News


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…

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…

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…

Double celebrations in Sonning!

…newspaper article in the Henley Standard – click here Link to online version Posted 12 July 21 For more almshouse news and stories, visit Almshouse news and stories | (almshouses.org)…

Devon Regional Meeting (Exeter)

…you to the Devon Regional Meeting, taking place on: Thursday 18 April 2024, 10.30am – 2pm at: The Exeter Community Hall, 17, St David’s Hill, Exeter, EX4 3RG. Contact: info@exeterhomesgtrust.com

Damp and Mould Guidance

…evidence of damp in a building, such as mould, mould odour or water damage in order to assess health risks and the need to take remedial action. When mould is…

Cyber Security Awareness Training

…number and name. 3. Type in your first name and last name as you would like them to appear on your certificate Login to Cyber Security Awareness Training online course…

Covid-19 update: 29.09.20

…this again over the winter in order to protect their vulnerable communities. If this a route that your charity would like to take, we recommend that you consult with your…

Covid-19 update: 11.01.21

Meetings The Charity Commission has updated its guidance on holding meetings during the national lockdown. Where possible, it states that charities should hold meetings online or via telephone. Where this…

Covid-19 update: 8.4.21

…potential outbreaks of coronavirus. The tests can be ordered online or collected from larger local pharmacies. You may wish to encourage your residents and staff to use these tests and…

Covid-19 update: 05.1.21

…it nonetheless provides guidance on cleaning, PPE, managing outbreaks, and visitors and support bubbles. The guidance can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/supported-living-services-during-coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-guidance-for-supported-living. Don’t forget, the Almshouse Association offers an online course…

Covid & supported housing

…risks and challenges involved in adopting such a policy: www.twobirds.com/en/news/articles/2021/uk/what-to-consider-when-implementing-a-vaccination-policy-in-your-organisation If any member charity is considering this, we would recommend taking separate legal advice to ensure the charity is protected…

Council Tax & Spring Budget update 2024

…Right to Buy 5.71 Allowing local authorities (LAs) additional flexibility in their use of Right to Buy receipts – The government will increase the cap from 40% to 50% on…