Social Media Use

Charity Commission Press Release: Regulator publishes new guidance on charities’ social media use.

From: The Charity Commission Published 18 September 2023

The Charity Commission has issued new guidance on charities’ use of social media. Published 18th September 2023, the guidance makes clear that social media can be a highly effective way for a charity to engage its audiences and communicate about its work but that there are risks involved, which trustees should plan for.

The new guidance is clear that charities using social media should have a social media policy in place and should ensure the policy is followed. This is standard practice in many charities and across other sectors and industries, and can help an organisation avoid problems and address issues swiftly if they occur.

The regulator says its casework has revealed a knowledge gap. Trustees are not always aware of the risks that may arise from using social media, meaning that some do not have sufficient oversight of their charity’s activity, leaving them and their charity vulnerable. The guidance aims to help trustees understand these risks, how their legal duties apply, and what to consider if issues arise.

The guidance:

  • makes clear that the regulator does not expect that every charity will involve trustees in the day-to-day running of the charity’s social media but that trustees must understand their legal responsibilities even if delegating tasks
  • sets out the expectation that charities using social media should have a policy in place to explain how using social media will help deliver the charity’s purpose and should include the charity’s own guidelines, such as those on the conduct of trustees, employees and volunteers using social media on the charity’s behalf
  • contains an easy-to-use checklist to help trustees and senior employees have informed conversations on what the right policy for them looks like
  • says charities should have guidelines to manage the risk that content posted by individuals connected to the charity in their personal capacity, particularly those who are high profile like CEOs, may negatively impact the charity by association. It also makes clear that trustees, employees and others have the right to exercise their freedom of expression within the law
  • signposts organisations and resources that can help trustees if they want to improve their social media skills.

The new guidance was subject to a formal consultation, which ran from January to March 2023. The Commission received 396 responses. Many welcomed the guidance, but some felt it could be clearer to explain what is and is not expected of trustees. The regulator has made a number of changes to clarify the Commission’s regulatory expectations in light of the feedback. The final guidance also further emphasises the benefits of using social media, so that charities can have confidence in their ability to make use of them.

Paul Latham, Director of Communications and Policy at the Charity Commission, said:

“There are many benefits to using social media, which can be an effective tool for campaigning, communicating with the public and reaching new and existing supporters. However, trustees need to be alive to the risks it can generate, including to a charity’s reputation. We have published this guidance because we want trustees to think carefully about what they want to achieve when using social media and then apply our guidance to help ensure their charity is protected.

We know trustees are busy and don’t expect them to be social media experts. Our guidance is also clear that their oversight need only be proportionate. However, it is the duty of trustees to act responsibly, in their charity’s best interests, and in line with the law. This includes when posting online. Our guidance will help charities to navigate their use of social media with greater confidence and will support the Commission to regulate this high profile and fast paced area in a fair and balanced way.“

More useful links:

posted 21 September 23

Charity Commission Accounts

Problems encountered with Charity Commission Accounts

We are aware that a number of our members have encountered problems when trying to log onto the Charity Commission website and we have, therefore, been in communication with the Charity Commission in order to ascertain the current position.

We understand that the Charity Commission has recently undertaken an update of their systems which, unfortunately, has led to extensive, temporary problems for charities needing to gain access to file returns, lodge accounts etc.  

We are informed that as matters stand the ‘My Charity Commission Account’ as a service is working and functional, however access to the area for filing for Annual Return 2023 is still under development. This will be launched within the next few weeks, and communications will be sent out when this happens.

It is now necessary for every charity in England and Wales to register for a ‘My Charity Commission Account’ and we understand that charities can contact the Commission in one of the following ways to request access, although there are likely to be considerable waiting times if telephoning which could be as much as 45 minutes:

In the event of a change of email address, it is necessary to request a new link and set up a new account.

It has been confirmed that when contacting the Commission, it is the main listed contact who should get in touch and, if this is not known, a trustee of the charity should telephone who will then be taken through a verification process.  

To reiterate – Filing for Annual Return 2023 is not yet available, though we have been advised that Returns lodged in due course will be backdated.  Filing for Annual Return 2022 and years prior to this are available which must be completed within a Charity Commission account, here: Sign in (charitycommission.gov.uk)

We are conscious that the current situation is causing considerable frustration and can only advise our member almshouse charities that we are assured that the Charity Commission is doing all possible to rectify the position at the earliest opportunity.

posted 20 September 2023

Case Study: Charities of Richard Poyntz & Others

Kindly prepared by Viv Miles – Trustee , Charities of Richard Poyntz & Others

“Our two cottages in question were built in 1929, they were gifted to the Charity originally to house retired farmers, but over the years the farms diminished and the Charity decided to house homeless retired persons, this recently changed again, due to the increase in our area of homeless younger people between the age of 48-65yrs, who we now consider. “

THE COTTAGES

They are one-bedroom properties, with tiny galley kitchens and very little cupboard space, nowhere to eat and it was hard for the residents to keep clean and tidy. They were very dark with no room to manoeuvre, especially if the person was disabled. They had old wooden outbuildings, used for coal that was rotting, very damp and cold.

When The Almshouse Association visited a few years ago, they emphasised the kitchens were not fit for purpose and suggested we knock the outbuildings down and build extensions. This was impossible at the time as the Charity had very limited funds, so the Charity decided it would be a project for the future, and with careful planning over five years, we at last felt we were able to fund a large part of the project. We also asked the Association for help and they most kindly offered us a loan of £50,000 and a grant of £20,000. The total cost of the project was £100,000 and we didn’t need to source any additional funds.

This was a very big project for a small Charity and if The Almshouse Association hadn’t helped, we most definitely wouldn’t be able to save the buildings, let alone build liveable working kitchen/dining areas, so as a Charity we can not thank them enough.

After three quotes we employed a local builder, Gary Foss.  We applied to London Borough of Havering who indicated we needed planning permission as the plot is within the conservation area. This we were not expecting, as the extensions were within the permitted construction that would only normally require building regulation control, so a set of plans had to be drawn up and approved.  It was granted, but it took 10 weeks, so this delayed the build, and of course cost extra money. The build started and the residents had to move all their belongings, we helped them as much as we could letting them use our office space and interacted with them all the time to make this transition as easy as possible.  The build was carried out in phases.

PHASE 1 – KNOCKING DOWN OUTBUILDINGS
PHASE 2 FOOTINGS
PROBLEM 1 – BUSHES

On viewing the foundations and drainage, the Building Inspector considered that 18ft of bushes had to be removed as they were too near the new building and would impede the drainage. This also meant fencing had to be installed as it backed onto a farmers field.. i.e. more additional cost!

PHASE 3 – BUILDING THE EXTENSIONS

When the building work began, the builder noticed the No. 2 house alignment was wrong and started to investigate. He had already started the block work, but we now had another problem…

PROBLEM 2 – SUBSIDENCE

The builder had discovered subsidence. There was an enormous crack where the outbuilding was taken down that went down to the foundation level. The trustees decided the only course of action was to do the remedial work acknowledging there would be additional costs incurred.

To stop the problem once and for all, the builder recommended digging 2-metre trenches on each corner, going underneath what footings there are, placing acrows on a slab, then filling with concrete.

We agreed and the building work could then commence up to roof level including insulation work:

 PHASE 4 – ROOF

London Borough of Havering altered the new roofs on both extensions as they considered them too high. This alteration also had a cost impact, but the build was now watertight ready for knocking through.

PROBLEM 3 – ROOF

The original roof has several problems including roof spread. There are no crossway beams so the roof is spreading causing tiles to slip. The roof tiles, which at some point had been replaced, are second-hand and crumbling. This problem, although temporarily fixed, will have to be completed at a later date.

PHASE 5 – KNOCKING THROUGH

Acrows were installed ready for the main beam so walls could be knocked down and brick work installed to hold the beam. New windows and backdoors were reinstated, including first fix.

PHASE 6 – PLASTERING INSIDE & SCRATCH COATING TO OUTSIDE BUILDING
PHASE 7 – PAINTING TOP COAT

The Trust purchased the emulsion paint and the builder painted the initial coat, but the residents decided they would rather paint the topcoat.

PHASE 8 – KITCHEN FITTING

The kitchens were bought from Howdens and the builder fitted them. Howdens were extremely good and gave us a large discount for the two kitchens with ovens, hobs and cooker hoods.

Kitchen before flooring and second fix electrics

…. and with flooring, also undertaken by the builder, but bought directly by the Trust. 

The residents have so much more space to be able to eat at a table and more cupboard space, plus they are now so much more accessible for anyone with disabilities.

“The new extended kitchen has made life so much better.  I can now sit and eat at a table for the first time in years.  The kitchen has really improved my quality of living and I can’t thank you enough”.
Resident A

PHASE 9 – MAIN COAT TO OUTSIDE OF BUIDINGS COMPLETED
.

” We started with a really small kitchen, it has been a long process with a lot of surprising obstacles, but now we have an absolutely brilliant large kitchen/diner with wonderful colours, sharp straight lines and beautiful finish, the cottage is now much warmer due to all the new insulation, I am short a couple of plug sockets but overall I am very happy with what I have and live a better quality of life; I can go shopping weekly instead of every day, it has created a huge space I never thought possible, I can now resume normal life.  I am very thankful for everything for all the work done and thank you to Vivienne and her husband for all the long hard hours you both spent working here to help”.
Resident B

ADVICE TO OTHER SMALL CHARITIES

This experience has taught us so many things to look out for and here are a few:

  • Make sure you have a contingency fund for any incidentals that may arise.
  • When getting quotes, make sure you add every little thing you want built or fitted ie: building a cupboard and finishes, or employ a quantity surveyor.
  • Appoint one person in charge you can trust, or a project manager, so they can make on the spot, important decisions. This helps the builder work to his schedule and they can pay him on time with every phase, especially if you use a small building firm. Do not pay your builder his final payment until he has completely finished and consult your fellow trustees before paying this.
  • Always support the trustee/secretary that is in charge.   
  • Make sure at all times your residents are supported, as it can be very stressful, and if they move in with someone for the duration, keep them informed of the progress at all times.

“Our properties were finished to a high standard and the builder gave us loads of advice. The trustees were all very impressed with the work, as were the residents.”

posted August 2023

Multi-million pound sustainable housing development opens

This August, Councillor Veronica Dunn, the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, officially opened a sustainable housing development designed specifically for disabled residents in Spital Tongues, Newcastle.

The St Mary Magdalene & Holy Jesus Trust’s £3.8m Magdalene Court almshouse development, located on a prominent site at the top of Richardson Road, is set amongst mature retained trees and has been designed by JDDK Architects.

The development has been built by Meldrum Construction to meet the current National Space Standards, providing extensive circulation space for residents of the 15 accessible one-bedroom apartments designed for older people with a disability who wish to live an independent lifestyle. The development also includes three, two storey, three-bedroom homes designed for families – the first time the Trust has provided housing for families.

The innovative scheme provides highly insulated and air-tight homes with heating by air source heat pumps powering LST (Low Surface Temperature) radiators. Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery ensures no heat is wasted and a steady supply of fresh air internally while Magdalene Court also features a ‘green’ roof terrace of sedum plants.

Internally, the apartments are designed for lifetime occupation with the open plan living, dining and kitchen allowing light from the living space windows and balcony through to the kitchen. The bathroom is also flexible for a bath or shower with wet room design with future adaptability.

The ground floor apartments all have private patios and gardens while the upper apartments have balconies to create connection with the nature and outdoor green spaces. All the apartments are fitted with a Warden Call system summoning help if required whilst there is also an extensive ground floor store for wheelchairs and electronic buggies.

The three family homes enjoy south facing gardens with a patio and shed for cycle storage provision with rear access for added convenience of circulation. The layout also features future adaptability with accessible WC for future shower installation, an aperture for a future through-floor lift, stair lift and temporary bedspace in the ground floor living space.

John Lee, chairman of the St Mary Magdalene & Holy Jesus Trust, commented,

“The Magdalene Court scheme is an exciting development for the Trust. It both builds on what we have done successfully in the past in providing accommodation for older people, but also widens our scope to include providing accommodation for families.

“We consulted extensively on this scheme with partners and stakeholders and providing the mix of accommodation that we are doing will ensure that the Trust is using its assets effectively and efficiently to deliver benefit in the City.

“Despite being affordable in name, often affordable housing schemes still have fairly high rents, particularly for more popular areas. So, perhaps most importantly for our residents, we have used our funds to cap the almshouse residents’ weekly maintenance contributions inclusive of service charges at Local Housing Allowance levels.

“The new apartments have been quickly snapped up and we are now continuing with an extensive refurbishment programme for our existing properties whilst also developing plans to provide additional properties on our main site on Claremont Road.”

posted 19 September 2023

DAMHA celebrates 125 years!

In August 2023, Durham Aged Miners Homes Association (DAMHA), the largest almshouse charity in the UK, marked its 125th anniversary year with a fitting tribute to the man whose vision led to the establishment of the organisation.

The Almshouse Association’s Chairman, Willie Hartley Russell was honoured to be invited to the celebrations.

A memorial service was held at St Alban’s Church in Windy Hook, Gateshead where they celebrated the history of DAMHA which was founded in 1898 and grew from the vision of miner and lay preacher Joseph Hopper, who is buried at St Alban’s.

Staff and Board members from DAMHA were joined by local residents, including 97-year-old Mary Fullwood, and representatives from other organisations, including those connected with the mining industry, at the service conducted by the Reverend Danie Lindley.

Rev Lindley led prayers and hymns, and there were also readings and a speech given by DAMHA Chief Executive Paul Mullis, who also laid flowers at Joseph Hopper’s graveside memorial. Rev Lindley said:

“The success of DAMHA is just not the legacy of Joseph Hopper, or the hard work of all who have taken part in its history, but in the people who live in their houses, the people who support those who live in the houses and the people who continue to look outwards for more opportunities to provide affordable solutions to housing that provide community and support. DAMHA has given people shelter, hope, support and strength and our prayer is that this will continue for many more years to come.”

In his speech, Paul Mullis reflected on the impact DAMHA has had on people’s lives over the last 125 years.

“A recent piece of research concluded that on average an almhouse resident could expect to live 2.4 years longer than the norm. This is due to various reasons including loneliness and the stress of maintaining your home as you become vulnerable with age. All these things are addressed by almshouse living in the community of homes that Joseph Hopper began and DAMHA maintains and develops.

So, we give thanks hugely for the inspiration of Joseph Hopper and building on the shoulder of giants, DAMHA has grown to great things. 125 years on, we are needed more than ever and as caretakers of a great idea, the baton will continue to be handed down to future generation to continue Joseph’s legacy.”

Joseph Hopper believed that a man who had served in the coal mines all his life deserved better than to be evicted from his tied colliery home when he retired. A small weekly levy voluntarily donated from miners’ wages, plus donations of land and materials from mine owners and others, allowed the homes to be constructed and let free of charge.

Although the Durham coalfield is no more, DAMHA has survived and prospered and continues to offer high quality homes for older people. Whilst you no longer need to have a mining background to have a DAMHA home, the Association has never forgotten its roots and is proud to have helped so many former miners find homes in or near to the communities where they grew up.

To find out more about Durham Ages Miners Homes Association, please visit their website here.

[Top picture: Front: Paul Mullis with Reverend Danie Linley, the Reverend John Mayes; Back row: Chair Willie Hartley Russell and other guests who attended the service.]

posted 18 September 2023

Consumer Standards Consultation: Association draft response

The Almshouse Association has put together a response to the Government’s consumer standards consultation on which we would welcome members’ feedback.

The Government has been seeking views on four consumer standards that set out the specific expectations and outcomes registered providers will be expected to achieve from April 2024, replacing the existing consumer standards that are currently in place.

The standards they are proposing are:

  • The Safety and Quality Standard
  • The Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard
  • The Neighbourhood and Community Standard
  • The Tenancy Standard

These standards have been designed to reflect the Government’s revised statutory objectives as set out in the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008, as amended by the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 (2023 Act), meet expectations set out in the Social Housing White Paper (the White Paper) in respect of a revised consumer regulation role for the regulator and, strengthened to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

The 2023 Act amends the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 to give the regulator the power to issue a Code of Practice in relation to its consumer standards. As part of this consultation, the government is seeking views on a draft Code of Practice to amplify the proposed standards and assist registered providers in understanding how they might achieve compliance.

Following this consultation, the Government will consider the responses received and then set out their decision on the final form of the consumer standards and Code of Practice. They expect to replace the existing consumer standards with the final revised standards from April 2024.

Full details can be found on the Gov.uk website here .

posted 18 September 2023

Case Study: George Jones Trust Almshouses

Association grant funds new conservatories for two Gloucestershire almshouses

The village of Cranham, Gloucestershire, has two almshouses that were given to the village by local benefactor George Jones back in 1868 ‘to be occupied rent free by one widow and her family, or two widows without families’. These cottages eventually fell into disrepair but were renovated in the 1970s and are once again occupied. The qualification criteria have been broadened somewhat in line with modern times to people with a Cranham connection who are in need.

The one bedroom properties have limited floor area so the George Jones Trust explored ways of increasing liveable space. Initially an extension to the rear of each property was proposed, but after obtaining quotes from builders, the rising costs of building materials proved prohibitive. Plan B was to add a conservatory to each property which would increase the ground floor area and allow the residents to better enjoy a view of the garden.

Two quotes were received from local suppliers and C&L Windows & Conservatories, Gloucester was selected. From the start this company was really professional, easy to communicate with, and better still arranged for a local construction company to work with them on preparatory ground works, which made the project really straightforward from the point of view of the George Jones Trust.

The first stage of the project included the groundworks and moving oil lines as they impinged on the conservatory footprint.

The project was really quite straightforward and the whole installation from groundworks to completion was done and dusted within two weeks.  The quality of the work is impressive and the project was delivered on time and to budget. We’d like to recommend C&L Windows for the quality of their work, reliability and professionalism.

“The new conservatory has been an absolutely fantastic addition to the house. It provides an area that can be used all year long regardless of the weather. It brings the garden in and provides a peaceful space in nature in which to sit and read, or just watch the birds. I have found the space very calming since it has been installed. For me, with my Lupus, it has enabled me to get the sense that I am outside, without exposing myself to the sun’s rays which would make me unwell, so I am extremely grateful for this. It also provides me with additional space to entertain guests and can even have people around for a meal now with the fold away table I plan to get. I cannot believe how lucky I am to live in the almshouse and the conservatory has quite simply been the icing on the cake. Thank you so much.”

Resident Nic Granger

We’re really grateful to The Almshouse Association for their grant of £25,000 which contributed about 50% of the total cost involved. Our coffers are quite low as we’re about to embark upon a project to install solar panels and energy storage at the properties, which will use much of our funds, so the assistance of The Almshouse Association in contributing towards the conservatories is invaluable. The conservatories have really enhanced the wellbeing of our residents.

Can you help us build more almshouses and ensure those we have are the best they can be by making a donation to The Almshouse Association or leaving a gift in your Will?
To find out more about how you could help build and protect almshouses for generations to come, please click here.

Lithium batteries

Lithium batteries are generally safe and unlikely to fail, but only so long as there are no defects and the batteries are not damaged. When lithium batteries fail to operate safely or are damaged, they may present a fire and/or explosion hazard.

Lithium batteries have found themselves in the news recently – for both good and bad reasons. The increasing use of lithium-ion batteries is due to their ability to store and provide much more energy than other battery types, allowing for longer usage. This has led to a transport revolution, with many people using e-bikes and e-scooters as a greener and more economical form of transportation. Unfortunately, it has also resulted in a frightening increase in particularly dangerous fires.

If overheated – through damage, flawed design, or the use of substandard chargers – lithium-ion batteries can create fierce fires that are not only difficult to extinguish but also release toxic gas. These fires can occur when just one cell of the battery overheats, creating a domino effect or “thermal runaway”, with a fire developing within seconds that can reach a temperature exceeding 600 degrees Celsius.

Steve Sitch, Chief Executive of Exeter Homes Trust has kindly shared with members their Fire Safety Bulletin on the topic of Lithium batteries. Trustees and clerks may want to share similar advice with their residents.

posted 14 September 23

MPs show their support for almshouses

The Almshouse Association continues to apply pressure to government with regards to protecting almshouse charities from becoming unintended casualties of new legislation and we are pleased to have the support of a growing number of MPs.

This week, CEO Nick Phillips met with Ben Everitt MP at Westminster to seek his support for the amendment to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) affordable housing definition to ensure almshouses are recognised. A significant lead on the Levelling Up Housing and Communities Committee, Ben was very encouraging and a champion of affordable housing. His support is invaluable and we thank him for his time and interest in the almshouse movement.  

Also this week in House of Commons Written Answers:

HoC Written Answer: Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities: Almshouses: Planning  

Siobhain McDonagh (Lab) (Mitcham and Morden): (195628) To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what guidance his Department issues to local planning authorities on support for almshouses that are not Regulated Social Landlords under the terms of section 106 affordable housing.

Rachel Maclean (Con) (Redditch): The department does not issue guidance to local planning authorities specifically on this matter. It is up to local planning authorities to determine what contributions should be sought through Section 106 agreements, in line with statutory tests on their use set out in regulation 122 of the Community Infrastructure Regulations 2010. The department has published guidance on planning obligations to support local authorities with their use. As part of the National Planning Policy Framework consultation between 22 December 2022 and 2 March 2023, we sought views on how we can help bring forward more community-led housing, including almshouses. We expect to publish a response to the consultation this Autumn.

Our thanks to Siobhain McDonagh MP for her persistence and determination to ensure almshouses remain on the housing agenda. We look forward to reading the response to the NPPF consultation this autumn.

See also:

posted 13 September 2023

Letter from the Secretary of State to social landlords on damp and mould guidance

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities issued a letter on 11 September 2023 to social housing providers informing them that the government has published guidance on the health impacts of damp and mould in the home.

As part of the government’s response to the Coroner’s report into the tragic and avoidable death of Awaab Ishak, the government committed to publishing consolidated guidance on the health outcomes of damp and mould in the home.

This guidance has now been published – please click here to access

It has been written in response to the Coroner’s report and recommendation that evidence on the risks of damp and mould should be made accessible to the housing sector. This new guidance clearly sets out the legal responsibilities of social and private sector landlords to their tenants and the serious health risks that damp and mould pose.

The government is clear that damp and mould should not be dismissed as a ‘lifestyle choice’ and that action to remove pervasive damp and mould must be taken by landlords. The guidance makes clear that it is the responsibility of landlords to identify the underlying causes of damp and mould – such as structural issues or inadequate ventilation – and to find long term solutions.

The guidance also sets out how living in a home with damp and mould can significantly affect the physical and mental health of tenants and outlines how people with certain health conditions, children and older adults are at greater risk of more severe health impacts.

See also:
– Damp and Mould Guidance | (almshouses.org)
– Almshouse Gazette (almshouses.org)

posted 13 September 2023