How to better communicate with banks

The Charity Finance Group (CFG), a leading membership organisation for charity finance professionals, has published a helpful new guide aimed at supporting small to medium-sized charities in communicating more effectively with banks.

Shared by The Almshouse Association, this practical resource is designed for charities that may need help raising issues or concerns with their banking provider.

What the guide includes:

  • A step-by-step approach to raising concerns with your bank
  • Explanations of key processes such as ‘Know Your Client’ (KYC) and anti-money laundering requirements
  • Email templates to support clear and constructive communication

📘 Download the guide here: Helping Charities Communicate Better with Banks – CFG

posted 29 July 2025

Social and charitable housing providers empower residents to drive change

Six Midlands-based social and charitable housing providers have joined forces to give residents a stronger voice, including Broadening Choices for Older People (BCOP), Harborne Parish Lands Charity (HPLC), Lench’s Trust, Sir Josiah Mason Trust (SJMT), Yardley Great Trust (YGT) and Solihull Care Housing Association (SCHA).  

The newly launched Residents’ Scrutiny Panel (RSP) uniquely brings groups of residents together to discuss the quality of services at each of their schemes and share ideas for improvements with landlords. It expands on the previous RSP, formed of four of the organisations, which won an Almshouse Association award but was put on hold due to the pandemic.

Twenty-five residents participated in the re-launch meeting in April, where they discussed which areas were of greatest interest for influencing decision-making.

Attendees included Jonathan and Cherry who live at SCHA. Jonathan said: “I like the principle of being concerned with and interested in the resident’s experience. It will be interesting to see how it develops as the panel gets beneath hearsay to listen to people’s experiences and what it’s like to live in these schemes.”

Cherry, who joined the RSP at the suggestion of her scheme manager, added: “It’s great to learn and hear different opinions and voices. Everyone brings something to the table. I’m really looking forward to the journey!”

Commenting on the RSP, Chrissy, who lives at Lench’s Trust, said: “I wanted to get involved because I feel we should have a voice. I’m looking forward to seeing it all come together step by step.”

Pat, who represented SJMT and YGT said: “It’s great! I think it’s a really good idea and it’s something that’s needed. It allows you to see how other trusts work and meet new people.”

Margaret, an HPLC resident, said: “I’m impressed! Emma, the facilitator, was excellent. I got involved as I would like to know what happens in other schemes compared to where I live and what improvements can be made across the sector.” BCOP resident, Lynn, was also impressed. She added: “The RSP is a good way to give tenants a voice so they can be heard by management.”

The meeting was held at Lench’s Trust, and non-residents were offered a tour of the scheme to gain even more ideas for their own homes.

David Healey, Partnership Chief Executive for SJMT and YGT, said:

“I’m delighted that new partners have joined the project, giving even more residents the opportunity to have a say and enable services to continuously improve. Residents have a unique perspective and can now play an even greater role in shaping their communities by sharing good practice between the organisations and holding management to account.”

posted 20 May 2025

‘Life in Bloom’ Photo Competition!

Photo Competition

Spring is in full bloom, and so is the spirit of togetherness! We’re thrilled to launch our latest Photography Competition — a celebration of community and good neighbours.

It’s time to grab your camera, step outside, and capture the heart warming moments that make our shared lives so special. Frame the beauty of connection with one of these inspiring themes:

📸 Over the Garden Fence — Conversations that bloom as beautifully as the flowers.
☕ Tea with Neighbours — The simple joy of a cuppa and a chat.
🤝 Friendship — Smiles, support and the bonds that brighten our days.
🌿 Garden Days — Hands in the soil, arms full of colourful blooms, hearts in the community.
❤️ Community Spirit — The magic of people coming together.

Your photos tell a story — let’s celebrate the power of community through your lens!

Ready to capture the magic of community and connection?

Submit your entry today and share the moments that matter. Simply choose a theme that reflects your photo, add a short caption to describe your photograph and sent with your name and charity details to gerryharmon@almshouses.org. We warmly welcome both members and residents to take part!

A panel of judges — including a professional photographer — will select our winner and runner-up.

🎁 Prizes
Winner: A luxury afternoon tea voucher worth £150 and framed certificate
Runner-up: A £50 M&S gift voucher and framed certificate

So grab your camera, embrace the sunshine, and start snapping — we can’t wait to see your beautiful moments of Community and Good Neighbours!

🗓️ Competition closes: 29 August 2025 – Winners announced: 3 October 2025

Terms and Conditions apply. Find full details on our website here.

posted 25 February 2025

Historic England: A Guide to Managing Change

We are pleased to announce that Historic England has published their eagerly awaited advice note: Historic Almshouses: A Guide to Managing Change.

The advice note suggests how the heritage significance of almshouses can be conserved as proposals for upgrading are developed.

As times change and the need for affordable accommodation is widely felt, provision of appropriately accessible and comfortable homes with contemporary standards of accommodation, allowing residents to remain independent in their homes for as long as possible, is essential. Almshouses derive a distinctive form from their use in providing communal housing, which has continued for centuries. This advice note suggests how significance can be retained while supplying more comfortable and appropriate housing.

Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What are almshouses?
  3. Historical overview
  4. Legal and policy background
  5. An approach to change in almshouses
  6. Characteristic changes to almshouses
  7. Applications for change
  8. Further reading

Published 7 April 2025

Download here: Historic Almshouses: A Guide to Managing Change (PDF, 1.07 MB)

The advice note is accompanied by case studies (see below) illustrating good practice in developing proposals for development works affecting listed almshouses.

Case studies

The following case studies accompany the advice note and illustrate good practice in developing proposals for development works affecting historic almshouses.

As proposals for change should be developed following the staged approach given in section 7 of the advice note, a brief historical and architectural background is sketched in, followed by a discussion of the need for change in each case and how the proposal conserves significance and avoids harm.

Special thanks to all the almshouse charities who helped Dr Richard Morrice write the case studies and allowed him to photograph their buildings.

Accessibility

If you require an alternative, accessible version of this document (for instance in audio, Braille or large print) please contact us Customer Service Department Telephone: 0370 333 0607 Email: customers@HistoricEngland.org.uk

posted 9 April 2025

The Heat Networks (Market Framework) Regulations 2025

The Heat Networks (Market Framework Regulations) (Great Britain) 2025 are expected to soon affect almshouse charities with communal boilers that provide heating to multiple occupancies. It’s essential for these charities to be aware of their responsibilities under the new regulations. While some details are still uncertain, we’ve compiled a fact sheet below with the information available so far.

What has happened?

In 2018 the Competition & Markets Authority (“CMA”) recommended the regulation of the heat network sector. Since then and following two consultations, the Government has implemented the Energy Act 2023 (the “Act”) and will shortly implement the Heat Networks (Market Framework Regulations) 2025 (the “Regulations”).

The UK Government has introduced the Regulations to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for heat networks. Guidance from the Government is forthcoming, so members should be aware that these changes will be taking place and prepare accordingly.

All regulations are planned to be in place and enforced from January 2027.

Who does it affect?

If a member charity has a communal boiler which heats multiple occupancies, it is likely to be classed as a heat network, and therefore the member charity will be a heat network supplier or operator.

Although almshouses have been previously exempt under the existing Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations 2020, it is likely that the new standards which will come into force by 2026 will apply to almshouses. It is therefore a good idea to prepare for this, by following good standards of practice.

What is the change?

All existing heat network operators and suppliers will be deemed authorised from 1 April 2025. New networks will need to register. At the same time, the Consumer Advocacy bodies (Citizens Advice in England and Wales, Consumer Scotland in Scotland) will provide advice and advocacy services for heat network consumers, and the Energy Ombudsman will help to resolve disputes.

Areas known as ‘heat network zones’ will also be designated where heat networks are expected to be the lowest cost solution for decarbonising heat. Certain buildings within zones may be required to connect to heat networks within a specified timeframe, but the rules for this have not been announced yet (February 2026). In the meantime, six Advanced Zoning Programmes are active, including regions such as Bristol and two areas within London. The government have also published a response to their heat network zoning consultation, which also suggests that the regulations are expected to be laid before parliament in spring 2026.

What’s happened so far?

Heat networks regulation is being introduced in phases. So far:

  • Citizens Advice, Consumer Scotland and Energy Ombudsman have launched advocacy, advice and redress services for heat networks customers and suppliers
  • all operating heat networks have been automatically authorised to continue to supply heating, cooling or hot water (‘deemed authorisation’)
  • Ofgem have published a set of rules for heat network operators and suppliers, called authorisation conditions

What happens next?

Operators and suppliers of relevant heat networks must give Ofgem details about their heat network’s organisation, ownership, financial resilience and consumer protection arrangements by 26 January 2027. From spring 2026, this can be submitted online.

What do members who are affected need to do now?

If an almshouse has a communal boiler that heats multiple units, here’s what the charity needs to do:

  • If an almshouse has a communal boiler that heats multiple units, here’s what the charity needs to do:
  • Prepare for Ofgem registration: Following a period of being automatically authorised to operate, all heat networks will be required to notify Ofgem to maintain their authorised status after January 2027. Government encourages all heat networks to prepare for regulation now by following existing good practice, such as that set out by the Heat Trust and the industry’s Code of Practice.
  • Understand the rules: review the new regulations on heat networks, including standards for billing and system efficiency. Sign up to zoning alerts, ready for when they are implemented.
  • Check system compliance: make sure the boiler and heating system meet required standards,nderstand the rules: review the new regulations on heat networks, including standards for billing and system efficiency. Sign up to zoning alerts, ready for when they are implemented.
  • Check system compliance: make sure the boiler and heating system meet required standards, including safety and energy efficiency.
  • Ensure fair billing: the Regulations require that the prices for heating through the network are clear and fair. Make sure residents are charged fairly, based on actual heat usage. Further consultations will develop a fair pricing network later this year.
  • Seek advice: consider getting legal or regulatory advice to ensure full compliance with the rules. Members may wish to seek advice from our panel of consultants who have been recommended by other members and are familiar with the almshouse model.

DESNZ has published short guidance notes and videos setting out practical steps to help operators improve the performance of existing heat networks, as well as consumer protection, fair pricing protections, and financial resilience.

Keep up to date on heat network regulation:

Support available:

SchemeWho can applyDeadline
Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES)As a heat network provider.Round 12 is expected to open in March 2026 and close in May 2026.
Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF)The GHNF provides capital grant funding to organisations in the public, private and third sectors in England.GHNF Round 11 is open for applications and will close at 11.59pm on 1 May 2026.
Heat Training GrantYou can get a grant of up to £500 towards eligible courses in the areas such as operation and maintenance, metering and feasibility.  Applied for via training provider. One grant per person as a discount or rebate depending on the course price.

Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the team here at the Association.

updated 23 Feb 2026

More than insulation

Richmond Charities feature in the Charity Finance (February 2025) magazine.

Writer, Léa Legraien writes about the challenges charities are facing as they navigate high energy prices and climate change, looking at how they are making their buildings energy efficient.

She highlights the need for an ongoing source of support and signposting for charities and the ability to facilitate access to grant or loan funding, noting that environmental sustainability is not just the preserve of charities operating in the environmental sector, but that there are a growing number of charities from all sectors thinking about their environmental impact and how they can make their buildings more eco-friendly.

The article includes a special feature on the Richmond Charities in south west London and their new Passivhaus-certified wheelchair-accessible almshouses which opened to residents in December 2024.

To read the article in full, please click below:

Charity Finance – Energy Efficient Buildings February 2025Download

posted 6 March 2025

Free TV Licence Application Process for Pension Credit Recipients

The Almshouse Association has received the below information from the BBC regarding TV licences.

We are writing to inform you about an important change that took effect on Thursday 23rd January 2025.

This regards the application process for free TV Licences for individuals over 75 who are in receipt of Pension Credit.

Most customers will no longer need to provide evidence of their Pension Credit status to qualify for the free TV Licence. We will verify Pension Credit eligibility directly with the Department for Work and Pensions automatically when a customer applies for a free licence online or via the phone. This change to TV Licensing’s processes simplifies the application process and speeds up the processing time, so that applicants get notified of the outcome of their free licence application shortly after applying.

Please Note:

  • Some customers will still need to provide evidence of their entitlement when matching records with DWP is not possible.
  • Customers must make sure the name and address provided to TV Licensing matches the records held by DWP.

To watch the BBC pension credit help video that explains how to apply for a free TV Licence if you are eligible, please click here

If members need any help, please contact TV Licencing at 0300 790 6117.

If you are interested in learning more about the support available from TV Licensing, contact the Communications team at tvlstakeholders@bbc.co.uk

Visit the TV Licensing website at tvlicensing.co.uk

posted 3 February 2025

Loan sharks

A member almshouse charity has kindly forwarded the below information about loan sharks that you may wish to share with your residents.

Warning from the England Illegal Money Lending Team (EIMLT) www.stoploansharks.co.uk 

The EIMLT said: “A loan shark is someone who lends money illegally and without the proper authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to do so. These criminals are lurking everywhere and they could be a parent in the school playground, a friend of the family, a friend of a friend,  a neighbour or someone who you meet on social media or via an app and with the current cost of living crisis,  loan sharks are looking for anyone who needs to borrow money.

“They can make the offer of quick cash seem hard to resist but very quickly the situation can spiral out of control, the outstanding debt can escalate rapidly and borrowers can be subjected to threats, violence, intimidation or worse in order to continue paying them.

“The warning signs to indicate that you could be dealing with an illegal money lender or loan shark include:

  • them not undertaking any credit checks,
  • not giving borrowers any paperwork or a contract,
  • refusing to give borrowers any detailed information about the loan and how it’s to be paid back,
  • not issuing receipts,
  • taking items such as a bank cards or passports as security against the loan,
  • taking things from you if you do not pay on time and for example, using threats, intimidation and harassment to pay.” 

“The England Illegal Money Lending Team (EIMLT) is a dedicated team of specialists that are leading the fight against loan sharks.  They have helped over 32,000 borrowers escape the clutches of these criminals and have wiped out over £90 million worth of illegal debt.

“The borrower is not in trouble if they have taken any money or have been paying back a loan from a loan shark – the loan shark is the only person who has committed a crime.

“If you or someone you know is being affected by illegal money lenders, then contact the Stop Loan Shark team for help, support and advice on 0300 555 2222 (available 24/7/365) or visit their website at www.stoploansharks.co.uk where a Live chat facility is available between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday inclusive and all callers can remain anonymous,” said the EIMLT.

If you need to borrow money, then credit unions for example are a safe and ethical option. They’re local, friendly and not-for-profit organisations. Or maybe approach your host charity to enquire if they have grants to assist you buying items you need?

posted 28 January 2025

PEEPS (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans)

FOR THE ATTENTION OF: almshouse charities with residents that have cognitive, mobility or any other issues that could affect their ability to respond to fire alarms.

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPS) – ‘Fire Safety in Specialised Housing’

In specialised housing schemes, such as sheltered, extra-care and supported housing, there will be reliance, ultimately, on rescue by the fire and rescue service in the event that residents cannot escape by themselves.

While detailed PEEPs need not be prepared for every resident, information should be collated in respect of any resident with particular cognitive, mobility or other issues affecting their ability to respond to fire alarm signals or attempts to make contact with them by fire-fighters, or to escape.

When collating and maintaining the list, it is important to have the following in place:

  • The information should be made available to the fire and rescue service on arrival at the premises
  • The information should be kept at the main entrance in a ‘premises information box’ (PIB), which can only be unlocked by the fire and rescue service, or remotely by an alarm receiving centre.
  • Details of any residents using oxygen or other medical gases are also usually kept with this information. (It is important that operational fire-fighters are aware of arrangements for provision of information).
  • Consideration can also be given to the provision of a plan adjacent to the fire alarm control panel, showing the locations of residents who would need instruction or assistance to evacuate their own flat (e.g., by means of a red stick-on dot). 
  • It is essential that such information is kept up to date to avoid the provision of incorrect information to fire and rescue service crews.
  • Sometimes more able-bodied neighbours (when present) are often willing to support those in need. If so, they would need to be provided with guidance so they do not endanger themselves.

Further guidance on ‘Fire Safety in Specialised Housing’ can be accessed from the National Fire Chiefs Council website here.

6 January 2025

TAA Board Key Decisions: a record

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:

19 November 2025, London

  • Insurance Reviews
    The Board agreed to review insurance suppliers to ensure members receive the best service and value.
  • Cyber Insurance & Disaster Recovery
    TAA will obtain cyber insurance as part of its disaster recovery planning.
  • Volunteer Expert Support
    A pilot scheme will be trialled, involving property specialists to support members with historic building issues.
  • Member Engagement
    An additional staff member will be appointed to the Member Services team to help manage member enquiries.
  • NPPF Amendments
    The Board approved Nick Phillips pursuing changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
  • Budget & Subscriptions
    To maintain services amid inflation, subscription fees will increase by 3.5% for 2026.

17 September 2025 via Teams

  • Charity Housing Alliance
    The Board agreed to establish the Charity Housing Alliance, responding to calls for a stronger collective voice for the charity housing sector.
  • Secure Online Portal
    The Board approved the introduction of an internal secure online portal to improve access to Board papers.
  • Disaster Recovery Plan
    The Board approved the organisation’s Disaster Recovery Plan, strengthening resilience and business continuity.

21 May 2025, via Teams

  • Matters Arising
    • Decision: Association to review cyber response and cyber insurance.
  • Charity Housing Alliance
    • Decision: Board approved proposal to develop a wider network of charity housing organisations.
  • Resident Voice Project
    • Decision: Board approved project.
    • Action: Up to £25k allocated to support national research project; funding and sponsorship to be sought.
  • Windsor Office & Billingbear
    • Decision: Board approved Windsor office refurbishment works (subject to planning approval).

12 March 2025, London

  • Audit: Successfully completed, declared clean with no concerns
  • Financial Viability: Board confirmed strong financial position for the next 12 months
  • Government Relations: Board confirmed continuance of engagement with Government reference inclusion of almshouses in NPPF and implementation of Code of Practice.

4 December 2024 – London

  • Update The Almshouse Association Finance Policy to include the duty to approve annual reviews of investments.
  • Draft Terms of Reference, introduction and clarify scope for the new Governance and Nominations Committee.
  • Update TAA website recommending members take TAA guidance before seeking government funding.
  • Review IT/cyber risks and disaster recovery plans.

18 September 2024 – via Teams

  • Agreed to proceed with plans to search for a new freehold property
  • Agreed to undertake a planning review of Billingbear Lodge to maximise value

22 May 2024 – via Teams

  • Confirmed date, venue and budget of the 2025 Members Day Event – 1, Great St George Street, 19 June 2025
  • Confirmed instructions to CEO to investigate a voluntary accreditation scheme that would allow DLUC to support the amendment to NPPF recognising almshouses as ‘affordable housing’.

13 March 2024 – NCVO, London

  • The Almshouse Association (TAA) established a Heritage Group to consider what resources are needed to support heritage almshouse buildings over the next 50 years.
  • TAA will draft a partnership strategy to highlight the value of almshouses to Parliament and break the deadlock of recognition as affordable housing.
  • Invite all members of the almshouse family to consider applying for the trustee role at TAA.

15 November 2023 – NCVO, London

  • Build a page on website for the Member Health Check guidance notes and downloadable document. Circulate to Board.
  • The Expert Volunteer Pilot Scheme is considered successful so far. Board approved the recruitment of two more volunteers to take the Pilot Scheme forward.
  • Full risk register to be presented to the Board at the May meeting.
  • Billingbear offices are stretched. Explore new office accommodation locally.
  • Provide NP with an additional paragraph to include in the Board Away Day notes relating to ensuring TAA retains its original vision of providing independent living for the ageing population whilst considering demographic change.
  • Heritage is considered a unique and core asset to the almshouse movement. Schedule a Heritage Discussion Forum London.

20 September 2023 – via Teams

  • Update and discussion of the ‘Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023’
  • Reviewed and approved the updated Association’s Risk Register
  • Approved the holding of a High Net-worth event in 2024 and a Members Day in 2025
  • Consideration of the results of the Trustee ‘Skills survey’ and discussion of strengths and any gaps
  • Board Strategy Away Day planned

24 May 23 – via Zoom

  • To review the full copy of the risk register at the September Board meeting including risks to charities posed by Government legislation.
  • As a matter of good governance, to include the “desktop” auditor review on the next F&GP
  • Review board structure and skill set of TAA – promote board vacancies in 2024/2025. Nominations committee to undertake.

15 March 23 – NCVO, London

  • The Board of Trustees approved the Letter of Representation to the Auditors (Buzzacott)
  • The Board approved the The Almshouse Association Annual Report including the Financial statements
  • The Board reviewed and approved the following Board policies:
    • Conflicts of Interest Policy
    • H&S Policy Statement
    • Trustee Code of Conduct Policy
    • Equality & Diversity Policy

November 22

  • Approval – Member subscription increase, together with the loans to members budgets
  • Approval – Members Day ticket price at £95.00.
  • Approval – To commence recruitment of two volunteers caseworkers in early 2023 to take part in a pilot study to last for 6 months.
  • Continue pressure on DLUC to recognise the independence of charities. Response from the Charity Commission regarding Section 32 of the Social Housing Bill is pending.

September 22

May 22

  • Strategy – progress to be reported at each Board Meeting.
  • The Social Housing Regulation Bill
    • To raise concerns about the Bill to the parliamentary group.
    • Ask parliamentarians what flexibility there is within the system to amend, adjust or be exempt from this legislation.
    • Lobby for a lighter touch regulation from RSH for smaller almshouses.
  • Church of England Social Housing Plans
    • Contact the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby and Bishop Guli, Bishop of Chelmsford to encourage a review of Housing Association and suggest the almshouse model has served the church well for centuries.
    • Approach a local diocese and membership for support.

March 22, via Zoom

  • It was agreed that a solicitor would review internal board policies.
  • The Board continue to work to the Code of Charity Governance.
  • The Board agreed to the creation of a Governance Committee.
  • The Board agreed to the direction of the new strategy and for the remaining monies from the 2018 strategy of to be fully utilised in the new strategy.
  • The Board approved the proposal to instruct a firm of solicitors to conduct the review, redraft, design, and maintenance of both the online version and hard copy version of the Standards of Almshouse Management document.
  • The Board approved the Annual Report (subject to final format), Financial Statements, Going Concern Letter and Buzzacott’s Letter of Representation.

11 November 2021, via Zoom

  • To explore the options of hybrid Board meetings with NCVO.
  • Standards of Almshouse Management new draft – the review timetable to be forwarded to the Board of Trustees prior to 30th November 2021.
  • Review support for members wishing to develop new almshouses and refurbish.

22 September 2021, via Zoom

  • To review all TAA Policies.
  • Appoint Simon Wilson as Away Day Facilitator to review long term strategy.

26th May 2021, via Zoom

  • Prioritise loans and grants for members with Listed Buildings.
  • Contact the Listed Buildings Property Owners Club to find any areas of common ground that can support our members.
  • Reschedule the November Board Meeting.
  • Announce the date of the members’ day at the 75th Anniversary Event
  • Find ways of supporting members who wish to explore the background of founders linked to the slave trade.

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

  • Governance review to recommence in June.
  • AGM to take place via webinar with a poll conducted prior to the meeting.  Date to be confirmed.

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: 14 January 2026