any individual or groups would like to know how they can help, they should contact Start Up Stirling at c/o The Rock Community Project, 61 - 63 Murray Place, Stirling, FK8 1AP, E mail: startupstirling@hotmail.com. Further Links

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PRIVATE EAST RENFREWSHIRE HOMEOWNERS TO GET ADVICE
10 March 2010

Private home owners in East Renfrewshire will be able to see what assistance East Renfrewshire Council can give them to keep their properties up to standard after councillors gave the go-ahead to the publication of a scheme of assistance. The scheme will be published in April to chart important changes to the way the council can help private home owners with everything from information and advice to practical assistance, especially when common repairs are involved. Improvement grants will no longer be payable in line with national changes, but the council will work with private home owners to reduce the number of homes failing to meet the national tolerable standard, assist owners in communal blocks to carry our essential maintenance and repairs and work with private landlords and tenants to improve standards in the private rented sector. The council will also have new powers to force owners who refuse to maintain their property to do so, while the council’s responsibilities to disabled people to help them stay in their homes by carrying out adaptations, will also be spelled out. Deputy council leader, Councillor Douglas Yates said: “The private sector is extremely important in East Renfrewshire where around 33,000 of our 36,000 homes are privately owned. Our scheme of assistance will be published in April so that all home owners are clear about what their rights and duties are as well as our obligation to them to ensure that the housing stock of the area all meets the minimum tolerable standard. “While the bulk of our housing stock is well-maintained and extremely comfortable, we do have pockets of poverty where the householder, often an older person, has fallen behind with maintenance, and we need to meet that need as well as look after disabled residents whose homes need adaptations to allow them to continue to live in their own homes.”

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GROWING UP GREEN IN SPRINGBURN
10 March 2010

A green-conscious Glasgow primary school got top marks after it excelled in an eco-quiz from a leading business. Laidlaw Scott, which works with many housing providers, challenged Elmvale Primary School youngsters to answer its eco-friendly quiz with tough questions on how to be green in our everyday lives. Impressively, the pupils from Primary 6 taught by Acting Principal Teacher Miss Macdonald got the whole lot right in the special inter-active quiz game. The kids at the Springburn school were so successful that they won lots of hi visibility vests and art activity packs from Laidlaw Scott. The vests will be used later in the year and are perfect for keeping the youngsters safe on dark winter days. Elmvale Primary has outstanding green credentials already - it teaches the youngsters the importance of green issues and despite being yards from a motorway has its own playground garden and even an orchard! The children also have a clear understanding of the need to recycle. The pupils were asked such things like whether it is appropriate to boil a full kettle when only making one cup of tea, what they should do to switch off lights and whether mums and dads should run the washing machine if it is only slightly full. Chris Farmer, Commercial Manager, said: “The Elmvale kids were spot on when it comes to green issues. It was very clear that these youngsters know a thing or two about green matters and the school is to be congratulated on its work in this area. As a building and maintenance contractor, sustainability and eco issues are very high priorities for the company and we are very pleased to be working with schoolchildren on the importance of growing up green.” Elmvale Headteacher, Grant MacLeod said: “We were delighted to welcome Laidlaw Scott to the school. The children enjoyed the quiz very much and are enthusiastic about a range of eco matters. Knowledge about green issues is an important part of our curriculum so it is good to know the children remembered so much of what they have learned.”

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WATES RECEIVES HIGH CSS SCORE ON GHA PROJECT
10 March 2010

A site team at Wates Living Space have managed to achieve a Considerate Constructor Scheme score of 36.5 at the Birness site in Glasgow. The project involves overcladding, window and roof replacement on four multi storey housing blocks for Glasgow Housing Association. Comments in the report included "the site continues to present a professional image of the industry with operatives encouraged to take part in a number of company initiatives aimed at improving the image of the company, site and industry. Public transport, car sharing, crew buses and policy to switch of engines when not in use aims to reduce sites carbon footprint." Wates is currently on site refurbishing fifteen multi storey flats for GHA and achieved an average Considerate Contractor Score of 33.5. Tenants have remained in the blocks while the work is being carried out and several references were made in the report regarding the high level of liaison work undertaken and general consideration to the tenants. These works form part of the ongoing framework Wates are currently employed on with GHA. To date Wates have completed nearly 40 Multi Storey Flats for the association. David Blackwood, GHA Project Manager for Wates Living Space said: "We are delighted to have achieved such a high score, which represents the excellent work our teams undertake.”

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TRAINING AT SHARE – INTRODUCTION DAY FOR NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS
10 March 2010

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 GOVERNANCE OF SCOTTISH HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS INDUCTION DAY in Edinburgh Thursday 22nd April 2010 9.30am - 1.30pm (including lunch) Facilitators: Rod Hunter & Olwyn Gaffney Venue: Manor Estates Housing Association, 11 Washington Lane, Edinburgh, EH11 2HA To date, sixteen committee have successfully completed this qualification and received their certificates, and twenty are currently participating. 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. There are 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. Successful completion of the qualification will lead to the award of a Certificate recognised by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). If you would like to know more please contact Rod Hunter or Olwyn Gaffney at SHARE 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
11 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: NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT HOLM AVENUE, DUMFRIES
11 March 2010

DGHP Ltd is inviting applications from contractors who wish to be considered for inclusion on a select list to tender for the construction of a new housing development, consisting of both mainstream and supported accommodation, located at Holm Avenue, Dumfries. The contract comprises the erection of 20 no. single and two-storey detached and semi-detached timber framed houses on a vacant site. The works will also include piled foundations and all necessary siteworks and site servicing including: roads, road footpaths and car parking; sewers and house drainage; pavings; fencing; soft landscaping; and water, gas, electricity and telecom mains connections. The works are programmed to commence in the autumn of 2010 for a period of approximately 15 months, and are estimated to cost in the region of £2.5m. Contractors will be required to complete a pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ). The purpose of the PQQ is to identify a number of suitably qualified and experienced organisations that will be invited to tender. DGHP will use the information provided in response to the PQQ to determine which organisations are most suited, in the opinion of DGHP, in terms of technical knowledge and experience and organisational and financial standing to submit a tender. The PQQ is available by recording your interest in the contract via the Public Contracts Scotland website at www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk. PQQ’s should be returned in hard copy format to DGHP Ltd, 80 Ashwood Drive, Stranraer, DG9 7PF, marked for the attention of Gordon McClintick, FRICS, Procurement and Program Manager (telephone 01387 242644) no later than 1200 hours on Monday, 12 April 2010. Further Links:

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SCOTTISH HOUSING JOBS ON-LINE
11 March 2010

Jobs Manor Estates Housing Association is seeking a Technical Inspector, Salary (from 1st April 2010) £27,190 - £29,911. Closing date: noon on March 29. Melville Housing Association is seeking a Housing Assistant (Temporary), Maternity Cover, Salary £18,813 – £21,036, 35 hours per week. Closing date: noon on March 12. Melville Housing Association is seeking a Property Manager, Salary £34,458 - £37,905 + Car allowance + Final Salary Pension. Closing date: noon on March 15. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Housing Manager (Ref: ALM 90). Closing date: March 12. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Corporate & Development Administration Assistant (Ref: ALM 91). Closing date: March 12. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Debt Recovery Officer [Part Time] (Ref: ALM 92). Closing date: March 12. For more information on any of the above jobs, or to apply, go to www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Tenders DGHP Ltd is inviting tenders for a new housing development. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 12. To advertise Jobs, call Contact Publicity on 0141 204 2042 or email: jobsonline@contactpublicity.co.uk To advertise Tenders, call Jeff Anderson on 01292 479 443 or email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk

MINISTER TO SPEAK AT TIS CONFERENCE
11 March 2010

The Tenants Information Service (TIS) is delighted to announce that Housing Minister, Alex Neil will be giving a Ministerial Address at the opening session of this year’s annual conference. The conference will be held at The Beardmore Hotel, Clydebank on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th June 2010. In recognition of financial issues facing landlords and tenants’ organisations this year the cost of the conference is being frozen at 2009 prices. The theme of the conference ties in with the Government’s proposals in the Housing Bill to improve housing services with the introduction of the Social Housing Charter and the new housing regulator in Scotland. In addition to workshops there will be a panel session debating investment in affordable housing with guest speakers including representatives from the Scottish Government and Clydesdale Bank. On Saturday evening the winners of the Frances Nelson MBE Award 2010 will be presented with their prizes. This is the biggest tenants’ event in the calendar and is also open to tenant participation staff and members of staff supporting tenants’ organisations so BOOK A PLACE NOW before it’s too late. You can download all the information you need for annual conference and the Frances Nelson MBE Award 2010 from the TIS website at www.tis.org.uk or you can telephone the Glasgow office to have it sent out to you on 0141 248 1242. If you have any queries email info@tis.org.uk.

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DEMOLITION REACHES HALF-WAY POINT AT £14M PAISLEY TOWN CENTRE DEVELOPMENT
11 March 2010

Craig Sanderson, Stephen Cullis and Derek Mackay Key partners from a milestone regeneration project taking place in Paisley town centre have met to observe the work complete on site so far. Derek Mackay, Leader of Renfrewshire Council and Paisley Vision Board Chair, met with Stephen Cullis, Managing Director at Westpoint Homes and Craig Sanderson, Chief Executive of Link Group, as the demolition of the former council headquarters on Paisley’s Cotton Street continues. Once demolition is complete in late spring, build work will begin on phase one of a four-phase, £14m development of 137 residential apartments and commercial space. Overlooking Paisley Abbey, the project will be a major step forward in the regeneration of the town centre. Phase one of the development will be delivered by Westpoint in partnership with affordable housing provider Link Group, with funding from RBS, and will see the creation of 30 two-bedroom homes available under the New Supply Shared Equity scheme (NSSE) through Link. This first phase has received £1.59 million of funding from the Scottish Government. Derek Mackay said: “One of the major themes of our regeneration strategy for Paisley is increasing the number of people living in the town centre. I’m absolutely delighted that work is now starting on this big milestone in our regeneration plans. The inclusion of affordable housing in the development mix is particularly welcome. Paisley is genuinely building for the future.”

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PLANS FOR 4,000-HOME DEVELOPMENT NEAR NEWTONHILL BACKED BY COUNCIL
11 March 2010

Proposals for a major village in the north-east with 4,000 homes have been backed by Aberdeenshire Council, The Press & Journal has reported. The proposal for a settlement at Elsick, near Newtonhill, was chosen as the main development for south Aberdeenshire over the next 12 years. It means councillors have rejected plans for a development at Banchory-Devenick on the outskirts of Aberdeen for 3,000 houses and a large-scale business park, the preferred choice of council planners. Local councillors met yesterday to determine where 6,000 properties earmarked for the Stonehaven-Portlethen area should be allocated in the local development plan. After a day's deliberations, they chose areas where they believe 4,600 houses should be built across Kincardine and Mearns by 2023. Aberdeenshire Provost, Bill Howatson said: “What we are doing needs a bit of vision and a sense of courage. I think it would be a bold statement. It would take a lot of pressure off other areas.” The decision is not final and will go forward to further council committees for approval later in the year. Planning policy team leader, Piers Blaxter warned councillors the process was “not a beauty contest" and the decision would not purely be based on public feeling. A traffic study on the area showed any new development would add considerably to the amount of traffic on north-east roads, he said. Further Links:

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SHIRE HAS BEEN INVESTING IN PEOPLE FOR A DECADE
11 March 2010

The board and staff of Shire Housing Association Ltd are very proud recipients of a 10 year recognition award for their continuous Investors In People achievement. The IIP award recognises businesses who demonstrate investing in and valuing staff development, has many business benefits. Director, Madeleine Sullivan, said: “We are extremely proud of this recognition and continue to use IIP as a valuable tool in our onward business development.” Further Links:

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MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY TO VISIT COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT IN INVERNESS
11 March 2010

Fergus Ewing Minister for Community Safety, Fergus Ewing has visited Inverness to see the work being done by low level offenders to repay their dues back to the community. Mr Ewing visited a project in the Merkinch area of Inverness where low level offenders on community service have been helping to improve the community for elderly and infirm residents. Through manual labour they have been constructing and repairing patios and wooden fencing. This project forms part of wider range of community service acitivity being undertaken in the area, which has included helping local charities, such as Somebody Cares, to deliver goods to those most in need. Mr Ewing was joined in the visit by the Head of Northern Community Justice Authority, Philip English and the Project Manager, Stewart Watt. Further Links:

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CAIRNGORMS TO APPOINT NEW DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
11 March 2010

Communities in the areas of Deeside and Donside within the Cairngorms National Park are to get their own development manager to develop, plan, manage and deliver a range of projects in the area over the next three years. With funding support from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), the European funded LEADER programme and Aberdeenshire Council, the post of Development Manager is being advertised this week. It is a full-time position based in Ballater. Working for the Deeside Donside Development Project, the new job has come about as a direct result of community action planning in the area, with Ballater already having gone through the process with the Ballater One Voice Our Future (BOVOF) community consultation. The successful applicant will be responsible for advising and helping facilitate community groups in developing their projects and achieving their communities' aspirations. Gordon Riddler, Chair of Ballater (RD) Ltd, which is managing and co-ordinating the project on behalf of partners said: "This appointment is an excellent result from a lot of hard work and agency support involved in recent Community Action Planning. “It will be a challenging and rewarding experience for anyone interested in engaging with the communities in the Cairngorms National Park to deliver a range of projects to support their future needs. It also provides a great new opportunity for communities, individually and collectively, to identify and realise projects to support their sustainability and future development." CNPA Board Member and Aberdeenshire Councillor, Peter Argyle said: "The Park Authority and Aberdeenshire Council are delighted to be supporting this new post which will hopefully be a boost - economically, environmentally and socially - for all the communities in Upper Deeside and Upper Donside." Patricia Methven, LEADER Programme Manager added: "The New LEADER programme's priorities are 'Revitalising Communities' and 'Progressive Rural Economies', so this project fits extremely well with where we are trying to target funds." Further Links:

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BUDGET REVIEW CALLS FOR CONTRIBUTIONS ON PUBLIC EXPENDITURE
11 March 2010

The Independent Budget Review has issued an initial call for written contributions to help inform its analysis of prospects for public expenditure in Scotland. The website of the Independent Review Panel has also been launched. It provides a central source of practical information and includes an outline of the process and of how to contribute to the work of the Review. In advance of the next UK Comprehensive Spending Review, which will cover 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14, the purpose of the Review will be to inform public and Parliamentary debate about the challenges and choices which will exist in a significantly constrained public spending environment, and to ensure that priorities can be set by the Scottish Government and Parliament. The Panel - Crawford Beveridge CBE (Chair), Sir Neil McIntosh and Robert Wilson - are conducting their work independently of Government. When they report in July this year, they will seek to present an informed and dispassionate view of the practical options available to those - in Parliament and in central and local government - who will determine how the Scottish Budget is allocated and spent in the next Spending Review period and beyond. Beveridge said: "The assessment of the outlook for the public finances in Scotland which we are publishing as part of our Initial Call for Contributions document paints a stark picture of the likely scale of future reductions in Scottish Government budgets over the three years of the next Spending Review period to 2013-14. "In line with authoritative external forecasts, it now seems that the budget controlled by the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government is likely to fall by approximately £1bn (or 3.6%) each year, in real terms, during 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14, with the most significant reduction expected in the first year: just over 12 months from now. “Although these estimates are highly sensitive to a range of factors and may well change significantly over time, the precise figures matter less than the overall scale of likely budget cuts, which will - under any reasonable set of assumptions - be unprecedented in the years since Devolution. "Forecast falls in future public expenditure will undoubtedly affect the way public services are organised and delivered and will have significant implications for all citizens and throughout all sectors of Scottish society. "These forecasts should be seen as an early call to action. To help us begin to form our response, we are today issuing an open invitation to individuals, organisations and representative bodies to contribute to the Review and help inform our thinking - initially by submitting written evidence.” Further Links

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FUND TO SUPPORT CROFTING COMMUNITY MAPPING LAUNCHED
11 March 2010

Roseanna Cunningham A £100,000 fund will be set up to help Scotland's crofters map out the boundaries of their land and secure ownership for future generations. Environment Minister, Roseanna Cunningham has announced that a discounted rate will be available to crofting groups who map out the boundaries of their land and submit them to the Registers of Scotland. The creation of a new map-based register of crofts is among the proposals within the Crofting Reform Bill currently undergoing Parliamentary scrutiny. The register will provide crofters with greater certainty and confidence in their land and reduce disputes. Cunningham said: "The future of crofting, and with it communities in some of our most remote rural areas, is under threat. The Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill aims to tackle some of the key issues undermining this way of life and to ensure crofting can respond to the challenges of the 21st century. "Time and time again we have been told that the lack of definitive croft boundaries and an official register of interests in croft land were major challenges. "Therefore, we plan to introduce a crofting register to put an end to boundary disputes. To help achieve this, subsidies will be available to groups of 10 crofters or more who register at the same time. This will reduce conflict and create clarity on the extent of individual crofts and all rights associated with them." Further Links

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MACLEOD CONSTRUCTION DONATES DVD PLAYER TO FERFFAD COURT
11 March 2010

Residents of Argyll Community Housing Association’s sheltered housing complex, Ferfadd Court, have received a donation of a DVD player from MacLeod Construction Ltd after it successfully completing a window contract within the complex. The DVD player was presented by contract manager, Iain MacAskill to Margaret Currie, a resident of Ferfadd Court. Iain MacAskill said: “I noticed that the residents were selling books to raise money for a DVD player and thought that providing a DVD player for them would be a nice gesture to mark the end of the window contract.” Mrs. Currie said: “The contractors have built a good rapport with the tenants from the outset, have kept them well informed at all stages of the works and we are pleased with the end results”. She explained that the DVD player will be used in the communal lounge for regular film nights for the residents. Alastair Macgregor, Chief Executive of ACHA added: “I am delighted that MacLeod Construction Ltd who are working on the new windows and rendering have been able to donate this DVD player for our tenant’s leisure activities.” The installation of new double glazing windows at Ferfadd Court will ensure that ACHA are another step closer to meeting the Scottish Housing Quality Standard’s key criteria for energy efficiency by 2015.

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LAST CHANCE TO BOOK...2010 CIH ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION
11 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 - MAKING YOUR DOCUMENTS LOOK PROFESSIONAL WITH WORD
11 March 2010

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. 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
12 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: NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT HOLM AVENUE, DUMFRIES
12 March 2010

DGHP Ltd is inviting applications from contractors who wish to be considered for inclusion on a select list to tender for the construction of a new housing development, consisting of both mainstream and supported accommodation, located at Holm Avenue, Dumfries. The contract comprises the erection of 20 no. single and two-storey detached and semi-detached timber framed houses on a vacant site. The works will also include piled foundations and all necessary siteworks and site servicing including: roads, road footpaths and car parking; sewers and house drainage; pavings; fencing; soft landscaping; and water, gas, electricity and telecom mains connections. The works are programmed to commence in the autumn of 2010 for a period of approximately 15 months, and are estimated to cost in the region of £2.5m. Contractors will be required to complete a pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ). The purpose of the PQQ is to identify a number of suitably qualified and experienced organisations that will be invited to tender. DGHP will use the information provided in response to the PQQ to determine which organisations are most suited, in the opinion of DGHP, in terms of technical knowledge and experience and organisational and financial standing to submit a tender. The PQQ is available by recording your interest in the contract via the Public Contracts Scotland website at www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk. PQQ’s should be returned in hard copy format to DGHP Ltd, 80 Ashwood Drive, Stranraer, DG9 7PF, marked for the attention of Gordon McClintick, FRICS, Procurement and Program Manager (telephone 01387 242644) no later than 1200 hours on Monday, 12 April 2010. Further Links:

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TENDER: INTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES
12 March 2010

North Glasgow Housing Association is a Registered Social Landlord based in North Glasgow. It owns and manages over 3,000 units. We are currently tendering for our Internal Audit Services. This will initially be for a three year period with the possibility to extend this to six years. We are seeking tenders from audit companies with internal audit experience within the RSL sector. If you wish further information or want to have the tender documents sent to you, please contact Bob Hartness on 0141 336 1300 or rhartness@northglasgowha.com. The closing dates for tenders will be 2nd April. North Glasgow Housing Association is a registered charity operating under Scottish Charity number SC 030635 Registered office 50 Reidhouse Street, Springburn, Glasgow, G21 4LS. Registered with the FSA under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 (No1865R(S)) and the Scottish Housing Regulator No: 187. www.northglasgowha.com.

SCOTTISH HOUSING JOBS ON-LINE
12 March 2010

Jobs Manor Estates Housing Association is seeking a Technical Inspector, Salary (from 1st April 2010) £27,190 - £29,911. Closing date: noon on March 29. Melville Housing Association is seeking a Housing Assistant (Temporary), Maternity Cover, Salary £18,813 – £21,036, 35 hours per week. Closing date: noon on March 12. Melville Housing Association is seeking a Property Manager, Salary £34,458 - £37,905 + Car allowance + Final Salary Pension. Closing date: noon on March 15. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Housing Manager (Ref: ALM 90). Closing date: March 12. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Corporate & Development Administration Assistant (Ref: ALM 91). Closing date: March 12. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Debt Recovery Officer [Part Time] (Ref: ALM 92). Closing date: March 12. For more information on any of the above jobs, or to apply, go to www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Tenders North Glasgow Housing Association is inviting tenders for Internal Audit Services. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 2. DGHP Ltd is inviting tenders for a new housing development. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: April 12. To advertise Jobs, call Contact Publicity on 0141 204 2042 or email: jobsonline@contactpublicity.co.uk To advertise Tenders, call Jeff Anderson on 01292 479 443 or email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk

MINISTER TO SPEAK AT TIS CONFERENCE
12 March 2010

The Tenants Information Service (TIS) is delighted to announce that Housing Minister, Alex Neil will be giving a Ministerial Address at the opening session of this year’s annual conference. The conference will be held at The Beardmore Hotel, Clydebank on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th June 2010. In recognition of financial issues facing landlords and tenants’ organisations this year the cost of the conference is being frozen at 2009 prices. The theme of the conference ties in with the Government’s proposals in the Housing Bill to improve housing services with the introduction of the Social Housing Charter and the new housing regulator in Scotland. In addition to workshops there will be a panel session debating investment in affordable housing with guest speakers including representatives from the Scottish Government and Clydesdale Bank. On Saturday evening the winners of the Frances Nelson MBE Award 2010 will be presented with their prizes. This is the biggest tenants’ event in the calendar and is also open to tenant participation staff and members of staff supporting tenants’ organisations so BOOK A PLACE NOW before it’s too late. You can download all the information you need for annual conference and the Frances Nelson MBE Award 2010 from the TIS website at www.tis.org.uk or you can telephone the Glasgow office to have it sent out to you on 0141 248 1242. If you have any queries email info@tis.org.uk.

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HIGHLANDS AGREES £4M FOR AFFORDABLE HOMES
12 March 2010

The Highland Council has agreed £4m of interest-free loans and grants to housing associations in return for almost 100 new affordable homes. The decision follows the revelation that Scottish Government funding for the purpose is being almost halved, from £32m this year to £17.5million in 2011-12. The housing and social work committee has agreed to give the Albyn Housing Society up to £1.47mi to help buy plots within the Westercraigs development in Inverness, and a further £950,000 to help buy two sites within the Ness Castle scheme in Inverness. Councillors agreed a further interest-free loan of up to £1.2m to help the Highland Housing Alliance purchase another Westercraigs site and £330,000 to help the Cairn Housing Association buy two plots at Avoch on the Black Isle. The committee also approved a grant of up to £95,000 for Albyn towards the cost of buying and upgrading three properties at Fort Augustus. Describing the Government’s 45% grant cut as ‘regrettable’, Liberal Democrat councillor and Inverness Citizens Advice Bureau manager, Alasdair Christie calculated that 200 fewer affordable homes would be built while 10,000 people remained on the region’s housing waiting list. Lochaber councillor, Donald Cameron of the Independent Alliance called for a radical rethink on housing policy to ensure the council achieved a manifesto pledge of paving the way for 2,000 new affordable homes by the end of 2011. Urging the council to press the point with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, he said: “We need to go back to the old ways when most social housing was delivered by the council. We now have over 200 housing associations in Scotland, all with chief executives, all carrying a large staff. “Whilst it could mean that jobs would go, you have to remember what their purpose is. We’re trying to build social housing and probably spending too much on administration costs – and, with a reduction in funding, less and less houses will be built.” Members were informed that the council had received no offers for the former hostel building of Huntly House in Inverness prior to January’s closing date. The facility, on the west bank of the River Ness, closed more than a year ago after the termination of a lease between the council and the Salvation Army. Further Links:

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WINNER OF SCOTTISH PLANNING AWARDS ANNOUNCED
12 March 2010

John Swinney The Highland Council’s Open Space in New Residential Development guidance and the Glasgow Urban Model were among the winner of the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning. Europe’s largest onshore windfarm was named overall winner. Scottish Power’s Whitelee windfarm at Eaglesham Moor impressed the judges with its scale, low level of objections and use of innovative technological solutions. The Open Space guidance won in the Development Plans category while Glasgow’s Urban Model won in Development Management John Swinney said: "These awards celebrate the positive contributions that individuals and organisations in both the public and private sector make to enabling high quality development in Scotland. "An efficient planning service is key to delivering strong and sustainable economic growth in Scotland, and particularly to the development of a low carbon economy ? something our future success as a nation depends on. "I congratulate all winners on their achievements, particularly those behind the overall winner, Whitelee windfarm. These awards demonstrate the important part planning processes play in supporting Scottish industry, particularly those with strong green energy credentials that have a role in cutting emissions and supporting vital Scottish jobs." Other award winners include Sustainable Design in Argyll and Bute; Renfrew Town Centre Regeneration; Gardyne’s Land in Dundee; and Neilston Renaissance Town Charter. Commendations were presented to Banknock and Hagg Special Initiative for Residential Led Regeneration, Aberdeen City and Shire Structure Plan 2009 and Spiers Locks Masterplan Framework and Engagement Process. Further Links:

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SWINNEY HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANT OF EFFICIENT PLANNING SYSTEM
12 March 2010

Finance Secretary, John Swinney has stressed the importance of work to deliver an increasingly efficient and effective planning system. He was speaking ahead of the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning, which celebrate best practice in planning and high quality design in Scotland. The ceremony comes as planning performance statistics for 08/09 show a rise of 1.2% in the number of applications decided in under three months. But the number of planning applications received fell by 15% when compared to 2007/08. Swinney said: “Scotland’s planning system plays an important role in delivering strong and sustainable economic growth. The awards recognise the very positive contributions made by individuals and organisations to enabling high quality development and planning. “For our part, the Government has been working with planning authorities and our agencies to accelerate the pace of reform in Scotland’s planning system. The actions we have taken over 2007-09 - the period covered by the statistics - are contributing to a modern, fit for purpose planning system. “Easier to understand planning policy and the introduction of ePlanning, for example, provide us with a solid foundation on which to build. It is now incumbent on all parts of the public sector to speed up the pace of improvement. The fall in the number of planning applications submitted has coincided with global economic difficulties, from which Scotland has not been immune. “The statistics show we must continue to build on our work to deliver a more efficient and effective planning system - one which delivers increased certainty and speed of decision making for developers and communities and continuous improvements in performance. “The Government’s economic recovery plan ensures all activity on planning and regulation supports economic development, and - through greater alignment and work with planning authorities and our agencies - we are working to ensure planning is an aid, not a barrier, to growth in our economy.” However, CBI Scotland's assistant director, David Lonsdale, said: "Some planning authorities have turned in a creditable performance, but despite all the efforts on planning reform over recent years it is disappointing that overall fewer than half of all major commercial applications are dealt with within the target four month period, even fewer than two years previously. "Government and planning authorities need to get a firm grip on the situation if performance is to be enhanced across the board and if we are to see a measurable and lasting improvement in Scotland's planning system that supports and facilitates economic activity. “Greater weight needs to be given to the needs of the economy when considering planning applications, with a greater presumption in favour of development built into our planning system. Local authorities should be better incentivised to support economic development." Further Links:

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ALBYN GETS VERY GOOD REPORT FROM CARE COMMISSION
12 March 2010

Albyn Housing Society is continuing to provide very good service levels for its supported clients, according to a Care Commission report. The Invergordon-based housing association recently had its third inspection by the Care Commission – this was the first under the new grading scheme. After a detailed inspection, the Care Commission awarded Albyn’s quality of care, support, management and leadership with a five, which means very good. The Care Commission said: “We are satisfied that Albyn Housing is working hard to provide consistently high standards of care. They are focused, within the remit of a housing support service, on delivering a personalised service.” The report commended the high level of involvement tenants have determining the type of support they require. Calum Macaulay, Chief Executive at Albyn, said: “We are delighted with these results as they underline how hard we work to consistently provide a high standard of care. “This is the first time we have been rated under the new grading system and we will work to continually improve our service with input from our service users between now and our next inspection.” Further Links:

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CML PRODUCES BUDGET SUBMISSION
12 March 2010

With the date of the Budget now confirmed as March 24, the Council of Mortgage Lenders has produced a Budget submission urging the government to commit to the ongoing funding of measures to help borrowers in financial difficulty. CML's submission also urges the government to use the Budget to announce how it will work with the industry to address the market implications of lenders repaying the £300bn support given under the Special Liquidity Scheme and the Credit Guarantee Scheme. Finally, CML urges the government to clarify how it will address growing demand for affordable housing in both home-ownership and rental tenures, against the backdrop of fiscal cutbacks. CML director general, Michael Coogan said: "At the moment we cannot see how to square the circle between increasing demand for housing, constraints on the necessary finance to deliver it, the repayment of £300 billion of lending support between 2011 and 2014, and reductions in public spending as the fiscal deficit is addressed. And all of these features apply at a time when more people are going to need housing help. "Lenders have been active in supporting lending to all tenures, and are committed to delivering an ongoing flow of finance for housing in all its forms, but at the moment there is too little clarity about how the competing policy pressures can be reconciled. The Chancellor should take the opportunity in the Budget to address this. "We call on the leaders of all political parties to commit to prioritise spending on housing in the coming years, at a time when we recognise difficult investment choices will have to be made in the next comprehensive spending review. Housing can be a driver of economic recovery, but the lack of it contributes to a wide range of social problems." Further Links

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HIGHLAND COUNCIL TO SUPPORT ELDERLY
12 March 2010

The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee is to provide increased support to local communities, to help develop a range of adult learning and healthy living opportunities for older people. The Committee has noted that the Council and NHS Highland’s strategy for older people seeks to maximise people’s independence, health and quality of life. The strategy emphasises the importance of local preventative services, which provide appropriate and timely support to people, as well as maintaining their health and social relationships. This enables people to live healthily at home for as long as possible. Chief Operating Officer, Bill Alexander said: “At a time of growing numbers of older people, this is a major initiative that needs to be underpinned by greater capacity within communities; this means supporting communities to be sustainable, and working with older people to create local opportunities for their ongoing learning, health and well-being. “There are many willing volunteers, and there are also funding streams that can provide the necessary finance, but support is needed to help draft business plans, form committees and meet other organisational demands.” He indicated that this represented best value at a time of budget challenges, as such community initiatives can help reduce the number of older people who might be admitted to hospitals and care homes. Vice-Chair of the Council's Housing and Social Work Committee, Councillor Robbie Rowntree said that it was important to develop services that older people had more control over. He said: “We need to engage with communities, and inform them about what is possible. It is helpful to have an officer who can do that local work, and assist local groups to get established and be sustainable. There is a great will to do that across the Highlands, and as a Council we must be prepared to support local groups to take control of local budgets and deliver services”. He added that this approach was already proving beneficial in a number of areas across the Highlands. The Committee agreed to use funding from across the Council and with support from NHS Highland, to fund three local officers on a temporary basis. The posts will be reviewed after a year, to ensure that they are being effective in the development of local activities, and supporting people who might otherwise require admission to hospital or care homes. Further Links

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HOUSE PRICES RISE BY 4.7 PER CENT
12 March 2010

The latest figures from Assetz House Price Watch show that house prices were 4.7% higher in January than at the same time in 2009. Assetz House Price Watch compiles monthly average figures taken from all of the major house price indices to offer a more accurate picture of house price trends. The average price, ascertained from the five major UK indices, was £194,168 in January. This is a £8,669 increase on figures for January 2009 and represents 4.7% growth year-on-year. Average house prices are currently at the highest level since October 2008 (£194,735). The latest figures also eliminate the slight fall in the average house price in December and suggest continued growth in 2010.House prices are now less than 10 per cent (9.73%) below the peak house price of £215,089 recorded in October 2007. Figures reveal that while the UK continues to see positive growth, the rate of growth continues to slow. The three month rolling average data shows a current annualised growth rate of 2.28% compared to 4.29% last month. The six month rolling average data shows 5.94% annualised growth rate in January, down from 7.79% in December and a high of 11.93% in October 2009. Stuart Law, Chief Executive of Assetz, said: “The latest Price Watch shows that the monthly rate of house price growth slowed over Christmas but is now rising again. However, the six month average is a more reliable indication of trends and suggests that while growth continues, it has slowed from its historic high of almost 12% in October to a more sustainable level. “I would expect the annual rise in February to be around 5%, up on January’s figure of 4.7% and predict overall modest growth of 5% by the end of the year. Rightmove, a leading indicator of asking prices, witnessed monthly house price growth of 3.2% in February as sellers increased asking prices due to the reduced levels of stock on the market. “This rate of growth - which translates as 46% annualised growth – is wholly unsustainable. However, as a result of increased asking prices, we would expect an increase in the agreed price that appears in the Nationwide and Halifax indices next month.”

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HOUSING NEWS: INNOVATION ROUND-UP
12 March 2010

SCOTLAND PIONEERING PARTNERSHIP PROJECT HELPS YOUNG BORDERERS FISH PROJECT NETS FOUR NEW WELFARE RIGHTS OFFICERS Click the picture to see what is happening here LONDON GREEN FINGERED RESIDENTS CREATE ECO-HAVEN ON PEPYS ESTATE SUPPORT AGENCIES AND L&Q WORK TOGETHER TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER NORTH EAST FREE INSULATION FOR THOUSANDS OF NORTH EAST HOMES AWARD WINNING SOUTH TYNESIDE ECO-HOME OPENS ITS DOORS NORTH WEST WARRINGTON HOUSING ASSOCIATION RESCUES FAMILIES FROM MORTGAGE REPOSSESSION NORTH WEST COLLEAGUES DEPART FOR INTERNATIONAL SKILLS EXCHANGE SOUTH EAST SOHA SCHEME SEES TURNAROUND IN YOUTH BEHAVIOUR IVOR GOODSITE OFFERS SOME SOUND SAFETY ADVICE SOUTH WEST MERLIN LAUNCHES 24-HOUR CALL SERVICE COASTLINE COVERS THE COST OF SHELTERBOXES EAST HOPE SOCIAL ENTERPRISES EXPAND BUSINESS ONLINE FREE TELECARE HOME SAFETY SOLUTIONS BENEFITS ESSEX RESIDENTS WEST MIDLANDS QUICKER HOUSING REPAIRS THANKS TO NEW TECHNOLOGY WOLVERHAMPTON HOMES GETS MONEY SMART

LAST CHANCE TO BOOK...2010 CIH ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION
12 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 - A ROUGH GUIDE TO KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT
12 March 2010

A ROUGH GUIDE TO KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT Wednesday 24 March 9.30-4.30 Trainer: Alison Smith Who’s it for and what’s it all about? This new one day course is for senior staff throughout the organisation and may be of interest to experienced Committee Members. During the day you will explore the key concepts of Knowledge Management, examining what makes it different from information management and what sort of impact effective Knowledge Management can have on your organisation. You will consider some of the challenges of capturing, valuing and protecting knowledge within organisations. You will also have the opportunity to try out some of the most effective KM tools such as storytelling and After Action Reviews as well as hear about how others have used approaches such as communities of practice and knowledge banks. Learning Outcomes By the end of the session participants will be able to: Discuss the key aspects of Knowledge Management List helpful resources to assist in the implementation of good knowledge management Use practical tools to support their use of Knowledge Management To book a place or for further information please call 0141 550 7595 or e-mail info@share.org.uk. All our courses as well as a downloadable calendar are listed on our website at www.share.org.uk. Further Links:

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