The Almshouse Association regularly posts a news summary of the latest Policy and Governance legislation that could impact/requires action from member charities, with links to further information where applicable.

Our latest update can be found below and previous updates are listed at the end of the page.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

  • Draft Clauses Published on New Social Housing Regulation – New draft clauses have been published as part of changes to the regulation of social housing through the Regulator for Social Housing. A factsheet has also been produced on the role of the regulator and Housing Ombudsman Service. The Almshouse Association continues to monitor developments in this area. These changes will only affect members who are registered with the regulator.

    The draft clauses can be found here. 
    The Factsheet can be found here.
  • Failing Landlords to be ‘Named and Shamed’ Under New Regulations – Social landlords providing sub-standard housing and services would be publicly called out on the Government’s website and across social media channels.

    This measure will only apply to almshouse charities who are registered with the Regulator for Social Housing and serves as a reminder to ensure that you are fulfilling all the requirements of registration. If in doubt, please do not hesitate to get in touch with The Almshouse Association so we can assist you before any issues are publicised.

    The Government announcement can be found here.

  • New Chair of the Regulator of Social Housing – Bernadette Conroy has been appointed as new Chair of the Regulator of Social Housing. The role of the Regulator is steadily becoming more central to the Government’s management of Registered Providers.

    Details on the announcement can be found here.

The Charity Commission

  • End of flexible guidance on meetings – On 21st April the flexible approach to charities holding meetings outside the terms of their governing documents will come to an end. Charities should check that their governing documents allow them to hold meetings in the way they wish. For example, you will need to ensure that your governing documents allow for online meetings if you have found these to be more convenient during the pandemic.

    Charity Commission guidance for charities on coronavirus can be found here.

  • New 5-minute Guides for Charity Trustees – The Commission has released several animated videos which bring its 5-minute guides to life. This includes new materials on safeguarding. The videos aim to fill in gaps in knowledge, especially for new trustees.

    More details can be found here.

Employment Law

  • Fear of catching COVID-19 not a protected belief rules employment tribunal – In a recent employment tribunal case it was concluded that an employee’s belief in a fear of catching Covid-19 and a need to protect herself and others, did not amount to a philosophical belief for the purposes of establishing a protected characteristic under section 10(2) Equality Act 2010.

    Panel of Consultants member, Stone King has provided an overview of the ruling which can be found here.

Coronavirus

  • Spring Booster Campaign Launches – The spring booster vaccination campaign commenced on March 21st. Those eligible for the booster include adults aged over 75, the immunosuppressed and, crucially, all residents in a care home for older adults. The Almshouse Association has always argued that almshouses should be treated in the same way as care homes due to their communal nature. Members should get in touch with their local authority or NHS group if their residents are struggling.

RECORD OF 2021/22 Policy and Governance updates:

Posted 4 April 22