JOB OF THE WEEK: RESIDENT LIASION OFFICER – SCOTLAND
25 June 2007

Lovell, part of the Morgan Sindall Group, is nationally the leading provider of affordable housing and has a reputation for innovation and excellent performance on a wide range of mixed tenure housing schemes and regeneration projects. RESIDENT LIASION OFFICER – SCOTLAND Lovell is the country’s leading housing and regeneration specialist. Working in partnership with housing associations and local authorities, the company specialises in mixed tenure developments operating at the cutting edge of urban regeneration to create truly sustainable communities. We are currently seeking a Resident Liaison Officer, full time - 39 hours per week offering an attractive salary, depending on experience. Reporting directly to the Resident Liaison Manager you will be accountable for all aspects of communications with residents to establish and maintain positive relationships at all stages of our improvement works, ensuring that they receive a high quality service, so excellent communication skills are a must. Operating within an established site team your ability to work on your own initiative and have excellent decision-making skills, computer literacy and a full driving license are required. You will be expected to spend a large amount of proactive time on the field, as we believe this way of working is good practice and results in fewer issues occurring. We offer substantial benefits including 26 days annual leave, pension scheme, private health care and a strong commitment to training and further development. Closing date is noon on July 6, 2007. For further information and a confidential discussion please contact: Sarah Whyte, Resident Liaison Manager Lovell Partnerships Limited Lovell House, Parkway Court 271 Springhill Parkway Glasgow, G69 6GA tel: 0141 766 3030 email: bizdev.scotland@lovell.co.uk www.lovell.co.uk Looking to get the most out of your recruitment advertising? Do you want you advert to reach a highly focused readership, targeted specifically at the Scottish housing sector? Scottish Housing News is read by more than 10,000 people in the Scottish housing industry every day. Advertising on our innovative daily e-newsletter can meet all your recruitment needs - why pay hundreds to appear in printed media? For more information on our flexible and focused recruitment and display advertising, call Carl Farnworth at Contact Publicity on 0141 204 2042, or email:

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SCOTTISH HOUSING JOBS
25 June 2007

Docherty Consulting Ltd (DCL) is seeking a Housing Consultant. You should be familiar with and have experience in the affordable housing sector; and be able to speak to people in a way that encourages them to listen and makes them want to respond positively. You should also have some or all of the following: A degree in a relevant subject; relevant professional qualification; for example housing, planning, surveying, regeneration; An understanding of the development process and the issues affecting the delivery of affordable housing. Please take a look at our web site at www.dochertyconsulting.com and if you are interested in hearing more send us your career details and a short letter setting out what you think you have to offer and what you would expect in return. If you would like to discuss your interest informally please telephone Peter Docherty on 0131 554 3300. Please send your reply to: Docherty Consulting Ltd, 121 Giles Street, Leith, Edinburgh or by e mail to: Info@dochertyconsulting.com. North Ayrshire Council is seeking a Hostel Manager, £24,942 - £27,165. Ref: 40/304/SFHA. You will assist the Temporary Accommodation Manager in the development and implementation of a comprehensive homelessness provision delivered and managing the Homeless Hostel provision. Knowledge of current issues and legal provisions governing homelessness, needs of homeless people and how to meet these needs are also essential as are a working knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and undertaking risk assessments by monitoring risks faced by staff and clients. A good general education, experience of working with vulnerable service users, budget monitoring, supervisory experience, driving licence and access to your own vehicle are essential. Application forms and recruitment packs are available on council’s corporate website www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/jobs or by telephoning (01294) 324773 (24 hours answering service). Closing date: June 29. Hanover Scotland Housing Association is seeking a Maintenance Assistant, £7,896 to £8,905 p.a., Job Share 17.5 hours per week average, Newton Place, Glasgow. Duties will involve processing repair notifications and works orders, ensuring prompt arrangements for repair of properties, invoice administration, budget monitoring, and correspondence with clients and contractors. You will be a competent in the use of IT including word-processing and spreadsheets, and have experience in database applications. You will also be able to communicate clearly and effectively with clients and contractors on maintenance and estate management issues. Hours of work are 0900 to 1700 to be carried out on a Monday to Friday basis on a two weekly rota i.e. two days one week three days the next.(Ref:095). Service conditions include generous annual leave and final salary pension. For an application pack, write to The Personnel Officer at Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association, 95 McDonald Road, Edinburgh, Tel: 0131 557 7430 or email: recruit@hsha.org.uk. Please quote the appropriate reference number in all correspondence. Application packs can also be downloaded from our website: www.hsha.org.uk. Closing Date: July 9. ACHA is seeking a Student Placement, (July to September 2007), 35 hours per week, salary: £201.95 per week. The Association is seeking to provide four temporary summer placements to students studying for a professional housing qualification or with an interest in housing. The placements will be based across four Area Housing & Neighbourhood Services Teams in Cowal & Bute, Mid Argyll & Kintyre, Oban Lorn & the Isles and Lomond. Duties will include assisting with the delivery of Housing Management and Repairs Services provided by the Area Teams. This will involve front line customer services ranging from dealing with enquiries to collecting rents; supporting professional officers in carrying out inspections, estate management visits and provide a sound environment in which students can enhance their theoretical skills with practical experience. For a recruitment pack and further information please contact the HR & Corporate Services Department, 63/65 Chalmers Street, Ardrishaig, PA30 8DX, Tel No 01546 604098 or email marina.macarthur@acha.co.uk, or visit the Recruitment section on the Association’s website at www.acha.co.uk where recruitment packs can be downloaded. Closing Date: July 6. Lovell is seeking a Resident Liasion Officer – Scotland, full time - 39 hours per week offering an attractive salary, depending on experience. Reporting directly to the Resident Liaison Manager you will be accountable for all aspects of communications with residents to establish and maintain positive relationships at all stages of our improvement works, ensuring that they receive a high quality service, so excellent communication skills are a must. Operating within an established site team your ability to work on your own initiative and have excellent decision-making skills, computer literacy and a full driving license are required. You will be expected to spend a large amount of proactive time on the field, as we believe this way of working is good practice and results in fewer issues occurring. We offer substantial benefits including 26 days annual leave, pension scheme, private health care and a strong commitment to training and further development. For further information and a confidential discussion please contact: Sarah Whyte, Resident Liaison Manager, Lovell Partnerships Limited, Lovell House, Parkway Court, 271 Springhill Parkway, Glasgow, G69 6GA, tel: 0141 766 3030 or email: bizdev.scotland@lovell.co.uk. www.lovell.co.uk. Closing date: Noon on July 6. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Maintenance Supervisor, £24,509. Ref: ALM 69. The successful applicant will be offered a challenging and satisfying workload and competitive employment package including 34 days leave, flexi-time scheme and final salary pension scheme. 36 hours per week. We are looking for a self-motivated person to join our maintenance section in delivering a high quality repairs service to our tenants. Principal duties will include the inspection, ordering and checking of gas heating repairs and the supervision of the annual gas servicing programme. Other duties will include ordering repairs to domestic properties, quality control checks and checking of invoices. Applicants should be computer literate and preferably have a recognised qualification in a building services or building maintenance related discipline. For an application pack, please send an A4 self-addressed envelope (no stamp is required), marked “Private & Confidential” to Head of Policy & Development, Almond Housing Association, Shiel House, Shiel Walk, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 5EH or e-mail your request with your address to enquiries@almondha.org.uk. Closing date: June 29.

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NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL PLAN GETS UNDERWAY IN STRANRAER
25 June 2007

After years of planning, the £63m Dumfries & Galloway Neighbourhood Renewal Masterplan will see work commencing on the building of hundreds of new homes for the people of Stranraer following the opening of Ailsa Gate construction site today. Work will get underway at the site following an official sod cutting ceremony that will be attended by new Scottish Parliament Presiding officer, MSP Alex Fergusson, representatives from the local community, DGHP, D&G Councillors and Communities Scotland. DGHP chairman, George Murray said: “The start of construction work at Ailsa gate will help our tenants in Stranraer see their dreams become a reality in the shape of high quality, modern, affordable homes for their families” “As a DGHP tenant myself, I am very proud to say that our tenants have been involved throughout the process and have played a major role in decisions taken on both the design of their new homes and their new communities. Everyone at DGHP is committed to the successful delivery of Neighbourhood Renewal for the people of Stranraer and Dumfries” The regeneration of South Central Stranraer and North West Dumfries will see the transformation of some of the worst social housing in the region with tenants for the first time being given a real say in what their new communities and their individual homes will look like. Cllr Roger Grant, Vice Chair of Planning, Housing and Environmental Services Committee said: "This is a real milestone in terms of delivering the Partnership's £63m masterplan. The project is the first in a series of projects that will impact on the lives of over 600 families across Dumfries & Galloway. “One of the issues highlighted by local members has been that Neighbourhood Renewal is not just about bricks and mortar, but about building new neighbourhoods and new communities in both Stranraer and Dumfries and the response from local communities, working together with the key agencies, has been really encouraging. The council is delighted to be playing its part both in funding terms and in co-ordinating the Partnership that is delivering the vision of Neighbourhood Renewal for the area." The neighbourhood renewal project, one of the largest of its kind in Scotland, jointly funded by DGHP, the council and Communities Scotland will include the building of over 600 new homes in Dumfries and Stranraer within the next 5 years.

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SCOTTISH COUNCIL TAX RISES FASTER THAN INFLATION
25 June 2007

The average council tax bill in Scotland has increased by 51% over the past decade, according to new Bank of Scotland research. Over the same period, this increase is higher the 31% rise in the headline rate of the Retail Price Index; the 44% increase in the price of services; and the estimated 50% increase in average earnings across Scotland. The average council tax per dwelling in Scotland in the current financial year (07/08) is £980 compared to £651 in 97/98. The average council tax bill in Scotland is £98 (9%) lower than the £1,078 average across Great Britain. The average council tax bill in Wales has risen by 111% from £414 in 1997-98 to £871 in 2007-08. The average charge in England has increased by 95% over the same period from £564 to £1,101. The biggest percentage increase in Scotland since 97/98 has been in the Shetland Islands (118%) and the Orkney Islands (103%). These are the only two billing areas in which the average bill has more than doubled over the past decade. The average council tax bill in West Dunbartonshire has risen by 21% from £761 in 97/98 to £920 in 07/08, the lowest increase in both Scotland and Great Britain. The next lowest increases in Scotland over the last ten years have been in Glasgow City (27%) and Dundee City (36%). The average bill in East Renfrewshire in 07/08 (£1,247) is the highest in Scotland followed by East Dunbartonshire (£1,230) and Stirling (£1,210). Ten years ago, East Dunbartonshire (£838) had the highest average council tax bill in both Scotland and Great Britain. The average bill in Western Isles (£735) is the lowest in Scotland followed by Orkney Islands (£795) and Shetlands Islands (£817). Ten years ago, Shetland Islands had the lowest average bill in Scotland (£376).

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FORMER BBC CHIEF SPEAKS TO SOCIAL HOUSING SECTOR
25 June 2007

Greg Dyke Former Director General of BBC, Greg Dyke, has addressed senior Scottish housing professionals at the Employers in Voluntary Housing (EVH) annual personnel conference in Glasgow. Mr Dyke, who spent four years at the BBC’s as Director General before stepping down in 2004, spoke about the importance of strong leadership and good communication in the workplace. He recounted his journey to leadership and the top of the BBC via London Weekend Television, Harvard Business School and a number of other media organisations including Channel 5. He also listed what he considered to be his ‘laws of leadership’ which include; being honest with staff, avoiding jargon, giving staff an example and then allowing them to do their job and showing respect for others. Director of the EVH, Foster Evans, was delighted that Mr Dyke participated in the personnel conference. He said: “Greg’s address was not only enjoyed but it was hugely relevant. As a nation, Scotland is undergoing a period of massive change and the social housing sector is playing a significant part in this through the improvement of housing conditions and community regeneration. “To ensure that we continue to drive forward this change it is vital that we recognise the important role that strong leadership, and of course excellent leaders, have played and will continue to play in this process.” Among those attending the conference were senior representatives from Scotland’s social housing movement including the Chief Executive of Argyll Community Housing Association, Alasdair McGregor. Mr McGregor said: “I found Greg Dyke’s analysis on leadership upfront, direct and laced with common sense. He took the role of leadership from behind the Board Room door to the shop floor.”

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ORE VALLEY H.A. DEVELOPMENT IS SECURED BY DESIGN
25 June 2007

Ore Valley staff and police at Lochgelly Ore Valley Housing Association’s new development of 52 homes in Lochgelly will benefit from the additional security features that Secured by Design implements from the planning stages. Ore Valley, which is responsible for the newly finished initial phase of the regeneration project in North Street, Berry Street and Francis Street, was presented with the prestigious Police award. Ore Valley worked with Dearle and Henderson Architects and Clachan Construction on the £2.8m project. It was supported with grants from Communities Scotland to provide a range of house types suitable for families and older people. Stuart Ward, Fife Police Architectural Liaison Officer, said: "Secured by Design is the national police award recognising efforts made by architects, developers and builders to ensure the long-term security and safety for residents and tenants. This is achieved by reducing the risks of crime and anti-social behaviour through planned design improvements to the physical environment.” Andrew Saunders, Ore Valley's development and property Services Director, said: "The scheme goes well beyond the provision of additional features and recognised design factors that create a secure living environment for our residents.” Inspector Alex Harkness, Community Safety, said: "Fife Constabulary welcomes the commitment made by Ore Valley Housing association and that of the construction team in the partnership approach to reducing the concern of crime and anti-social behaviour with the community.” Please find attached JPEG of Insp Alex Harkness with representatives from Ore Valley Housing Association, Dearle and Henderson Architects and Clachan Construction.

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OFT LAUNCHES STUDY INTO UK HOUSE BUILDING INDUSTRY
25 June 2007

The OFT has launched a market study into the £20bn per annum UK housebuilding industry. The study will allow OFT to consider the potential competition and consumer concerns within the market and will focus on two principal areas - delivery of housing, whether land which is suitable for development is being effectively brought through to the planning approval stage and whether land with planning permission is being converted effectively into homes, and customer satisfaction, the homebuyer’s satisfaction with the properties available. The study will look for ways to improve the experience of buying a new-build home as well as the quality of those homes. Following the recommendations of the Barker Review, OFT has been monitoring the market and is concerned that it may not be working well for consumers. OFT will be working with the industry, and the study will complement other reviews across government to minimise the burden on the sector. The study, however, will not look at the overall question of where development should occur or the environmental impact of new homes. John Fingleton, Chief Executive, said: “This is the first in-depth examination of competition and consumer issues in new housebuilding. This is a hugely important market for the economy because of its substantial economic impact and because unresponsive housing supply hinders labour mobility, constrains economic growth, and harms consumers. “Furthermore, for individual house buyers, even low levels of dissatisfaction can translate into very high detriment. The study will examine how regulation and competition in the market might work better for both the economy and individual house buyers.2 The study is expected to report back by summer 2008.

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DUNBRITTON YOUNG PEOPLE’S PROJECT PRAISED
25 June 2007

The Kirkhill Art, Video & Integration Project Dunbritton Housing Association has held a presentation of a project it set up in Churchill Estate Helensburgh. Run by Street Links, part of Community Links Scotland, the project’s aim was to work with young people on the estate and from the adjoining Kirkmichael Estate. Kirkhill Art, Video & Integration Project used a variety of methods to help young people express their views on living on the estate and what facilities and activities they would like to see provided. This included photography, production of a DVD, glass paining, relaxation classes and dance classes. The presentation showed off the work of the young people and the results of the survey carried out by the street workers from Streetlinks. The main issues raised by the young people were that they wanted somewhere safe and warm to hang out with their friends and activities such as sports and arts. The open evening was attended by representatives from Argyll & Bute Council, Naval Personnel Family Services, Community Police, Clyde Naval Base, the Naval Chaplaincy and the young people themselves. The evening was hailed as a great success and the project was seen as an important first step to understanding what facilities are needed in the area. Anne Marie Arthur, Depute Director of Dunbritton, said “We are delighted that the project has been a success. A lot of positive work with the young people has taken place and we are confident that we can build on the success over the next year.” The project, which cost £15,000 was funded by Communities Scotland and by Community Links Scotland. Phase 2 of the project, which is still at the planning stages, has had a boost with the offer of a permanent evening facility to use as a drop in centre one day a week from the MOD. This will be based at the Drumfork Centre in Churchill Square.

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MOST POOR FAMILIES CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE FURNITURE
25 June 2007

More than 90,000 children in Scotland live in 'severe poverty' and almost three quarters of families in this situation cannot afford to replace worn out furniture, according to a new report published by Save the Children. The report is based on a new measure for severe poverty that looks at both low income and material deprivation. The average family living in severe poverty has an income of £7,000 per year after housing costs. 74% of families in severe poverty cannot afford to replace worn out furniture, compared with 18% in families that are not in poverty. 62% cannot afford to replace electrical goods such as a fridge or washing machine when they break down, compared with 10% of families that are not in poverty. Linsay Chalmers, Furniture Projects Coordinator with the Community Recycling Network for Scotland (CRNS) said: “This is a shocking statistic in a country as affluent as Scotland, but sadly it will come as no surprise to the many charities that exist solely to provide basic furniture to people that could otherwise not afford it.” Last year, a CRNS study showed that furniture reuse projects provided basic furniture and household goods to almost 68,000 people in Scotland who not would otherwise have been able to afford them. The report also showed that one third of families in severe poverty cannot afford to buy their children leisure equipment. Jamie Gray, the Assistant Manager of Launchpad Training and Enterprise, which runs furniture and bicycle reuse projects in Perth, said: “Projects all over Scotland play a vitally important role in helping those in ‘severe poverty’ achieve a comfortable, safe and happy home environment by providing the essentials the rest of us take for granted.”

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JOB OF THE WEEK: RESIDENT LIASION OFFICER – SCOTLAND
26 June 2007

Lovell, part of the Morgan Sindall Group, is nationally the leading provider of affordable housing and has a reputation for innovation and excellent performance on a wide range of mixed tenure housing schemes and regeneration projects. RESIDENT LIASION OFFICER – SCOTLAND Lovell is the country’s leading housing and regeneration specialist. Working in partnership with housing associations and local authorities, the company specialises in mixed tenure developments operating at the cutting edge of urban regeneration to create truly sustainable communities. We are currently seeking a Resident Liaison Officer, full time - 39 hours per week offering an attractive salary, depending on experience. Reporting directly to the Resident Liaison Manager you will be accountable for all aspects of communications with residents to establish and maintain positive relationships at all stages of our improvement works, ensuring that they receive a high quality service, so excellent communication skills are a must. Operating within an established site team your ability to work on your own initiative and have excellent decision-making skills, computer literacy and a full driving license are required. You will be expected to spend a large amount of proactive time on the field, as we believe this way of working is good practice and results in fewer issues occurring. We offer substantial benefits including 26 days annual leave, pension scheme, private health care and a strong commitment to training and further development. Closing date is noon on July 6, 2007. For further information and a confidential discussion please contact: Sarah Whyte, Resident Liaison Manager Lovell Partnerships Limited Lovell House, Parkway Court 271 Springhill Parkway Glasgow, G69 6GA tel: 0141 766 3030 email: bizdev.scotland@lovell.co.uk www.lovell.co.uk Looking to get the most out of your recruitment advertising? Do you want you advert to reach a highly focused readership, targeted specifically at the Scottish housing sector? Scottish Housing News is read by more than 10,000 people in the Scottish housing industry every day. Advertising on our innovative daily e-newsletter can meet all your recruitment needs - why pay hundreds to appear in printed media? For more information on our flexible and focused recruitment and display advertising, call Carl Farnworth at Contact Publicity on 0141 204 2042, or email:

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SFHA BOARD BY ELECTIONS GET UNDERWAY
26 June 2007

Ballot papers are being sent out this week for the by elections to fill the three vacancies on the SFHA Board. Nominations closed last Friday for the three vacancies on the 12-member Board. The ballot papers are being sent to all SFHA members who are based in the two constituencies in which elections are being held, along with statements from the candidates and full instructions on how to vote. All ballot papers must be returned to the SFHA by 2.30 pm on Wednesday, July 25. In the Other Cities constituency, there are four candidates for two vacancies, one of which is reserved for a Voluntary Committee Member. The candidates are Julie Cosgrove, Chief Executive of Servite Housing Association; Ewan Fraser, Chief Executive of Dunedin Canmore Housing Association; Lena Graham, Committee Member of Hillcrest Housing Association and Bill McBeath, Chair of Manor Estates Housing Association. In the Rural and Islands constituency, there are two candidates for one vacancy. The candidates are Norman Beaton, Chair of Argyll Community Housing Association and Thomas Stove, Chair of Hjaitland Housing Association. If you are uncertain which constituency your organisation is in, please check our website www.sfha.co.uk?. The results will be announced by July 27.

CONFERENCE LOOKS AT USING CHURCHES FOR HOUSING
26 June 2007

Scotland’s churches are being challenged to create hundreds of homes for people in need at a groundbreaking conference in Glasgow today. The event will hear that as many as 50 families a year could be provided with affordable and permanent places to live, through using redundant church buildings and other land or property owned by churches. The Make it Happen conference, organised by Scottish Churches Housing Action, in partnership with the SFHA, will examine practical routes to turning unused buildings into homes. Delegates will visit projects in Glasgow and Leith, where church buildings have been handed over to H.A.s and turned into modern housing. Churches Housing Action, Chief Executive, Alastair Cameron says it’s a simple concept that offers churches the chance to make a contribution to their communities. He said: “Churches have too many buildings and too many people don’t have somewhere affordable to live. Communities Minister, Stewart Maxwell, has highlighted the difficulties in finding land for housebuilding. We have examples of where churches have created such opportunities, and have themselves benefited hugely from taking that step. The conference will highlight them, and hopefully encourage more of the same.” Scottish Churches Housing Action has published a new guide that will play a central role in the debates. It offers step-by-step help to those championing new uses for church buildings and land and showcases schemes that have worked in Scotland. SFHA Chief Executive, Jacqui Watt said: “Land is the most expensive element in house building and any schemes that make land more affordable are to be welcomed and encouraged.” Handbook author, Catherine Killin, added: “People in the churches faced with these decisions are not housing professionals. We have described the process in straightforward terms to show what can be done. Communities where housing is over-priced and unaffordable to many will benefit.”

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LAST ARDLER MULTI-STOREY’S ARE DEMOLISHED
26 June 2007

The Ardler multi's are demolished The last three multi-storey tower blocks on the Ardler estate in Dundee have been demolished. Many of the hundreds of people who turned out to watch the historic event were former residents of the 17-storey Baberton, Barassie and Carnoustie flats. The Ardler skyline was once dominated by the blocks, built in the 60s for Dundee City Council tenants. The council demolished four before a transfer of housing stock to Sanctuary Scotland in December 2001 signalled a major regeneration of the area. The award-winning redevelopment that followed led to the construction of 801 homes for rent. As part of the process, the Cawdor, Downfield and Edzell flats were demolished three years ago. The last three to be demolished yesterday contained 298 flats. While most had been empty for a long time, the final tenants moved out only in January. A spokesman for Sanctuary Scotland said: "There were no problems at all - it was a textbook demolition. There were a lot of people watching. One local church even had an earlier-than-usual service and then came out and watched it. There was one woman there who had lived in one of the flats for 39 years - she was sad to see them go because she had so many memories." The demolition was carried out by Dundee-based company Safedem, which has conducted many similar operations throughout Scotland. As part of the demolition process, an exclusion zone was established from early yesterday morning. A total of 500 people in 190 households were moved out of their homes temporarily.

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WHITEINCH & SCOTSTOUN H.A. SEEKS CONTRACTORS
26 June 2007

Whiteinch & Scotstoun Housing Association Ltd is advertising for contractors to tender for three separate contracts on Scottish Construction Now! Expressions of interest are invited from suitably experienced contractors who wish to be considered in the contractor selection processes for the following three separate Planned and Cyclical Works Contracts. To see the full tender, please click below:

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IRVINE RESIDENTS VIEW PLANS FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT AT DRONGAN
26 June 2007

Joanne MacLelllan presented Mrs Irvine with her prize Irvine Housing Association has held an Open Day in Drongan Community Centre to allow the local community to view the proposed plans for the new build development at Littlemill Road, Drongan. Representatives from Irvine Housing Association and Robert Potter and Partners Architects were available to discuss the plans. Local Community Groups also attended to provide additional information on a range of topics. Local residents were given the opportunity to provide feedback on the plans for the development in a questionnaire that was handed out on the day. All completed questionnaires were then entered into a Prize Draw for a chance to win a £30 gift voucher for B&Q. The lucky winner was Mrs Margaret Irvine from Drongan. Joanne MacLelllan presented Mrs Irvine with her prize the following week. Another Open Day has been arranged for July 18. Local residents are welcome to drop into Drongan Community Centre anytime between 4 pm and 7 pm. Association staff will be on hand to provide feedback from the last Open Day.

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DUNBRITTON H.A. HOSTS MEMBERS DAY BY THE BONNIE BANKS
26 June 2007

Members by Loch Lomond Dunbritton Housing Association has held its first ever Member’s Day this month by the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond. Chosen as a mid-way point for member’s to travel to, the setting and the weather made for a glorious start to the event. The Members Day was introduced by Dunbritton to encourage its membership to get more involved in the work of the association. Dunbritton has about 120 members from throughout Dumbarton, Alexandria, Helensburgh & Lomond. The morning started with a gentle introduction to Wider Role using an electronic quiz game which let members register their views on Dunbritton’s Wider Role activities. This was hosted by Community Links Scotland who carry out most of Dunbritton’s wider role work. This was followed by a presentation by Neil Whitelaw, Senior Development Officer on Sustainable Development – building houses the green way. Members were introduced to concepts such as wind turbines, sustainable sources for use of wood in construction and alternative heating sources. After lunch, the delegates were treated to a bus tour of Dunbritton’s developments in Alexandria. The member’s thoroughly enjoyed seeing houses most of them had only read about in our newsletters and Annual Review. Liz Bowden, Corporate Services Manager, said “The day was designed to be fun and informative and everyone who came got something new from the day. Members are the backbone of any housing association and it is important to recognise that if you can keep your members informed and interested, then you can help to encourage future members for your Management Committee.”

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HOUSING IS THE MAJOR POLLUTER, SAYS CIH
26 June 2007

With over a quarter of all UK CO2 emissions (27%) coming from houses, the Chartered Institute of Housing has challenged the Government to take action to help people make changes to their homes. Following environmentalist and broadcaster, Dick Strawbridge's presentation at the CIH's Annual Conference, CIH has highlighted the impact that housing emissions have on the environment. Mr Strawbridge said that he did not care why people acted to improve their energy efficiency, so long as they did it. He has found that most were motivated by money and what they can save. CIH President, Paul Diggory has announced a Green Three-Point Plan that included financial motivation. He said: "I don't know why everyone is going on about air-travel when two times as much CO2 is pumped into the air by our own homes. If we want to reduce the UK's carbon emissions the real challenge is not planes, it's plainly striving to make our homes carbon neutral. "The Government's recent zero-carbon target for new homes is important but it does nothing to address the far bigger problem of the existing housing stock. That is why I am calling on Gordon Brown to implement a three-point plan. “One, to commit to tax incentives to encourage people to start 'greening' existing houses. Secondly, to investigate the introduction of a national eco-ratings system for houses, similar to those we already have on white goods. Thirdly, to invest more in innovative work to find practical solutions that help people to reduce the carbon footprint. "Dick Strawbridge talked about the need to motivate people to take action. I believe the three-point plan will help to do that.”

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PAIH HOLDS SLEEP OUT IN AID OF DESTITUTE ASYLUM SEEKERS
26 June 2007

Positive Action in Housing has held a sleep out in aid of destitute asylum seekers. The group held its sleepout in George Square, Glasgow, last week. Over 100 people be slept ‘rough’ on the streets of Glasgow in protest at the Westminster government’s policy of forcing people into hunger and destitution in an attempt to force them to return to unsafe countries. In Scotland last year, Positive Action in Housing assisted 169 people who were forced into hunger and destitution in an attempt by the Westminster government to make them return to unsafe countries. To support PAIH’s work with destitute asylum seekers donate online at www.paih.org, email jamie@paih.org or call 0141 353 2220.

JOB OF THE WEEK: RESIDENT LIASION OFFICER – SCOTLAND
27 June 2007

Lovell, part of the Morgan Sindall Group, is nationally the leading provider of affordable housing and has a reputation for innovation and excellent performance on a wide range of mixed tenure housing schemes and regeneration projects. RESIDENT LIASION OFFICER – SCOTLAND Lovell is the country’s leading housing and regeneration specialist. Working in partnership with housing associations and local authorities, the company specialises in mixed tenure developments operating at the cutting edge of urban regeneration to create truly sustainable communities. We are currently seeking a Resident Liaison Officer, full time - 39 hours per week offering an attractive salary, depending on experience. Reporting directly to the Resident Liaison Manager you will be accountable for all aspects of communications with residents to establish and maintain positive relationships at all stages of our improvement works, ensuring that they receive a high quality service, so excellent communication skills are a must. Operating within an established site team your ability to work on your own initiative and have excellent decision-making skills, computer literacy and a full driving license are required. You will be expected to spend a large amount of proactive time on the field, as we believe this way of working is good practice and results in fewer issues occurring. We offer substantial benefits including 26 days annual leave, pension scheme, private health care and a strong commitment to training and further development. Closing date is noon on July 6, 2007. For further information and a confidential discussion please contact: Sarah Whyte, Resident Liaison Manager Lovell Partnerships Limited Lovell House, Parkway Court 271 Springhill Parkway Glasgow, G69 6GA tel: 0141 766 3030 email: bizdev.scotland@lovell.co.uk www.lovell.co.uk Looking to get the most out of your recruitment advertising? Do you want you advert to reach a highly focused readership, targeted specifically at the Scottish housing sector? Scottish Housing News is read by more than 10,000 people in the Scottish housing industry every day. Advertising on our innovative daily e-newsletter can meet all your recruitment needs - why pay hundreds to appear in printed media? For more information on our flexible and focused recruitment and display advertising, call Carl Farnworth at Contact Publicity on 0141 204 2042, or email:

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GROUND INVESTIGATIONS BEGIN PRIOR TO INVERCLYDE TRANSFER
27 June 2007

Investigations at seven sites around Inverclyde are set to be carried out as part of the Housing Stock Transfer process. Inverclyde Council has agreed a contract with a specialist company to start the work this week. Investigation work will take the form of holes being drilled into the ground and samples removed for testing for ground conditions assessment. The work being carried out is part of the normal process required before a local authority hands over housing stock and land to a housing association. Inverclyde Council’s Housing Stock will transfer to River Clyde Homes in October 2007. Head of Housing, Colin Campbell, said: “We wanted to ensure that people were aware these investigations are to take place as part of the Stock Transfer arrangements. Contractors will be taking test bores at these sites. “The works are perfectly safe and tenants should not worry when they see them being carried out. The work will complement the existing information the council has on sites within Inverclyde. “The council is being a responsible landlord by gathering as much information on these sites as possible to improve our knowledge of ground conditions. This will help us in respect of our responsibilities for the future. “There is such an extensive regeneration programme in Inverclyde with new- builds and improvements that we want to have as much ground condition surveys available as possible.” Letters have already been sent to tenants informing them of the site investigation works and tenants’ groups have also been given information. However anybody seeking further information should contact 01475 712507.

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REPORT CALLS FOR ‘RE-MOULDING’ OF REGENERATION POLICY
27 June 2007

The Human City team A new report by urban policy think-tank, the Human City Institute proposes ways in which regeneration policies might be ‘remoulded’, utilising a ‘human city and neighbourhood model’. Written to commemorate ten years of HCI as a charitable research initiative, the report argues for regeneration approaches that treat cities as holistic and organic entities, embracing physical, economic, social, cultural, environmental and spiritual elements. It stresses the importance of the ethical dimension of remoulding regeneration policy, incorporating both human rights and social justice elements. The report argues for more human values in regeneration programmes, particularly those associated with ‘happiness’, ‘well-being’ and individual ‘fulfilment’. Research into the ‘science of happiness’, the publication of ‘well-being’ manifestos, and the 20th anniversary report building on the Church of England’s Faith in the Cities work of the 80s, are all trying to put meat on the bones of policies that further the ‘good’ society and the ‘human’ city. To guide urban regeneration policy the report establishes twelve signs of the human city, covering social justice, democratic leadership, active participation, integrity in public life, partnership working, creativity and imagination, and a life-enhancing environment. As one of the report’s authors, John Morris, Vice-Chair of HCI and Chief Executive of Trident HA, said: “HCI is planning to create a Human City Index, for every local authority in England so that these 12 signs can measured. The index is being constructed using a range of data sources that throw light on what makes a more human environment. We hope to publish the results later in the summer”.

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PLANS FOR £13M GREEN COMMUNITY CENTRE IN GOVAN
27 June 2007

Plans to build a £13.1m environmentally friendly facility for social work and health services in Govan have been unveiled. As part of a programme to up-date social work and community health facilities in Glasgow, the building will act as a hub for a range of health and social care services geared towards all age ranges. Nursing, social care services, podiatry and physiotherapy, as well as specific services for a range of people living in the community, will be housed within the hub. There will also be provision for community and voluntary organisations. If the plans are approved, the hub should be the first publicly accessible carbon neutral building in Scotland. It will be built with natural materials such as slate and stone and its design will make it very much a workplace of the future. Cllr Stephen Curran, chair of the South West Community Health and Care Partnership (CHCP), said: “Once completed this hub will be a fantastic asset to the south west of Glasgow. It’s an exciting, environmentally sustainable design and it reflects the confidence we have in the possibilities presented by the CHCP. “Through CHCP, Glasgow City Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are working hard to improve both health and social care for people in south west Glasgow. By having a ‘one stop shop’ for services, we believe it will be easier for people in the community to lead healthier and better lives in future.” Creative use of landscaping will protect the building from the elements to ensure the internal temperature remains constant during both summer and winter; ventilation will be guaranteed by using the design of the building to create natural airflows; rainwater will be ‘harvested’ and then redirected towards the hub’s sanitation system; aerofoil style roofs will be positioned to maximise available daylight. Iona Colvin, Director of the South West Glasgow CHCP, said: “The plans present a milestone for CHCP and should also act as a catalyst for regeneration. This will be building the community can be proud of and I have to pay tribute to the vision of the architects.”

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ABERDEENSHIRE COUNCIL LAUNCHES NEW HANDBOOK FOR TENANTS
27 June 2007

A new up-to-date Tenant Handbook containing useful information has been launched for tenants of Aberdeenshire Council. The new edition sets out the authority’s responsibilities as a landlord, and residents’ responsibilities as tenants. It was designed as a handy reference guide for anyone who wants to find out more about their tenancy or the services provided by the council. It includes information like how to contact the relevant housing office; what to do if you have problems keeping up with rent payments; what to do if you have problems with a neighbour; and how the repair service works. It also includes an extensive contacts list. A new section dedicated to tenant participation has been included, which highlights and recognises the importance of tenants working in partnership with the council to share ideas and information, to improve services. Tenants have the opportunity to get involved in the development and monitoring of housing services, as well as influencing decisions made by the council about housing and related services. The new edition was launched by chairman of the council’s Social Work and Housing Committee, Gurudeo Saluja, and members of the Tenant Participation Promotion Team. Last year, following discussions with its tenants, the council decided to carry out a major revision of the handbook and to issue a new edition, rather than simply updating content. Over the last year, joint tenant/officer working groups have reviewed and revised the format and content of the handbook. This summer, every council tenant will receive a copy of the handbook through the post. Recycled paper will be used to print 17,000 copies and the handbook will be available on CD and electronically on the council’s website. Councillor Saluja said: “I have to congratulate the tenants and staff in the council’s Housing Service on a job well done – this is a major contribution to providing an excellent housing service to the people of Aberdeenshire.”

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RENFREWSHIRE GETS £1.6M TO INVEST IN PRIVATE HOUSING
27 June 2007

Renfrewshire Council has been given a £1.6m cash injection to improve Paisley’s crumbling private homes. The Scottish Executive cash will be used to upgrade older owner occupied properties in the town dealing with safety problems like lead pipes, asbestos and roofing. The fund was given the thumbs up at the council’s Housing and Community Safety Board. Opposition councillors have called on the council to stay on top of the Executive for further Private Sector housing grant handouts. Iain McMillan, Labour’s housing spokesman, said: "The Executive’s funding has always been tight but I made it a priority to get as much of this funding as possible when we were in power and I did not spare the Executive." Paisley East and Ralston member, Jim Sharkey, added: "As councillor for much of the town centre I know how much these older properties benefit from the work done. This is why it is so important to fight for as much money as possible. "The town centre has a preponderance of the type of property that need help. Buildings in the High Street, School Wynd and Crossflat Crescent either have been or are scheduled to be upgraded and it is not just the home owners who benefit as the character of the townscape is also preserved for future generations." Councillor Brian Lawson, housing board convener, said: "We will be talking to the Executive, in fact we already have been, to make sure we get everything we are entitled to. We need as much money as we can to help with housing."

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CONFIDENCE KNOCKED BY RATE HIKE FEARS
27 June 2007

Rate rise fears are denting confidence in future house price growth, according to propertyfinder.com. Forecast annual UK house price growth is at its lowest level this year, according to the most recent research by propertyfinder.com. The extent to which people expect house prices to rise fell in June to just below 5%, down from over 6% in May. However, people in Scotland and Northern Ireland are far more optimistic about future price growth than people in England where the majority of regions expect a slower rate of growth in months to come. People in London and the South East are the exception and still expect a growth rate above the national average. The main cause for the shift in people’s expectations is the May rate rise, as well as the well publicised probability of a further hike to 6pc before the end of the year, with 88% of people stating that a further cooling of the market would be primarily due to rate hikes. Warren Bright, chief executive of propertyfinder.com, said: “The market is undoubtedly slowing. The May rate rise has had an immediate impact on homebuyer confidence and fears of more to come are dampening expectations for house prices. We would expect future price growth to moderate in line with current confidence levels. “Mervyn King has now made clear that higher rates are almost certainly on the way. The MPC directly affects what happens to variable rate mortgages but recent developments in the bond markets make it much more likely that longer term fixed rates are going to rise as well. Homebuyers may be wise to lock in sooner rather than later.” Mr Bright added: “While most of the country is in slow down mode, a few regions continue to power ahead due to localised market influences. While most areas are conscious of the impact of rising borrowing costs, people in London and the South East remain confident that the market in these regions will continue to benefit from the wealth and success of the City.”

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LINTELTRUST SWINGS INTO ACTION AGAIN
27 June 2007

LintelTrust has held its 13th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Forrester Park Resort, Cairneyhill, Fife. The event was sponsored by Ochil View Housing Association, who provided an individual trophy and vouchers, and Scottish Power, who provided a team trophy and vouchers. Other main sponsors who contributed greatly towards the day included Link Group and Dunedin Canmore Housing Association, and supporting sponsor, IT First Associates. Twenty-two teams set off from a shotgun start with everyone coming together for a fantastic lunch later in the afternoon. A raffle took place after lunch with plenty of top prizes up for grabs. The victorious team was Link Masters, comprising Malcolm Lee, Carol Kerr, and Murray Macmillan. The score for the Masters was 47 card play-off 25 and 23 back 9. The Individual Trophy this year went to John Hay of Link Group with a very good 40. Alan Davidson of Dunedin Canmore came second with a very respectable 37. Paul Lawson of IT First Associates was the scratch prize winner (77), Lynn Gowrie of Perthshire Housing Association scooped the Ladies Prize with 31 points, Stephen Porch of PME won the longest drive, and Willie Sutherland of DTZ Consulting and Research took the nearest the pin prize. Final tallies have yet to be made, but look like close to £7,000 has been raised to help support housing-related projects sourced, supported and monitored by LintelTrust across Scotland. LintelTrust will be holding the Golf event again next year, so check out LintelTrust's website for more pictures and full winner's list soon. For more information on the work of LintelTrust, please visit:

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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP APPOINTS CHAIR
27 June 2007

George Gillespie West Dunbartonshire Community Planning Partnership has become the first CPP in Scotland to elect a community representative as the chairperson of its Board. George Gillespie, from Dumbarton, was unanimously elected by representatives of statutory, voluntary and community organisations and agencies. A retired council worker with both the old Strathclyde region and Dumbarton District councils, Mr Gillespie has been active in representing his local community on a voluntary basis for over a decade. He had previously chaired the West Dunbartonshire Social Inclusion Partnership, again being the first community representative in Scotland to hold this role, and has represented community interest on national bodies. The chair of the WDCPP became vacant following the local authority elections and new Council Leader Iain Robertson (SNP) chose to second Mr Gillespie's nomination rather than stand against him. Councillor Robertson was himself elected as the Board's vice chairman and the pair have vowed to work together to improve services for everyone living in West Dunbartonshire. Mr Gillespie said: "This is an important position and I am grateful that the Board has entrusted it to me as a representative of the local community. It is only through partnership working that we can bring about real changes and improve the quality of life for everyone, particularly those in our poorest communities.” Councillor Robertson said: "I believe that the community has a vital role to play in ensuring the success of community planning. The new administration wants to work with all our partners and in this instance we believe that the best person to take on this role is a member of the community. "Having been involved with the CPP and the Social Inclusion Partnership before it, George has an excellent overview of everything that is happening and I look forward to working closely with him."

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JOB OF THE WEEK: RESIDENT LIASION OFFICER – SCOTLAND
28 June 2007

Lovell, part of the Morgan Sindall Group, is nationally the leading provider of affordable housing and has a reputation for innovation and excellent performance on a wide range of mixed tenure housing schemes and regeneration projects. RESIDENT LIASION OFFICER – SCOTLAND Lovell is the country’s leading housing and regeneration specialist. Working in partnership with housing associations and local authorities, the company specialises in mixed tenure developments operating at the cutting edge of urban regeneration to create truly sustainable communities. We are currently seeking a Resident Liaison Officer, full time - 39 hours per week offering an attractive salary, depending on experience. Reporting directly to the Resident Liaison Manager you will be accountable for all aspects of communications with residents to establish and maintain positive relationships at all stages of our improvement works, ensuring that they receive a high quality service, so excellent communication skills are a must. Operating within an established site team your ability to work on your own initiative and have excellent decision-making skills, computer literacy and a full driving license are required. You will be expected to spend a large amount of proactive time on the field, as we believe this way of working is good practice and results in fewer issues occurring. We offer substantial benefits including 26 days annual leave, pension scheme, private health care and a strong commitment to training and further development. Closing date is noon on July 6, 2007. For further information and a confidential discussion please contact: Sarah Whyte, Resident Liaison Manager Lovell Partnerships Limited Lovell House, Parkway Court 271 Springhill Parkway Glasgow, G69 6GA tel: 0141 766 3030 email: bizdev.scotland@lovell.co.uk www.lovell.co.uk Looking to get the most out of your recruitment advertising? Do you want you advert to reach a highly focused readership, targeted specifically at the Scottish housing sector? Scottish Housing News is read by more than 10,000 people in the Scottish housing industry every day. Advertising on our innovative daily e-newsletter can meet all your recruitment needs - why pay hundreds to appear in printed media? For more information on our flexible and focused recruitment and display advertising, call Carl Farnworth at Contact Publicity on 0141 204 2042, or email:

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PRIVATE INVESTORS COULD HELP SCOTTISH HOMEBUYERS
28 June 2007

Private investors could help homebuyers through shared-equity schemes, the Scottish Executive has announced. Nicola Sturgeon Nicola Sturgeon, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, said it was ‘possible’ that the private sector could get involved in so-called shared equity schemes, where housebuyers pay for a proportion of the property and another party pays for the remainder. Ms Sturgeon's comments came just a week after she ruled out any expansion of private sector involvement in the NHS. So far, only the public sector has been involved in the shared equity scheme, with housing associations providing part of the capital to help people buy their first home. However, appearing before the local government and communities committee for the first time since the election, Ms Sturgeon said she was relaxed with the scheme being extended to involve the private sector. She said: "We are keen to talk to mortgage lenders and others about how to lever in financial support to help people get on the property ladder."

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NEW SFHA COMMERCIAL MEMBERS
28 June 2007

The SFHA would like to welcome the following two new Commercial Members. First Furnishings Limited: First Furnishings provides a rapid response furnishing service to Housing Associations and various local authority initiatives. This service includes house clearance, valeting, and painting through to a full furnishing package where we deliver and install everything required to prepare and furnish a home. To find out more email firstfurnishings@fsmail.net or call 01506 852842. Web: www.firstfurnishings.net Edwards Macdowall Consultants: Laura has worked in social housing for over 15 years and offers a range of services to social housing providers which can be tailored to meet clients needs. Her key areas of expertise are project management of development schemes, interim management for development and maintenance departments and policy development. To find out more email enquiry@edwardsmacdowall.co.uk or call 0141 884 4900. Web: www.edwardsmacdowall.co.uk.

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HOUSE BUILDING CONFERENCE STIRS THE SUSTAINABILITY DEBATE
28 June 2007

Charlie Luxton With environmental issues, sustainability and urban regeneration continuing to be the hot topics of the day, Bell & Scott provided a stirring annual Housebuilding Conference this year for more than 200 delegates. Held in with Homes for Scotland, the conference served up several experts on urban regeneration, sustainability and design, as well suggesting how Scotland’s new political landscape will influence these and what it means for the industry. John Walker, CEO of English Partnerships, gave a practical insight into the regeneration challenges in providing high quality, sustainable places for people to live, using the Greenwich Peninsula Development Project as a successful working model. According to Walker, land is key to urban regeneration and local authorities should be allowed to use assets to allow them to contribute to joint venture partnerships. He also felt that it is crucial to have an infrastructure in place in advance of any development being submitted for planning, a sentiment echoed by Charlie Luxton, architect and presenter of BBC3’s Dreamspaces. His delivery highlighted that CO2 emissions are now higher than at anytime in the last 650,000 years; while reminding the audience that the last ice age came upon us in a matter of years rather than centuries. He underlined that sustainability is one of the largest issues we have to face. Like Walker, Luxton is of the opinion that for builders, the means to achieving sustainable homes is to get it right at the masterplan stage. George Kerevan, Associate Editor of The Scotsman, spoke on the implications that the new political landscape in Scotland could have. Confident that climate change will quickly become a crucial part of Gordon Brown’s agenda, he stressed the possibility of a carbon tax. Also, Kerevan emphasised that housing is still an area of growth, but that builders shouldn’t leave the industry to the politicians and instead, forge stronger public and private partnerships. Dave Worthington, Principal Consultant at Energy for Sustainable Development, talked on the built environment and suggested possible technological solutions to greater energy efficiency.

GLASGOW & WEST OF SCOTLAND FINANCE STAFF FORUM
28 June 2007

The next meeting of the Glasgow & West of Scotland Finance Staff Forum will take place on Thursday, July 5 2007 at 2:30pm in Baker Tilly's Glasgow Office 274 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3EH. There will be a presentation from Lynne Wilcox from the JW Group on Everything you want to know about Insurance in about 30 minutes!.

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COUNCIL TAX LEVELS MARGINALLY UP
28 June 2007

The amounts of council tax collected in Scotland was up marginally on the pervious year, according to Scottish Executive figures. This statistical publication notice provides Council Tax (CT) collection figures by Scottish local authorities for the financial year 06/07 and previous years. In 06/07, for Scotland as a whole, the total amount of Council Tax billed, excluding Council Tax Benefit, was £1.867bn. Of this total, £1.751bn was collected by March 31, 2007. The provisional Scotland total in-year CT collection rate for 06/07 was 93.8%, a 0.5 percentage point increase from the previous year. Since 93/94, the overall total amount of council tax billed in Scotland was £18.487bn, of which £17.661bn, or 95.5% was collected by March 31, 2007. Provisional in-year CT collection rates for 06/07 range from a low of 86% in Glasgow, to a high of 97.8% in Orkney. The provisional figures suggest that 27 out of 32 councils have improved on their 05/06 in-year collection rate figures published by Audit Scotland. There were five councils that did not improve. Of these, Dundee, East Lothian and South Ayrshire showed no change from 05/06. The remaining two councils were Eilean Siar (-0.2 percentage points) and Glasgow (-0.1 percentage points). The in-year Council Tax collection rate is a Statutory Performance Indicator. The figures for 2006-07 in this Statistical Publication Notice are provisional, pre-audit estimates. Audited figures for 2006-07 will be published by Audit Scotland in due course.

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WE’RE ON THE UP AND UP
28 June 2007

With over 500 new subscribers in June flocking to sign up for our free daily housing and construction newsletters and nearly 2,000 new unique visitors to our websites, we were not surprised to learn that on-line advertising has now overtaken newspaper advertising for the first time in the UK. The Advertising Association reports that web advertising revenue soared by 42 per cent from the first quarter of 2006. By contrast, print and broadcast media revenues continued their inexorable decline. Business magazines and regional press titles were the worst hit as advertisers – just like readers— switch massivley on-line. Advertising on-line reaches the relevant audience at a fraction of the price. To advertise here, contact Contact Publicity on 0141 204 2042.

LOREBURN TAKES ON THE CHALLENGE
28 June 2007

Loreburn staff go canyoning Loreburn Housing Association has held a Challenge Loreburn Day when staff turn their hands to a wide variety of activities, including the sometimes unusual and unorthodox. Many big things have been achieved at Loreburn, this year celebrating its 25th anniversary, because of the quality and dedication of its staff team. Loreburn is committed to helping its people develop skills in communication, project management, taking personal responsibility, leadership, problem solving and open-mindedness. Challenge Loreburn was launched very successfully in 2005 in place of the annual staff conference, and in 2007 staff were once again keen to get stuck in to plan and execute a team activity. Every group was given a small budget equating to a share of the costs for the previous staff conference. After that it’s entirely up to them what decisions they make and how they allocate the tasks. Above all, the exercise is to be enjoyable, give staff the opportunity to try something new and expand or enhance their transferable skills, to the ultimate benefit of tenants and service users.

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LAWTHORN PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN VISIT IRVINE’S HEAD OFFICE
28 June 2007

A future Chief Executive? Irvine Housing Association has arranged for a representative group of Primary 4 children from Lawthorn Primary School to visit its Head Office in Bridgegate House, Irvine. One of Lawthorn Primary School’s teacher, Miss Syme, and 10 children visited the Corporate Support Services Department to learn about the Association’s various communications systems. The children were given the opportunity to operate the telephone system and the fax machine, they were also able to frank some of the Association’s out going mail, send emails and talk to the Dumfries office via video conferencing. Miss Syme said: “The children have all enjoyed their visit and they have learnt a lot about the different types of communication systems that businesses can use. They will now report back to the rest of their class what they have seen and heard today”.

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JOB OF THE WEEK: RESIDENT LIASION OFFICER – SCOTLAND
29 June 2007

Lovell, part of the Morgan Sindall Group, is nationally the leading provider of affordable housing and has a reputation for innovation and excellent performance on a wide range of mixed tenure housing schemes and regeneration projects. RESIDENT LIASION OFFICER – SCOTLAND Lovell is the country’s leading housing and regeneration specialist. Working in partnership with housing associations and local authorities, the company specialises in mixed tenure developments operating at the cutting edge of urban regeneration to create truly sustainable communities. We are currently seeking a Resident Liaison Officer, full time - 39 hours per week offering an attractive salary, depending on experience. Reporting directly to the Resident Liaison Manager you will be accountable for all aspects of communications with residents to establish and maintain positive relationships at all stages of our improvement works, ensuring that they receive a high quality service, so excellent communication skills are a must. Operating within an established site team your ability to work on your own initiative and have excellent decision-making skills, computer literacy and a full driving license are required. You will be expected to spend a large amount of proactive time on the field, as we believe this way of working is good practice and results in fewer issues occurring. We offer substantial benefits including 26 days annual leave, pension scheme, private health care and a strong commitment to training and further development. Closing date is noon on July 6, 2007. For further information and a confidential discussion please contact: Sarah Whyte, Resident Liaison Manager Lovell Partnerships Limited Lovell House, Parkway Court 271 Springhill Parkway Glasgow, G69 6GA tel: 0141 766 3030 email: bizdev.scotland@lovell.co.uk www.lovell.co.uk Looking to get the most out of your recruitment advertising? Do you want you advert to reach a highly focused readership, targeted specifically at the Scottish housing sector? Scottish Housing News is read by more than 10,000 people in the Scottish housing industry every day. Advertising on our innovative daily e-newsletter can meet all your recruitment needs - why pay hundreds to appear in printed media? For more information on our flexible and focused recruitment and display advertising, call Carl Farnworth at Contact Publicity on 0141 204 2042, or email:

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RUTHERGLEN & CAMBUSLANG H.A. INSTALLS SOLAR PANELS
29 June 2007

Installing the solar panels Rutherglen & Cambuslang Housing Association has installing solar panels in over 130 properties in south east Glasgow. The association has specified Ferroli’s solar hot water heating system as part of its ambitious renewable energy initiative. Rutherglen & Cambuslang is investing in a complete solar combi package from Ferroli, which combines condensing combi boilers and storage cylinders with the latest slimline solar roof panels. To date, Ferroli has been installed in 52 of the association’s terraced and semi-detached properties, with a further 80 being considered for a second phase. The association sees the project as key to its commitment to addressing fuel poverty by replacing old back boilers with more energy efficient units, as well as helping to reduce the carbon footprint of its housing stock. It will be monitoring tenants’ heating bills over the coming year to assess the impact of the new solar systems. David Anderson, Director at the Rutherglen & Cambuslang, said: “We began discussions with Ferroli around February this year, so the project has progressed quickly thanks to the speed and efficiency of all those involved. The installations have gone well so far and we’ve had excellent feedback from the tenants concerned, who will soon feel the benefit of lower fuel costs.” Andy Gannon, Ferroli’s National Sales Director, said: “Solar combi is great for social housing - simple to fit alongside a new combi boiler, where it can help reduce carbon emissions, in line with government targets, and cut tenants’ fuel bills. The success of this particular project also demonstrates Ferroli’s commitment to supporting all parties in this type of contract to make sure everything runs smoothly.”

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TRUST LAUNCHES NEW TENANTS’ HANDBOOK
29 June 2007

Trust tenants with the new handbook Trust Housing Association has launched its new Tenants’ Handbook at an event at its head office in Edinburgh where attendees included tenants and staff who had participated in the development of the new book. The handbook was developed over an 18 month period and involved consultation with staff across all departments to ensure all areas were covered. Tenants also had an input. A number of focus group meetings took place during which tenants were able to have their say in how they wanted their handbook to look and the topics they wanted to see covered. The result is an easy to use and comprehensive reference guide for tenants which aims to provide them with as much information as possible about their tenancy with Trust, covering a wide range of areas such as rents; repairs; transfers and ending a tenancy; housing support; and complaints. Trust worked closely with the handbook designers, Creative Link, to produce an attractive yet cost effective and sustainable design. The A5 ring-binder format containing loose leaf inserts means that changes and additions to the handbook can be made easily without the need for an entire reprint. At the event tenants from the focus group meetings were treated to a buffet lunch, as a thank you for their involvement, and received advance copies of the new book. They were pleased with the final product and believed they would find it a useful source of information. George Veryan, Director of Customer Services, said: “I am delighted at the support staff have received from tenants in delivering our new handbook. It's another positive step on the road of ever increasing tenant participation in the work of Trust.” Trust’s Tenants’ Handbook can be accessed on the Association’s website. Anyone requiring further information about it should contact Wendy Johnston, Housing Policy and Performance Manager, at the Association’s Glasgow office, 0141 341 3200.

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MELVILLE H.A. SEEKS CONTRACTOR TO SUPPLY AND INSTALL UPVC WINDOWS
29 June 2007

Melville Housing Association is advertising on Scottish Construction Now for expressions of interest from suitably experienced contractors wishing to tender for the replacement of the single glazed windows within its stock with UPVC high performance windows. The project consists of the replacement of existing windows to approximately 900 properties in the Midlothian Area. It is anticipated that this work will be completed within five years. For the full tender, and contact information, please go to:

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ABERDEEN TO RE-LET ANTI-SOCIAL HOMES
29 June 2007

Aberdeen City Council is planning to re-open and revamp flats that have been left closed for two years following high levels of vandalism and anti-social behaviour. The majority of flats at Fountain Grange in Woodside lie empty after the council classed it as Unable to Relet in 2005. Even although the block only opened in 1991, it had been blighted by crime. According to a report before the council meeting, at first the four blocks of 12 one-bedroom flats had a good mix of male and female occupants. But, the report claimed, over the years the flats had become dominated by male tenants, some of whom suffered drug and alcohol problems, leading to a "high volume of rape, murder, drug dealing, housebreaking and vandalism" and a drop in demand to move to the area. However, now the council believes it can refurbish the flats and move people in once again. In November, the council discussed a number of options including turning the block into flats for elderly people. But it was decided that the problem with housing for homeless people was more immediate, and it was stated the cost of refurbishing would be around £50,000. Cllr Aileen Malone, who has been in charge of a project looking into how to make use of the flats, said: "I was surprised at the good condition the flats were in when I visited. In some cases the kitchens may need refurbishing and some other work may need to be done. I would have thought this would be something everybody could support because of the number of homeless people needing somewhere to live". The one-bedroom flats, which are expected to cost about £60 per week to rent, will be offered to both single people and couples. According to council figures the number of single people and couples looking for homes in the Tillydrone, Sunnybank and Woodside areas has risen from 1,444 in September last year to 1,615 this month. There are currently only 641 one-bedroom properties in those areas. Of these, 584 are currently let, and another 57 are classed as voids - including those at Fountain Grange.

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LINTELTRUST BRAVES THE OUTDOORS FOR CHARITY
29 June 2007

LintelTrust is holding an outdoors charity tennis tournament on August 24 at the Dunfermline Tennis & Bridge Club, Bothwell St, Dunfermline, Fife KY11 3AF from approximately 10am until 4pm. If anyone is interested in pre-registering a team of 4 for this event, please do so now to receive a special early-bird rate. LintelTrust looks forward to hearing from you. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please do get in touch to discuss. Contact Pauline Barbour at LintelTrust on 0141 567 6248 or e-mail linteltrust@sfha.co.uk to find out more.

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WE’RE ON THE UP AND UP
29 June 2007

With over 500 new subscribers in June flocking to sign up for our free daily housing and construction newsletters and nearly 2,000 new unique visitors to our websites, we were not surprised to learn that on-line advertising has now overtaken newspaper advertising for the first time in the UK. The Advertising Association reports that web advertising revenue soared by 42 per cent from the first quarter of 2006. By contrast, print and broadcast media revenues continued their inexorable decline. Business magazines and regional press titles were the worst hit as advertisers – just like readers— switch massivley on-line. Advertising on-line reaches the relevant audience at a fraction of the price. To advertise here, contact Contact Publicity on 0141 204 2042.

DGHP DOONHAMERS MEET THE CALEDONIAN CHALLENGE
29 June 2007

DGHP's Doonhamers A five strong team from Dumfries & Galloway Housing Partnership (DGHP), who called themselves The Doonhamers, have successfully completed what is recognised as one of the toughest charity endurance events in Scotland. The RBS Caledonian Challenge is one of Scotland’s largest fundraising endurance events, challenging teams of between three to six people to walk 54 miles along the West Highland Way, non stop, over a 24 hour period. DGHP challenge team leader, Doreen Kirkland said: “This was undoubtedly one of the toughest challenge’s any one of us has ever taken on in our lives. To walk non-stop from Fort William to Loch Lomond, through the rain, dark and the midges is no mean feet! And we certainly have the blisters to prove it. “So far we’ve raised almost £3000 for charity and I would like to thank everyone who sponsored us including a number of local businesses.” This year, the event will raise money for Scottish grassroots charities and community groups. Since it was founded in 1997, The Caledonian Challenge has raised over £7 million, benefiting local communities and charities across Scotland through Scottish Community Foundation grants.

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NORTH VIEW AND A GREAT IDEA FOR FUN DAYS
29 June 2007

All the fun of the fair North View Housing Association in Castlemilk has brought loads of fun to the Castlemilk Fun Day by providing a Coconut Stall. Geraldine Baird, Housing Manager, said: “The coconut shy proved a spectacular success and was very easy to do. We were looking to do a something which firstly was easy and fun for all ages, secondly was easy and relatively cheap to set up and run and thirdly give out fruit to local children.” The association bought a gazebo, went online and bought props, a tropical island Aloha banner for the back drop, grass skirts and straw hats as well as multi coloured garlands to add a bit of character to the event. The local fruit market provided 200 hundred coconuts and apples at trade prices to keep costs down. The shy consisted of metal spikes with holes to sit the coconut and a number of wooden balls to pitch. A net completed the kit to catch the wayward balls. It charged 20p for 6 balls and the money went to charity. It was really a great event and so easy to organise and we can reuse everything next year.

HOUSING NEWS: INNOVATION ROUND UP
29 June 2007

LONDON PEABODY TRUST SIGNS UP TO SKILLS PLEDGE HAMMERSMITH CRACKS DOWN ON HOUSING ESTATE ‘YOBS’ SCOTLAND CONFERENCE LOOKS AT USING CHURCHES FOR HOUSING PRIVATE INVESTORS COULD HELP SCOTTISH HOMEBUYERS NORTH EAST NORTH EAST AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED CONSORTIUM TO DEVELOP DARLINGTON CENTRAL PARK NORTH WEST PROGRESS CARE TO LAUNCH SCHEME FOR PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES SMALLER HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS IN TRAINING SCHEME WEST MIDLANDS MIDLANDS ECO-HOMES DESIGNED BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE HOUSING – HONG KONG STYLE EASTERN CAMBRIDGE: NEW MASTERPLAN FOR NORTHSTOWE NEW DAWN FOR TENANTS IN NEWARK SOUTH EAST CHINESE LEADERS LEARN THE WEST KENT WAY KEY ROLE FOR TOWN AND COUNTRY IN KENT SCHEME SOUTH WEST OPEN-BOOK INITIATIVE BREAKS NEW GROUND PENWITH: LOAN INCENTIVE COULD CUT INTO WAITING LIST

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