New Code of Practice – volunteer your charity!

Code of Practice for almshouse charities

Many of you will know that The Almshouse Association has been developing a Code of Practice (‘the Code’) as the next stage following our Charity Health Check, which has now been completed by more than half our membership.

We are now inviting member charities to volunteer to help shape the Code by taking part in the project pilot.

Interested? Please do get in touch via: harrietlemon@almshouses.org.

Purpose of the Code


The Code aims to strengthen confidence, consistency and transparency across almshouse provision, while remaining practical and proportionate for charities of all sizes. Importantly, it preserves charities’ independence and self-governance, while providing reassurance of quality and standards to stakeholders such as planners and national and local government.

How the Code works

Carefully aligned with the Standards of Almshouse Management (SAM), the Code translates established guidance into a clear framework to support day-to-day operations. Its purpose is to ensure almshouses continue to operate in the best interests of the residents and the charities, while demonstrating high standards to the Charity Commission, funders and other public bodies.

Why your support matters

Many of you have already contributed to the draft Code and we are most grateful for your input. The next step is to pilot the approach to assess how effectively it can be implemented by all almshouse charities. Participating charities will have the opportunity to be among the first to attain The Code of Practice Certificate.

If successful, the Code will:

  • reassure stakeholders that your charity is delivering high standards of housing
  • give new trustees confidence in well-governed and effectively managed charities
  • strengthen relationships with local authorities by supporting due diligence requirements
  • enhance your ability to secure funding for your almshouses, governance and recruitment.

Key principles of the Code

At its core, the Code is built on the key principles of ‘SAM’, including:

  • strong governance and financial viability
  • adherence to safety standards
  • transparency in occupancy and charges
  • a clear commitment to charitable objectives and public
    benefit.

It places equal emphasis on resident wellbeing, safe and well-maintained accommodation, and effective governance.

The pilot approach

Charities taking part will undertake a self-certification process, supported and guided by the Association, and potentially an independent consultant. This approach is designed to ensure credibility while remaining achievable for our member charities.

Time commitment and pilot goals

Whilst we do not expect the time required to complete certification to be extensive, the pilot phase is essential to understand the time commitment involved, gauge appetite, refine the approach, identify any unintended burdens and, most importantly, ensure the process is both effective and practical.

Next steps

If you would like your charity to take part in the pilot scheme, please contact harrietlemon@almshouses.org.

Thank you in advance for your support with this important project which we hope will pave the way to more proportionate legislation.

posted 21 July 2026

Landmark partnership

A bold step forward for community-led housing

We are delighted to announce a landmark partnership with Innovate UK, the University of Suffolk, and the Knowledge Transfer Partnership, supported by £75,000 in funding.

This exciting initiative will strengthen our research capability and generate robust, evidence-based insights to support the future of almshouses.

Shaping the future of almshouses
The project will help position almshouses as the gold standard in community-led housing, championing their unique social and wellbeing benefits while raising awareness among policymakers, funders and the public. It will also strengthen engagement with government and key stakeholders, helping to unlock greater support for the sector.

We aim to place almshouses firmly at the forefront of affordable housing by fostering a more integrated, collaborative approach, bringing together national and local government, philanthropy and charity-led providers to deliver lasting impact.

Evidence and growth
A key focus will be building a strong evidence base to demonstrate the social value and return on investment of almshouses.
This partnership marks an important step in transforming perceptions of charity-led housing and ensuring more people can access safe, secure homes. We look forward to sharing updates as the project progresses.

photo: L to R: Gerry Harmon – Association PR and Engagement Manager; Dr Laura Reeves, visiting Fellow; Jenni Carberry, MSc Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Manager; Dr Alison Pooley, Associate Professor; Nick Phillips, Association CEO.

May 2026

Policy & Governance update: July 2026

JULY 2026 UPDATE

A summary of the latest UK Government policy changes and news impacting almshouse charities

1. Fundraising Regulator updates guidance and resources

  • The Fundraising Regulator has published new resources to help charities understand when fundraising activities may require a solicitation statement. The resources include a new flowchart and interactive quiz designed to help organisations determine whether an individual or organisation is acting as a professional fundraiser or commercial participator, and when a solicitation statement must be provided.

    Charities that engage external fundraisers or commercial partners may find these tools particularly useful in ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations
  • The Fundraising Regulator has also confirmed that, from 30 September 2026, the financial thresholds for when a fundraising arrangement is treated as involving a professional fundraiser or commercial participator (and therefore when a solicitation statement may be required) will increase from £10 to £15 per day and from £1,000 to £1,500 per year. This means that some lower-value fundraising arrangements may no longer fall within these requirements.
  • In addition, the Regulator has updated its guidance on fundraising reporting requirements under the Charities (Protection and Social Investment) Act 2016.

    The revisions reflect upcoming changes to charity accounting and reporting thresholds and may be relevant to charities preparing their annual reports and accounts.

What do trustees need to do?

  • Review the new fundraising resources if your charity undertakes fundraising activities or works with third-party fundraisers.
  • Check whether your current fundraising arrangements require a solicitation statement and ensure appropriate procedures are in place.
  • Familiarise yourself with the updated reporting guidance ahead of your next annual reporting cycle.
  • Consider providing feedback to the Fundraising Regulator on the updated Code of Fundraising Practice and associated guidance resources.

While many almshouse charities undertake only limited fundraising, trustees should ensure that all fundraising activities remain compliant with current regulatory requirements.

2. Supported Housing Regulation: Almshouses exempt from new licensing regime

The Government has published its response to the Supported Housing Regulation Consultation, confirming that almshouses will be exempt from the new licensing regime being introduced under the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023.

This is welcome news for the almshouse sector.

The new regime is aimed at tackling poor-quality supported housing and exempt accommodation providers, and will introduce licensing requirements, standards and enforcement powers for local authorities. The Government, however, has recognised that almshouses are distinct charitable housing providers and should not be subject to these additional licensing requirements.

What do trustees need to do?

At present, no immediate action is required. However, trustees should:

  • Ensure that their charity’s governing documents and records clearly demonstrate its status as an almshouse charity.
  • Keep records up to date, as local authorities may require evidence that a scheme qualifies for the exemption.
  • Continue to maintain high standards of accommodation and support, as existing legal and regulatory obligations remain in place.
  • Monitor future guidance and regulations, as further details on how exemptions will operate in practice are expected to be published.

The Almshouse Association will continue to review the detailed regulations as they emerge and will keep members informed of any developments that may affect the sector.

3. Charity Commission

The Charity Commission have made changes to their page: How to make changes to your charity’s governing document (CC36).

The guidance has been updated to clarify some legal requirements, and to improve usability. For example, some content has been separated into distinct sections. The revised guidance:

  • clarifies when Charity Commission consent is required before making changes
  • explains more clearly the different legal powers available to charities depending on their legal structure
  • reorganises the guidance into separate sections to make it easier to navigate.

There are no significant new legal duties, but the guidance provides clearer explanations of the existing legal requirements.

Trustees should ensure that they are familiar with the changes, especially if they are considering updating their governing documents.

4. Registered Providers Page

Our Registered Providers webpage has been updated with the latest information and resources for almshouse charities that are registered with the Regulator of Social Housing.

The page brings together guidance, regulatory updates and key resources in one place to help registered providers stay informed and meet their regulatory responsibilities.

We encourage all registered providers to take a look at the latest content.

5. Building Safety Levy: Almshouses Exempt

The Building Safety Levy (BSL) comes into force on 1 October 2026.

Introduced as part of the Government’s post-Grenfell building safety reforms, the levy will require developers of most major residential developments in England to contribute towards the cost of remediating unsafe buildings.

The levy generally applies to developments creating 10 or more dwellings (or 30 or more student bedspaces) and is calculated using a rate per square metre set by the local authority. It is payable during the building control process rather than through planning.

Almshouse developments are explicitly exempt from the Building Safety Levy. This means that qualifying almshouse schemes will not be required to pay the levy, recognising the charitable, not-for-profit nature of almshouse housing and ensuring that the cost of the levy does not reduce the viability of new developments.

What do trustees need to do?

  • If your charity is planning a new development, confirm at an early stage that the scheme qualifies for the almshouse exemption.
  • Ensure your development team, building control body and professional advisers are aware that almshouse developments are exempt.
  • Keep records demonstrating that the development meets the definition of an almshouse scheme, should this be requested during the building control process.

The exemption is a welcome recognition of the important role almshouse charities play in providing affordable, community-based housing and will help avoid unnecessary costs that could otherwise limit the delivery of new almshouse homes.

More can be read here about the Building Safety Levy here.

posted 7July 2026

Where history meets ‘The Holiday’

Abbot’s Hospital, Guildford: Where history meets ‘The Holiday’ – with plenty of hospitality

What connects the hit film The Holiday, the King James Bible and some of Guildford’s happiest residents?

The answer is Abbot’s Hospital – the remarkable Jacobean almshouse that stands proudly at the top of Guildford’s High Street.

Rich in history, architectural beauty and community spirit, it continues to provide a welcoming home for its residents more than 400 years after it was founded.

Recently, members and Friends of the Almshouse Association enjoyed a fascinating guided visit to explore behind the beautiful gateway.

Led by our knowledgeable guides, Desmond and Colin, the group explored the history, heritage and enduring purpose of one of this extraordinary place.

The tour began with an unexpected Hollywood connection. Desmond explained that many almshouses include the word “hospital” in their title, derived from the concept of hospitality rather than medical care. During the filming of The Holiday in nearby Shere, a researcher unfamiliar with the historic meaning mistakenly identified Abbot’s as the nearest hospital location for cast and crew. Thankfully, neither Kate Winslet nor Jude Law arrived seeking emergency treatment!

Guests also learned about the remarkable life of George Abbot, the Guildford-born scholar and churchman who founded the charity in 1619. Abbot played a significant role in the translation of the King James Bible before becoming Archbishop of Canterbury. He remained deeply connected to his hometown and established the almshouse that continues to serve the community today.

The visit offered a wonderful opportunity to discover the chapel, admire historic features and artefacts, and learn how the Grade I and Grade II listed buildings have been sensitively adapted for modern living. Guests were particularly interested to hear about current and future projects that will help preserve the site for generations to come.

Desmond and Colin shared a wealth of stories and insights drawn from their experience as Governors of Abbot’s Hospital. Their enthusiasm, knowledge and engaging storytelling brought the history of the almshouse to vivid life. Thankfully, the Guildford Guys, who terrorised the town in the 1800s, no longer run amok on Bonfire Night.

A particular highlight was the opportunity to meet several residents. Their warm welcome and friendly conversations gave visitors a genuine insight into life at Abbot’s Hospital today and demonstrated the strong sense of community that makes the almshouse so special.

Our sincere thanks go to Ian Bowler, Master of Abbot’s Hospital, to our wonderful guides and to the residents for their kindness, hospitality and generosity in sharing their home with us.

To learn more about Abbot’s Hospital, visit abbotshospital.org

posted 6 July 2026

See also: Friends of The Almshouse Association

Help shape the future of trustee recruitment

Every trustee has a story. What’s yours?

As we develop a national strategy to recruit the next generation of trustees, we want to hear from the people who know the role best – YOU!

Whether you’ve been a trustee for six months or sixteen years, your experience can inspire others to step forward and help us understand where the greatest need lies.

We’d love you to answer these three questions:

  1. Why did you become a trustess for an almshouse charity?
    What inspired you to become a trustee? Was it a personal connection, a desire to give back, professional development, or something else?
  1. What do you get from being an almshouse trustee?
    How has the role benefited you? Have you developed new skills, expanded your network, gained confidence, or simply enjoyed making a difference?
  1. Does your charity need more trustees?
    If so, how many vacancies do you currently have, and what skills or experience would make the biggest difference?

Your voice can inspire others

We’ll use your stories and insights to help shape a national trustee recruitment campaign and encourage more people to discover the rewards of trusteeship.

Please take a few minutes to share your answers by emailing angelawaters@almshouses.org

Together, we can build a stronger, more diverse trustee community and ensure charities have the leadership they need to thrive.

Thank you for helping us recruit the trustees of tomorrow.

posted 2 July 2026

Stone King launches Annual Charity Chair Survey

Stone King launches Annual Charity Chair Survey in partnership with Bayes Business School

Almshouse Association panel consultant, Stone King Legal Services, has launched a new partnership with the Centre for Charity Effectiveness at Bayes Business School to deliver the first Stone King Annual Charity Chair Survey.

This year’s survey explores the theme: “Governance under pressure: how Chairs are leading through political, regulatory and financial complexity and uncertainty.”

The survey is open to current Chairs, Co-Chairs, Vice-Chairs and Deputy Chairs of charities in England and Wales, as well as those who have held these roles within the last 12 months. This includes exempt and excepted charities, as well as those registered with the Charity Commission.

Stone King would be very pleased to encourage participation from members of The Almshouse Association, particularly those involved in governance and leadership of almshouse charities.

Input from this sector will help ensure that almshouses are well represented within the findings and broader sector analysis.

In addition to the survey, a series of discussion groups will take place in September, offering participants an opportunity to contribute more in-depth reflections on the challenges facing charity chairs. Those interested can register their interest via the Stone King website.

The findings from the survey will be published in the Autumn and are intended to provide practical guidance and sector-specific insights to help strengthen governance and leadership across the charity sector during a period of significant change and uncertainty.

The survey closes on Sunday 26 July.

Further information is available via Stone King’s website here.

posted 29 June 2026

Celebrating our 80th anniversary at the House of Lords

Celebrating our 80th anniversary at the House of Lords

The Almshouse Association marked its 80th anniversary with a special celebration at the House of Lords, bringing together sector leaders, supporters and partners to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future of charity housing.

The landmark occasion served as both a milestone and a powerful catalyst for change, a sentiment perfectly captured by Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association:

“This anniversary is not just a celebration of our rich history, but a profound call to action to protect our shared future. We must ensure that almshouses and small charity housing providers continue to play a vital, irreplaceable role in providing secure, dignified homes for generations to come.”

Visionary insights from sector leaders

The event featured compelling, forward-looking contributions from distinguished leaders who clearly defined the challenges, the data, and the path forward for charitable housing.

Nick Phillips with Lord Best and Michele Wainright Abbeyfield CEO
David Holdsworth, Charity Commission CEO
Sir Stephen Bubb

The Lord Best OBE DL opened the proceedings by emphasising that robust national housing policy underpins true community stability. He illustrated how preventative housing models deliver immense, measurable savings to public services and highlighted how the newly formed Charity Housing Alliance will successfully bridge the gap between small grassroots providers and national strategy.

Willie Hartley Russell, Chairman of The Almshouse Association, followed by honouring eight decades of collective wisdom and unwavering advocacy. He rallied guests to boldly champion independent living, dignity, and community-led care as the ultimate, time-tested roadmap for an aging society. David Holdsworth, CEO of the Charity Commission for England and Wales, championed the vital necessity of exemplary governance and unity. His remarks empowered the sector to protect its foundational stability and rise together as an unstoppable, collaborative force against overly restrictive corporate policy frameworks.

  • Inspirational words from David Holdsworth, click here

Sir Stephen Bubb powerfully demonstrated that charity housing acts as an indispensable “social anchor,” delivering up to £75 billion in annual value to society. He championed the Alliance as our unified shield to drive evidence-led advocacy and protect housing for our most vulnerable populations.

Their presentations highlighted the enduring legacy of almshouses and their continuing relevance within today’s housing landscape. The profound impact of almshouses on residents’ lives was vividly illustrated through a heartfelt presentation by Geraldine Nelson, a resident of Trinity Hospital Almshouses in Greenwich, who shared her personal experience of almshouse living.

Geraldine
Guest listening to Geraldine’s heartfelt presentation

While our 80th anniversary provided an opportunity to celebrate eight decades of impact, it also reinforced our ambition for the future. There are encouraging signs of growth across the almshouse movement, with new homes being built and new almshouse charities being established for the first time in over fifty years.

Yet significant challenges remain, particularly for smaller providers operating within an increasingly complex housing landscape. Against this backdrop, a key moment of the evening was the introduction of the Charity Housing Alliance, a new initiative bringing charity housing providers together under a collective voice. The Alliance will champion the sector, foster greater collaboration, and help shape a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable housing system for the future.

The CHA Manifesto for Change

The Charity Housing Alliance will pursue a rigorous, transformative agenda to reshape how charity-led housing is valued, treated, and governed:

  • Values-Driven Leadership: Supporting trustees as vital, compassionate stewards of a highly professional, robust, and deeply resilient housing sector.
  • Fiscal and Social Resilience: Offering an effective alternative to market-driven models, delivering long-term stability and beautiful community assets without placing burdens on the public purse.
  • A Bespoke Regulatory Framework: Respectfully advocating for a dedicated, proportionate regulatory path that formally recognizes charity housing providers as distinct public-benefit contributors rather than corporate entities.
  • Strategic Self-Regulation: Leveraging sector-wide unity as a constructive tool to share best practices, self-regulate, and organically raise operational standards.

A unified call to action

In his closing statement, Nick Phillips invited guests to show their commitment to this vital mission. In a moving display of solidarity, the room collectively raised their hands, signaling their support for the Charity Housing Alliance.

To learn more about the Charity Housing Alliance, visit: 🔗 https://www.thecharityhousingalliance.org

This new alliance stands as the definitive tribute to 80 years of dedicated service by The Almshouse Association. It marks a pivotal turning point for a movement that has quietly underpinned community resilience for eight decades. By transforming our collective, grassroots history into a singular, sophisticated voice, we are ready to reshape national housing policy and secure the proportional regulations our providers deserve. Celebrating this historic milestone is not just about preserving a rich legacy,  it is an active, evidence-led campaign to permanently establish community-led charitable spaces as indispensable pillars of health, dignity, and economic value for generations to come.

The Association extends its sincere thanks to all those who contributed to the event, and to CCLA for their generous sponsorship.

Housing LIN CEO, Jeremy Porteus sends 80th anniversary congratulations to The Almshouse Association

posted 29 June 2026

More’s Meadow secures prestigious RIBA East Award!

A Triumph for Community and Design: Great Shelford Village Charity’s stunning More’s Meadow almshouse development

We are delighted to announce that Almshouse Association member, Great Shelford Village Charity, and Winner of an Almshouse Association Inspirational Homes Award, has been now been honoured with a prestigious RIBA East Award for their More’s Meadow development.

This accolade recognises architecture that transforms lives. Centred around a vibrant, communal green, the development stands as a masterclass in modern design. Near-Passivhaus energy efficiency complements the Cambridgshire greenbelt. The project is a blueprint for the future of compassionate community-led housing.

“The project demonstrates that richness in public architecture can be created collaboratively, with engagement from all parts of society, from the most privileged to the most in need.”

Julian de Metz, RIBA East Jury Chair 2026

​Beyond delivering stunning genuinely affordable homes, Great Shelford Village Charity has enriched their wider village by expanding public green spaces with a flourishing community garden and allotments, and a new orchard for everyone to enjoy.  

We send our congratulations to Great Shelford Village Charity whose trustees, architects, contractors and supporters who worked incredibly hard to bring this stunning development to life.

Photo credit: Great Shelford Village Charity

posted 26 June 2026

Housing Ombudsman update June 2026

Housing Ombudsman landlord update: 018 | Housing Ombudsman Service sent this bulletin at 18-06-2026 05:12 PM BST

Please see below update from the Housing Ombudsman

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Housing Ombudsman Service
Welcome to your monthly update from the Housing Ombudsman, featuring the latest news and insights on complaint handling. 
The latest overview of our further investigations 

We have published an overview of our latest further investigations. These investigations are designed to improve landlord accountability and help prevent complaints by identifying lessons earlier and implementing actions sooner. The process can help you get more from complaints within your organisation and meet expectations within the consumer standards.

– Overview of our further investigations
New resources
Pest casesNew report
Learning opportunity

Our latest wider orders report sets out significant learning from pest-related cases. Read the report to understand where landlords can improve their approach. 

– Read the wider reports		Severe Maladministration – Windows

Our latest severe maladministration report focuses on windows. In 2025-26, 9% of our findings relating to windows resulted in severe maladministration, compared to the usual rate of around 2%. The report examines how window issues rarely exist in isolation. 

– Read the report
Celebrating good practice
Good practice on windowsCase Study Library
Bitesize videos

Explore our short videos for landlords on managing window complaints.

These 2-minute videos share learning and good practice from our August 2025 severe maladministration report.

– Login to access learning		Over 80 videos now available

Explore how landlords manage window repairs and replacements.

The case studies look at when landlords got it right and wrong.

– Login to access the case studies
Get involved
The landlord forums are back for September 2026

Register now for the opportunity to hear the latest updates from the Housing Ombudsman, ask any pressing questions, and interact directly with us to shape our service. You will also be invited to join Landlord Connect, a new digital community for landlord forum delegates. 
 
– Local authority landlords, Thursday 17 September 2026, 14:00 – 15:30

– Landlords with under 1,000 homes, Tuesday 22 September 2026, 14:00 – 15:30

– Landlords with over 1,000 homes, Wednesday 30 September 2026, 14:00 – 15:30

Suggest a topic or raise a question for the forum
Stay compliant with complaints
Annual submissions Submissions process

Forms now live

The annual submission form for 2026-27 is now open and accepting submissions. 

Key dates   
– landlords with over 1,000 homes must submit the form by 30 September 
– landlords with under 1,000 homes must submit the form within 6 months after yout financial year-end

– Annual submissions guidance		Microlearning

Understand and master your annual submissions with ease.

This quick course breaks down each step. It helps you stay compliant, meet deadlines, and submit confidently.

– Annual submissions training
Pass it on
Let residents know what to expect for window repairs

We have a dedicated resident support guide available for window-related repair concerns. Share this with residents who may find it useful. 

– Resident window-related complaints support guide
Policy conversations with Southway Housing
In the first episode of our new policy review series, we are joined by Katie Teasdale from Southway Housing Trust to talk about their experience of a recent policy review.
They discuss the challenges, key learning, and practical changes made to strengthen complaint handling and meet the requirements of the Complaint Handling Code.

Listen to the podcast 
About the Housing Ombudsman Service
We are a free and impartial dispute resolution service. We investigate complaints from residents and leaseholders of member landlords (housing associations and local authorities) and voluntary members (private landlords and letting agents).
Our vision is to improve residents’ lives and landlords’ services through housing complaints.
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posted 22 June 2026