News


Policy & Governance update: June 21

…Charities, guides businesses through the actions they should take in order to dramatically reduce the risk of the most common cyber-attacks, such as ransomware and phishing. Trustee recruitment – Reach…

Policy & Governance update: July/August 20

…who can demonstrate that the contractor will start work on cladding remediation by 31 March next year Online forms must be completed by 31 December 2020 to be considered Trustees…

Policy & Governance: latest developments

online or by telephone Reporting serious incidents to the Charity Commission Keeping people safe It is also worth noting that the Charity Commission’s contact centre remains open Mon – Fri,…

Policy & Governance: latest developments

…the owners and operators of urban centres and green spaces in order to help social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance provides useful recommendations for almshouses that have shared…

Policy & Governance: 31.08.21 update

…groups will need to complete an eligibility checker on the Community Led Homes website. If eligible, groups will be emailed an online grant application form. Wales A new standard for…

Planning Update from Panel Consultants Robinson & Hall

…this consultation can be sent via the online link (https://consult.levellingup.gov.uk/planning-development-management/permitted-development-rights-consultation) or via email to PDRconsultationsummer2023@levellingup.gov.uk Please note that local planning authorities have the right to withdraw Permitted Development Rights and…

P&G update: 31.10.22

…questions and comfort breaks. The interview can be in person or online and will include questions on: personal experiences of loneliness role of technology in measuring loneliness preferences for data…

P&G update: 30.05.22

…spread the cost of a TV licence, these include monthly or quarterly direct debits, or a TV Licensing payment card (which enables customers to pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly online,…

P&G update: 27.09.23

…full details Step forward to online Lasting Power of Attorney The most vulnerable in society will be better protected as reforms to simplify and streamline lasting powers of attorney are…

P&G update: 14.11.22

…is a new way for trustees and charity contacts to access the Charity Commission’s online services. It can also be used by other people you have authorised, such as your…

P&G update: 13.12.22

…Chief Executives and council leaders and all providers of social housing on ensuring quality in social housing. The letters are available here. RIGHT TO BUY An ambiguous response was received…

P&G update: 12.01.23

…all possible in order to ensure that almshouses are neither overlooked nor misinterpreted in these important issues. As always, we will, of course, keep our members closely informed of any…

P&G update: 04.04.22

…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…

Old Windsor United Charities

…of someone who lives in the Parish of Old Windsor. Contact Details Clerk to the Trustees 36A Crimp Hill Road Old Windsor Berkshire SL4 2QY Email: clerk.owuc@gmail.com Tel: 07444 486794…

New online courses available

The Almshouse Association is pleased to announce that we have added three new online training courses to our website course library. With many of us are working from home, you…

New John Morden Centre making big news

…new building by RIBA (yahoo.com) RIBA Stirling Prize 2023 (architecture.com) Managers and leaders only: Britain’s best new building is a retirement home with entry requirements | Architecture | The Guardian…

New almshouses in Cheltenham

…of traditional design and incorporating the highest standards of insulation and solar energy in order to reduce the impact on the environment and improve economic resilience. Amongst the throng enjoying…

New Almshouse Research published

…highlights the challenges the sector faces going forward. The Smith Institute and The Almshouse Association hosted an online event on 11th October 2022 to mark the launch of a new…

MP Briefing

…Out of our membership of 1,600 almshouse charities, 264 have opted to become RHPs in order to access Homes England funding. Not only is regulation an additional burden on trustees…

Michael Gove's 'Inside Housing' interview

…Cornwall, for more social rent homes is one example, he suggests. “We are convening conversations with other major landowners in order to see if we can do more, because if…

Mental Health and wellbeing in the charity sector

…were forced to abandon face-to-face service provision in March 2020, along with the camaraderie and support offered by office life. Many moved service provision and core operations online, while others…

Local Authorities: letters of support

…charities and the way in which they operate in order that such requests may be fairly considered. To this end a letter from the Association (click here to view) has…

Live longer – live in an almshouse?

…1,700 almshouse charities gifted in between. We need more! A housing model for local people, exempt from the Right to Buy, in perpetuity for centuries. Where are the philanthropists setting…

King John’s House - Wisbech 

…met through other means. Contact Details For more information and to request an application form call or email the Charity: House Manager on 01945 581370 / 07984 869125 Email: wisbechcharities@gmail.com

Influencing local planning on housing and ageing

…and Country Planning Association. The Older People’s Housing Champions would love to hear from you if you are taking any local action on housing and ageing. Website: www.housingactionblog.wordpress.com Email: housingchampionsnetwork@gmail.com

Infection Prevention & Control online training

…Charity Name, membership number and name. Type in your first name and last name as you would like them to appear on your certificate. Infection Prevention and Control online training…

HRH visits Bond's Hospital almshouses

…trustees all raised a glass to toast this special moment.   . Some wonderful video footage of the day filmed by the Daily Mail online can be accessed here. The Almshouse…

Housing Ombudsman Complaints Handling Code

…complaints should be included in the charity’s annual report. Compliance Failures under the Housing Ombudsman Scheme and Complaints Handling Code will result in a complaint handling failure order and the…

Hospital of St Cross Winchester

…black robe, a black trencher hat, and a silver badge in the shape of the Cross of Jerusalem. The Order of Nobile Poverty (The Red Brothers) This Order was founded…

Hornby Competition results announced!

…the most incredible collection of boats including several Full Riggers, 3-masted Schooners, and Ketch. He has completed one boat a year since his move to Penrose. These boats have to…

Holding AGMs & other meetings

…30th December 2020.  Wherever possible it is still hoped that members will be able to submit their annual returns online. However, if Trustees have an imminent deadline and believe they…

Hoarding

…a place of safety. Mental Capacity Act (2005) s16(2)(a)- the court of protection has the power to make an order regarding a decision on behalf of an individual. The court’s…

High Ercall Almshouses - High Ercall, Shropshire

…age and are in need, hardship or distress. Contact Details Further information and application form can be obtained from: The Managing Agent, BERRYS – Anna Roche 01743 290645 Email: anna.roche@berrys.uk.com

Heating advice notes

…record of providing 3kW of heat from 1kW of electricity, then as the cost of electricity is still currently approx., 3 times more expensive that gas, then any other electrically…

Government's Right to Buy plans

The Almshouse Association Response to Government Plans to Extend Right to Buy Policy Almshouses are established by gifts of charity and run by volunteers. The charity is established to provide…

Fond farewells to retiring clerk

…doing so much to support community efforts.” Article by Nick Jones for The Barnet Society online publication. Posted 2 September 21 Click here to read more almshouse news and stories…

Fire doors in almshouses

…Fire Safety Act 2021 clarified that flat entrance doors must be considered in the Fire Risk Assessment mandated by the Fire Safety Order The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require…

Festival of Trusteeship, 2-6 November 2020

…great candidates for trustee roles, and charity finances – the basics. Sessions are being held online and tickets range from £5 to £15. To find out more, visit: www.gettingonboard.org/festival-of-trusteeship Posted…

Feltham United Charities - Feltham

…They must be persons of good character who ideally reside locally preceding the time of appointment. They must be capable of independent living. Contact Details James Groves 07910 036417 Jamesgroves1965@gmail.com

Exeter Homes Trust marks Platinum Jubilee

…Charity’s 150 residents with updated and energy efficient apartments, more suited to modern day living requirements. For more information about Exeter Homes Trust, please visit: www.exeterhomestrust.com Posted 5 April 22…

Ewelme Almshouse Charity talks strategy

…St John’s Chapel of the adjacent Ewelme Church in order to pray for the King, the Duke and Duchess and their successors, and all Christian souls. One Chaplain, known as…

EPCs - Association's Statement on EPCs

order to offer best guidance. Our ability to offer guidance has been complicated by contradictory opinions from government and independent experts. In guidance we published on our website in 2019…

Energy Scheme Grant helps to install efficient heating

…Fund, visit www.affordablewarmthsolutions.org.uk/warm-homes-fund/overview If you want to know how E.ON Energy Installation Services can assist you, please contact Andrew Edwards on Andrew.edwards@eonenergy.com or call 07815 502613 Dated: 7th May 19…