The Almshouse Association would like to make members aware of the new Complaints Handling Code which has been published by the Housing Ombudsman Service.
The Code is meant to ‘a framework for high-quality complaint handling and greater consistency across landlords’ complaint procedures’. This new code is only applicable to those members who are Registered Providers and are therefore obliged to be registered with the Housing Ombudsman, or those who have voluntarily chosen to sign up.
The key areas of the code are:
- Universal definition of a complaint
- Providing easy access to the complaints
procedure and ensuring residents are aware of it, including their right to
access the Housing Ombudsman Service
- The structure of the complaints procedure – only
two stages necessary and clear timeframes set out for responses
- Ensuring fairness in complaint handling with a
resident-focused process
- Taking action to put things right and
appropriate remedies
- Creating a positive complaint handling culture
through continuous learning and improvement
- Demonstrating learning in Annual Reports
Members will be asked to self-assess against the Code by 31st
December 2020 and to publish their results. Failure to do so could lead to the
Ombudsman issuing a complaint handling failure order.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact The Almshouse Association for assistance.
Posted 13th July 2020
As the lockdown continues to ease around the nation, it is worth remembering to catch up with vital checks which may not have been undertaken as buildings were left understaffed or empty.
A particularly important check at this time is that of water safety. It is highly recommended that members carry out the necessary checks for Legionella. Further advice on this can be found at Chapter 4.15 of our Standards of Almshouse Management Guidance Manual.
In addition, you may want to take our online training course on Legionella –click here to access
Gas
safety checks are also important. The Health and Safety Executive has provided
the following guidance during the Covid-19 pandemic:
Landlords have a legal duty to repair and maintain gas pipework, flues and appliances in a safe condition, to ensure an annual gas safety check on each appliance and flue, and to keep a record of each safety check.
If you anticipate difficulties in gaining access as the COVID-19 situation progresses, you have the flexibility to carry out annual gas safety checks two months before the deadline date. Landlords can have the annual gas safety checks at their properties carried out any time from 10 to 12 calendar months after the previous check and still retain the original deadline date as if the check had been carried out exactly 12 months after the previous check.
You are encouraged to arrange your annual gas safety checks as early as possible, as a contingency against tenants being in self-isolation for a period of 14 days (in line with current guidelines), or gas engineers being unavailable due to illness. The two-month period to carry out annual gas safety checks should provide adequate resilience in most situations.
In the event, you are unable to gain access to the property, e.g. persistent refusal of access due to vulnerable tenants self-isolating, you will be expected to be able to demonstrate that you took reasonable steps to comply with the law and that you are seeking to arrange the safety check as soon as all parties are able. This will need to include records of communication with the tenant, and details of your engineers attempt to gain access.
Health and Safety Executive
As always, if you have any concerns please do not hesitate
to contact The Almshouse Association and we will be more than happy to assist.
Posted 7th July 2020
On July 1st The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 came into effect for new ‘specified tenancies’. Existing tenancies will not be affected until April 1st 2021.
Please look at our guidance below on what the new regulations require so that you are prepared:
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020
New regulations are to come into effect that will require each dwelling to acquire an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every 5 years: ‘electrical installation’ means fixed electrical cables or fixed electrical equipment located on the consumer’s side of the electricity supply meter. These Regulations apply in England only to all new ‘specified tenancies’ from 1st July 2020 and all existing ‘specified tenancies’ from 1st April 2021.
These regulations apply to almshouse charities.
The first inspection and testing on an almshouse property must be carried out before the resident moves-in, in relation to a new ‘specified tenancy’ and from 1st April 2021 in all the properties, in relation to an existing ‘specified tenancy’.
Following the inspection and testing charities must:
- obtain a written report from the person conducting
the inspection and test, which gives the results of the inspection and test and
the date of the next inspection and test;
- supply a copy of the report to each existing
resident of the residential premises within 28 days of the inspection and test;
- supply a copy of the report to the local housing
authority within 7 days of receiving a request in writing for it from that
authority;
- retain a copy of that report until the next
inspection and test is due and supply a copy to the person carrying out the
next inspection and test; and
- supply a copy of the most recent report to:
- any new resident of the ‘specified tenancy’ to
which the report relates before that resident occupies those premises; and
- any prospective resident within 28 days of
receiving a request in writing for it from that prospective resident.
Any further investigative or remedial work identified in the
report should be carried out by a
qualified person(s) within 28 days, unless a shorter period is specified. The charity must obtain written confirmation
confirming that the investigative or remedial work carried out meets the electrical safety standards.
Full details of the legislation and ‘landlord’ responsibilities can be found here: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2020/9780111191934
NOTE: These regulations only apply to charities operating in England
Posted 6 July 2020
This Rural Housing Week is likely to be dominated by the long term impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) recently discussed how a fall in property prices is likely to lead to a reduction in affordable housing in rural areas.
It seems ironic, but as many affordable housing is created through a levy on developers (Section 106), some developers are using a fall in property values as a way of opting out of supplying their affordable housing levy! This is a real concern as many people, young and old, decide to leave the towns and villages where they grew up, for places which are actually affordable. Local businesses lose custom, and these places lose their community cohesion.
The Almshouse Association believes that we have at least part of the solution to this problem. Almshouses are a one thousand year old answer to an age old question around truly affordable, community housing. Today some 36,000 people enjoy independent living in an almshouse community. Many people are not aware of almshouses or how they operate. Historically, almshouses have been started through the philanthropic ventures of a local wealthy individual. The accommodation provided is of genuine high-quality with a focus on community engagement and interaction. These are not just sets of housing which gentrify an area. Instead they are rooted in the communities they serve, with a focus on maintaining a level of affordable community housing in perpetuity by their exemption from Right to Buy. Residents do not pay rent but a Weekly Maintenance Contribution which is below the average rent in the area and helps to maintain the upkeep of the almshouse. Residents live independently in a supportive community where they otherwise would have struggled with lengthy council house waiting lists or extortionate private rent.
Almshouses are often well supported in rural areas under the
Rural Exception Scheme as they are restricted for those people of the local
community forever.
Around the country we see communities embracing almshouses and the benefits they bring. We are proud that many new developments are embracing environmentally friendly solutions, ensuring that the almshouses provide high-quality accommodation and are sustainable for the future.
We believe that almshouses are the ideal rural community housing solution. A solution for the benefits of the local community, led by the community.
Posted 6 July 2020
Loneliness Minister, Baroness Barran has urged people to consider writing letters and cards to those who still have to isolate in an effort to combat loneliness.
The Almshouse Association fully supports this idea and hopes that our member charities can help residents to remain in touch with the outside world if they are still isolating.
Some ways in which this could work include:
- Reach out to a local school to arrange for letters to be sent to residents
- Larger charities may like to establish a penpal network between different almshouses
- Connect with local charity or mutual aid groups which have formed during the lockdown and provide services such as letters or phone calls
- There are also organisations such as Arts in Care Homes who may be able to help organise similar activities.
If you come up with any ideas, or you already have a system in place, please let us know so we can share your methods and experiences with others.
Posted: 1 June 2020
Record of the Key Decisions made by the Almshouse Association Board of Trustees at Board Meetings (from June 18 onwards).
The most recent decisions are listed first:
3 March 2021, via Zoom
- The Board agreed to increase the number of Regional Champions in 2022 particularly looking at Yorkshire and other larger counties and regions.
- Governance review at first stage considered a review of Board feedback. A workshop to review strategy was proposed for later in 2021.
- The risk register should identify investment risks for The Almshouse Association reserves.
- Thanks to all charities that support their staff to attend board meetings should be recognised in the Annual Report.
- The Annual Accounts having been reviewed by auditors were approved by the Board.
17th September 2020, via Zoom
- The decision was carried by the Board to release £20,000 from the Grant budget and for full flexibility to be granted to CEO for discretionary distribution to charities in immediate crisis up to £3,000 per case. The pilot will be reviewed after 6 months.
- The Board voted and unanimously agreed to release a further £5,000 (above the strategic budget) to enable the data collection and Value for Money research to commence.
- The Board unanimously agreed with the recommendation made by the F&GP to increase the Grants budget from £250,000 to £350.000.
27th May 2020, via Zoom
11th March 2020 NCVO, London N1
- Delegated authority was given to NP to cancel or continue events based on evidence at the time.
- The Board approved/adopted the Annual Accounts for 2019 and the Annual Report subject to minor amendments discussed. The Board approved the letter of representation to Buzzacotts.
- Delegated authority was given to board members to register the name change from ’The National Association of Almshouses’ to ‘The Almshouse Association’ with the Charity Commission in advance of the filing with Companies House.
- Authority was given to recruit regional champions for 9 months and to roll out nationally in 2021.
- The new branding and logo was approved and endorsed by the Board. Roll out timing as CEO sees fit.
- Following demand for loans and grants exceeding funds budgeted the Board approved an increase in the budget available to provide restricted funds for the provision of loans up to £1,000,000 and grants up to £250,000 for 2020.
19th September 19 NCVO, London N1
- The Board supports the recruitment of a part-time campaign manager on a fixed term contract.
- The Board supports an office move to suitable new accommodation.
- The Board endorsed loans and grants paper as recommended by F&GP.
- The Board supports a budget towards almshouse research.
4th June 19 NCVO, London N1
- In preparation for the 75th Anniversary in 2021, a Working Party has been set up which includes Board Members, David Healey and Jim Kennedy. The event will include support for almshouses to open up their garden and/or houses to gain local interest.
- Following a recommendation by the F&GP Sub-Committee and a unanimous vote in favour by the Board, the Almshouse Association Investments will be managed by Waverton Investment Management.
- The Nominations Committee recommended Clive Cook of St John’s Charity, Winchester to join the Board and this was unanimously endorsed.
- A grant was given to Anglia Ruskin University, which has produced good analysis of almshouse literature. A Sourcebook has been completed in draft.
13th March 2019, NCVO, London N1
- Board unanimously approved the Strategy and Resource budget and asked that an update on delivery should form part of the F&GP agenda and future board meetings.
15th November 18 NCVO, London N1
- Organisational strategy reviewed – discussed at length and some changes made – to be re-presented for approval at the March 19 Board Meeting
- Proposal to appoint Willie Hartley-Russell to the F&GP sub-committee approved
- Agreed that future F&GP meetings would be held in London
- Noted that 2019 member subscription fees had been increased by 2% across the board
- Following consideration by the sub-committee and the Board, Quentin Elston, Jim Kennedy, Andrew Barnes and David Healey were individually proposed and unanimously elected to the board.
13th June 18 Merchant Taylor’s Hall, London EC2R
- The Board instructed the Directorate to prepare policy and procedure for issuing grants to member charities
Updated: 12 May 21
This is an area that we come across a great deal more than one may expect.
Conflict of interest really only comes under scrutiny when
something goes wrong, however when business planning, it is good practice for
trustees to assume that any conflict of interest or potential conflict of
interest should be identified and raised as soon as it is considered. This
means that the board of trustees should be constantly vigilant to “potential”
conflict.
Francesca Quint a very experienced lawyer specialising in almshouses has given some helpful advice.
“The law relating to conflicts of interest can be summarised as follows.
There are two fundamental principles originally developed in relation to trusts but now applicable to all charities and all companies:
(i) A Trustee (or equivalent) must not benefit from his trust, unless this is specifically authorised by the governing document, the general law or the Charity Commission/Court.
(ii) A Trustee (or equivalent) must not allow himself to be placed in a situation where his personal interest conflicts or may conflict or may be perceived as conflicting with the interest of the Trust (or charity or company).
The first question is to identify a conflict or potential conflict. This occurs where the trustee stands to gain personally from a decision or transaction, where someone for whom he is responsible or towards whom he owes an obligation or is otherwise connected with him will be affected, or where he has a duty towards a third party which may conflict with the charity’s interest.
The next step is for the Trustee to declare the conflict, which should be recorded. For a continuing conflict a register of interests may be kept by the charity.
The third step is for the Trustee and the other trustees to decide how the conflict should be managed. This will depend on the severity of the risk to the charity, the charity’s need for information and the degree to which avoiding the conflict (e.g. by the trustee being absent from meetings on the subject) will hamper the work of the charity.
There are a range of possibilities e.g.
- The trustees absent himself from all discussion and decision-making on the matter and is not counted in the quorum for that item.
- The trustee is invited to remain for the discussion part of the meeting in order to provide information but leaves the meeting for the actual decision-making.
- In addition to his being absent from the decision-making, minutes and other documents relating to the matter are not supplied to the trustee in question.
- The trustee resigns his trusteeship on the basis that it is incompatible with his interests (or those of people he is connected with).
The charity’s interests must always be and be seen to be paramount in trustee decision-making.
Francesca Quint | Barrister specialist in charity law
The Charity Commission publishes guidance on the subject, which trustees should read. The guidance recommends that all bodies of charity trustees adopt a conflict of interests policy.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/conflicts-of-interest-a-guide-for-charity-trustees-cc29
First published in Winter 19/20 Almshouses Gazette
Inspiring article in the Financial Times by Emily Rhodes on 13 March 2020 features the innovative plans for a new almshouse build commissioned by United St Saviour’s Charity in London.
As the building of the 57 one and two bedroom apartments for older people was about to commence in March, Martyn Craddock, chief executive of the Charity, which has roots in the area stretching back 500 years, talked about his aims to attract a wider community to the building, envisioning ” a community centre with older people living around it”. He wants the building to “force the generations to come together so they can live and commune”, with plans for a cookery school which will be promoted to youth organisations and local schools and food made there will be eaten on site and shared with the older residents.
To access the full article, please click here.
Posted April 20
It is reported that there are 1.2 million chronically lonely older people in the UK and that the number of over-50s experiencing loneliness is set to reach two million by 2025/6. This will undoubtedly be exacerbated by COVID-19 with people experiencing increased social isolation and loneliness due to the current pandemic.
Arranged into 6 key topic areas below, Housing LIN has recently posted new pages on their website showcasing relevant guidance and policy instruments, useful research findings and examples of services and innovative projects that offer practical solutions in combating loneliness and reducing social isolation.
With thanks to The Mercers Charitable Foundation, the resources listed below deal with the impact that housing and support services can have on responding to these types of need amongst older people.
Click in the link below to access the Housing LIN web pages on loneliness and isolation:
https://www.housinglin.org.uk/Topics/browse/loneliness-and-isolation/
Posted 14 April 2020
In addition to advertising your vacancies on the Almshouse Association Website, the EAC invites our members to advertise on the Elderly Accommodation Counsel Website.
The charity EAC (Elderly Accommodation Counsel) helps older people find accommodation and services that best meet their needs and aspirations.
Its website www.housingcare.org lists virtually every housing scheme or development for older people in the UK, including most almshouse charities[1], and is visited by 17,000 people every day. Its annual National Housing for Older People Awards celebrate examples of successful schemes, nominated by their residents.
Please help EAC keep its housing directory up to date by checking the details provided about your accommodation, and updating them if necessary. You are also invited to advertise your vacancies at no cost.
To check or update your details, or to place a vacancy ad, first find your almshouses on www.housingcare.org using the Accommodation Search tab on the homepage. A search by postcode is the easiest way.
Then click View details, and scroll down to the page to click on either Update info or Advertise vacancies / sales, and follow the instructions. Your updates or vacancy ad will appear on the website within 3 days. Vacancy ads will run for 6 weeks, but can be cancelled or extended at any time.
Your charity’s details generally list your eligibility criteria, so don’t fear an avalanche of inappropriate enquiries!
For more information, please phone EAC on 020 7820 3755 or email alex.billeter@eac.org.uk
[1] With the exception of a small number of charities which asked EAC in 2001 not to disclose their details on its website
Posted 26 Nov 2019