TENDER: INTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES
08 February 2010

Tender for Internal Audit Services Moray Housing Partnership Moray Housing Partnership is a Registered Social Landlord based in Lossiemouth and serving most of the Moray region. It owns and manages just under 500 general needs units. We are currently tendering for our internal audit services. This will initially be for a three year period with the possibility to extend this to six years. We are seeking tenders from audit companies with internal audit experience within the RSL sector. If you wish further information or want to receive the tender documents sent to you, please contact Michaela Munro on 01343 543210 or michaela@morayhousingpartnership.co.uk. The closing dates for tenders will be 19th February and we plan to interview prior to the end of February. The period of appointment will commence on 1 April 2010, however we may ask that some work be carried out in March if this is mutually convenient. Moray Housing Partnership is a registered charity operating under Scottish Charity number SC 031841 Registered office Clifton Road, Lossiemouth. Moray, IV31 6DJ. Registered with the FSA under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 (No2567R(S)) and the Scottish Housing Regulator No: 325. Further Links:

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BCHS DIRECTOR OUTLINES VISION FOR CO-OP HOMES
08 February 2010

The new director of co-operative housing organisation bchs has outlined his vision to help local people build low carbon communities which they control Carl Taylor, formerly manager of Redditch Co-operative Homes, replaces Jon Stevens, who retired in December 2009 after more than a decade at the helm of Birmingham-based bchs community regeneration agency. Mr Taylor has more than 20 years’ of experience in housing, including nine years at bchs, and is a Master of Business Administration. He is regarded as a national authority and champion of resident-led and mutual housing and led the development of acclaimed low carbon co-ops in Redditch. Mr Taylor said: “Jon left an incredible legacy. bchs remains the only organisation providing services and support to communities that really own and control their neighbourhoods. “Jon also oversaw national work on ground-breaking projects such as the Preston and Watford Gateway schemes giving local people the power to shape where they live.” He added: “Moving forward, bchs will be building on that legacy by empowering communities in the Midlands and beyond to actually develop new housing which is low carbon and controlled by local people. “In Redditch we demonstrated that housing co-operatives are a viable and mainstream model of community-led housing, creating the safe, sustainable and friendly neighbourhoods where people want to live. “bchs will be helping communities to shape their own destiny, whether by simply managing existing schemes or working towards new mutual development. This is a fantastic challenge I am really looking forward to it.” bchs is a leading provider of co-operative housing services and as part of the Accord Group, a major developer of new affordable homes for co-operatives.

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EMPTY HOMES TO BE SOLD AT CUT PRICE
08 February 2010

Vacant homes in Stoke are being offered at a knock-down price to house hunters to help them get a foot on the property ladder. Stoke-on-Trent City Council is offering the deal on the properties only to prospective home owners if they maintain the building as tenants for at least five years. The scheme is being brought in by the council after it won Government funding of £84,000 to set up the project. Empty houses will be identified and bought by a bank or building society working in partnership with the authority. People on the city's housing register will then be invited to apply for a five-year lease on condition they also renovate the property. After five years, the tenant has first refusal to buy the property from the bank at the price originally paid, plus the bank's transaction costs. The £84,000 government funding will meet the costs of staff, administration and fees in setting up the new system. The idea is that mortgage payments will be more affordable for those who decide to buy, while other residents may receive extra support to maintain their tenancy. The funding is part of an overall Government strategy targeting anti-social behaviour associated with empty houses. In total, £1 million has been handed out. John Daniels, the city council's cabinet member for housing, environment and neighbourhoods, said: "We would like to develop an innovative technique which would allow people on our housing register to get off the waiting list and into a home they can make their own." Last month the council warned private landlords with shabby buildings and unruly tenants that the authority could seize the properties under tough new licensing powers. It has brought in a pilot licensing scheme in two streets in Tunstall to try to crack down on nuisance neighbours and empty homes. Under the project landlords have to apply for a £500 five-year operating licence or risk prosecution.

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SANCTUARY HOUSING INVESTS IN APPRENTICESHIPS
08 February 2010

Kate Chester, researcher for the National Housing Federation (NHF), has visited the head office of the Sanctuary Group to learn more about the organisation’s apprenticeship programme. Ms Chester’s visit formed part of the NHF’s research project, funded by the National Apprenticeship Service, which aims to analyse the level of engagement that registered social landlords (RSL) are having with these trainees. It also coincides with the Government’s national apprenticeship week, which runs until February 5 and was established to celebrate the talents and skills of apprentices across England. As part of the visit, Ms Chester met with current Sanctuary apprentices to hear their experiences first hand and also learned about the group’s ambitious plans to create further schemes across the country. Sanctuary is investing in a new UK-wide apprenticeship programme, which will help provide support to different business operations across the group. Successful candidates will take part in specially designed programmes, which will give them the opportunity to study for practical qualifications and gain on the job experience whilst building their confidence and self esteem. Sanctuary’s Group chief executive, David Bennett said: “Sanctuary is committed to providing employment and training opportunities which allow people to achieve their full potential and our apprenticeship programmes are one of the ways we can achieve this.” Sanctuary will be working in partnership with other local organisations over the coming months to create further apprenticeship schemes.

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INQUIRY UNDERWAY INTO £3.2m STOKE HOMES DEAL
08 February 2010

An inquiry has begun into how Stoke-on-Trent City Council came to pay a single firm more than £3.2 million to complete hundreds of its building maintenance projects The Sentinel has reported. The city counci has admitted it paid the money to Kinders Ltd on an “as and when needed” basis over four years without formally putting the work out to tender. The local authority used the city-based firm between 2006/07 and the current financial year to carry out hundreds of small-scale jobs, which were typically valued at less than £5,000 each. The jobs, which appear to have been approved under powers delegated to officers, included tidying up and securing properties which the council had bought in clearance areas linked to the Pathfinder housing regeneration scheme. Critics argue the work should have been packaged up in contracts and tendered out. There is no suggestion that Kinders or officials did anything wrong. But a probe has now been launched into the council's procurement department over the process amid "concerns" from one of the city's MPs. Councillor Brian Ward, cabinet member for regeneration, is working with Phil Crossland, the council's head of transportation and planning, on the investigation. And Mr Ward, explained the issue was "overlooked" by the Labour administration which ran the council at the time. He added: "We can't see any impropriety in the people in the department and I think they have just carried on in a complacent way not conducive to the good running of the authority. "There is nothing wrong with delegated powers, but what seems to be the anomaly here is why so many have gone to the same company." Early last year the city council's ruling cabinet ordered a review into the way services were procured. It is not known when the review will end. In September it was decided tenders would be invited for a set term contract of estate management and that is expected to be awarded within months.

HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
08 February 2010

Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: JOBS Barnet Homes is seeking an Area Housing Manager . For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing date: February 19. CIH in Scotland is seeking a Head of Policy & Public Affairs. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing Date: February 12. Helena Partnerships is seeking a Research & Performance Advisor, salary £25,500 – £27,000 pa. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northwest. Closing date: February 12. Pierhead Housing is seeking a Housing Director, salary £50,722 - £56,357 p.a. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northwest. Closing date: February 23. Keelman Homes is seeking Two Ordinary Trustees to join its Board. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: March 5. Rural Stirling Housing Association is seeking a Housing Services Manager (Depute Director). For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: noon on February 15. TENDERS West Dunbartonshire Council is inviting tenders for a Lead Consultant . For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: February 15. Craigdale Housing Association is inviting tenders for a Tenant Satisfaction Survey. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 8. Moray Housing Partnership is inviting tenders for a Internal Audit Services. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: February 19. Hebridean Housing Partnership is inviting tenders for its Approved Contractor List. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: February 26. To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804.

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JOB OF THE WEEK: HAVE YOUR TOP JOB HERE!
09 February 2010

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TENDER: INTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES
09 February 2010

Tender for Internal Audit Services Moray Housing Partnership Moray Housing Partnership is a Registered Social Landlord based in Lossiemouth and serving most of the Moray region. It owns and manages just under 500 general needs units. We are currently tendering for our internal audit services. This will initially be for a three year period with the possibility to extend this to six years. We are seeking tenders from audit companies with internal audit experience within the RSL sector. If you wish further information or want to receive the tender documents sent to you, please contact Michaela Munro on 01343 543210 or michaela@morayhousingpartnership.co.uk. The closing dates for tenders will be 19th February and we plan to interview prior to the end of February. The period of appointment will commence on 1 April 2010, however we may ask that some work be carried out in March if this is mutually convenient. Moray Housing Partnership is a registered charity operating under Scottish Charity number SC 031841 Registered office Clifton Road, Lossiemouth. Moray, IV31 6DJ. Registered with the FSA under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 (No2567R(S)) and the Scottish Housing Regulator No: 325. Further Links:

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SANCTUARY INTRODUCES NEW INTERNAL MAINTENANCE SERVICE
09 February 2010

Residents will be benefiting from improved repair services following the introduction of Sanctuary Group’s new Internal Maintenance Service (IMS) in the area. Following a successful trial in the West Midlands, the new IMS in-house repairs service has been established in and around Rochford, Essex after discussions and feedback from residents about the maintenance service they were previously receiving from external contractors. The new IMS team will carry out repair services for residents across the region, as part of Sanctuary’s continued commitment to increase customer satisfaction, provide a consistent and high quality service, and improve efficiency. The IMS team will deal with all general day-to-day repairs to residents’ homes, handle out-of hours repairs and carry out works on empty properties to ensure they are ready to be re-let at the earliest opportunity. Staff with a variety of building and maintenance skills have been recruited by Sanctuary to ensure the appropriate skills fit with the individual needs of residents. To maximise efficiency, all IMS staff are equipped with hand-held computers which notify them of jobs, meaning less time is wasted between repairs and more are completed each working day. David Bennett, Sanctuary’s Group Chief Executive, said: “By taking control of repairs and maintenance with an in-house repairs team, we believe we can provide a more efficient and better service for our residents. “There are clear areas where we can make a difference and our residents will play an integral part, telling us what our past services have been lacking, where we can improve and whether the new service is working. “We need to listen and learn from them which is why we have recruited not only skilled staff, but staff who share Sanctuary’s commitment to providing a good customer service.”

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BIRCHFIELD TOWERS TO BE DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR FAMILY HOMES
09 February 2010

Birmingham City Council is demolishing three council tower blocks in Birchfield, North West Birmingham, to make way for potential developers to build high quality, affordable family homes. The council is working in partnership with Urban Living to demolish the 15-storey towers as part of its ambitious 16-year regeneration programme of North West Birmingham.

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AWARD WINNING LEDBURY DEVELOPMENT IS BUILT FOR LIFE
09 February 2010

High street landmark building, the old Cottage Hospital in the heart of Ledbury, has been awarded Building for Life Silver Standard. This prestigious award is run by CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) and the Home Builders Federation with Design for Homes. Picture: George,Jenny (L-R: Richard Fellows & Robin Copeland Quattro Design Architects, Roger Payne Ledbury & Area Development Trust, Garry King CE of Two Rivers Housing.) Building for Life is a national standard for building homes and neighbourhoods and is considered by most to be an enviable award which acknowledges quality design and construction as well as the environmental impact of a development. Wayne Hemingway MBE, designer and chair of Building for Life, said: “We’re seeing a year on year rise in good quality housing schemes entered for the Building for Life awards. But there’s still a long way to go. Building for Life is the best way for everyone to understand design quality on the same terms, so the goal of seeing good ordinary homes everywhere can become a reality.” Richard Finney, Development Manager at Two Rivers Housing, said: “We're thrilled that all our hard work and attention to detail has paid off. This site is a demonstration of the positive outcomes that can happen with a strong partnership working towards excellence. We are proud of this regeneration project and feel it is worthy of this award. When redeveloping the old cottage hospital we took care to preserve the original features which made the building a landmark on the high street, and we're pleased that Building for Life have recognised this approach." The partnership responsible for bringing this building back to life are the Ledbury & Area Development Trust, Herefordshire Council, Advantage West Midlands, Two Rivers Housing and the Homes & Communities Agency. The project assigned architects were Quattro Design Architects.

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NRCCE TO DELIVER £187,000 REGIONAL NEIGHBOURHOODS PROGRAMME
09 February 2010

The Neighbourhood Resource Centre for Central England (NRCCE) has begun work to roll-out a £187,000 programme to help residents in some of the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods in the Midlands. Improvement and Efficiency West Midlands has commissioned the NRCCE, based in Darlaston, to provide a ‘neighbourhoods’ support programme to 14 West Midlands Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs). The programme will help the Local Authority Partnerships come up with and put into action approaches that will help them meet improvement targets in deprived neighbourhoods. The LSPs will be able to choose from a number of tailored projects as part of the programme including a training scheme to help the long-term unemployed. Natalie Jones, NRCCE Manager, said: “Following our comprehensive review of neighbourhood working practices across the region, we were able to identify some generic support needs which we will address through the development of this programme. “This programme provides an exciting opportunity to work directly with residents and communities to help build capacity and social capital at a localised level as we move into a new era of neighbourhood renewal. “We also believe that our work will help to maintain the longer term engagement of both residents and services in areas to come together and co-design the neighbourhood services of the future.”

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SEVENSIDE PLANS FOR WEM GO BEFORE COUNCIL LEADERS
09 February 2010

Plans for 12 affordable homes in Wem have been recommended for approval despite strong opposition from the town council and residents. Developers Severnside Housing want to build the two and three-bedroom houses, a new vehicular access and estate roads off Carwynan in Church Lane. Planners at Shropshire Council have urged unitary councillors to give the plans their approval, subject to conditions, when they meet in Wem today.

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JOB OF THE WEEK: OPTIMA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION x3
10 February 2010

COMMUNITY DRIVEN HOUSING Optima is a resident led housing association with homes immediately adjacent to Birmingham city centre. We are proud of our achievements in transforming the local area and of the services we provide. We are looking for committed, self motivated and flexible people to help us build on what we have achieved. Human Resources Manager circa £35,000 (more for the right candidate) Are you a team player? Can you juggle being hands on and yet think strategically? Have you experience of working with senior managers and directors? Can you deliver an HR service that supports quality service delivery in a customer focussed organisation? Are you able to coach and mentor line managers to develop their skills to manage people effectively? Are you able to build positive working relationships with staff yet be clear where the boundaries lie? Can you take our HR function to the next level, modernise our approach to HR and at the same time ensure we meet our statutory responsibilities including health and safety? Then this may be role for you. This may be a step up or a change in direction for you. Either way we need someone who can make a difference and push us in a new direction. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT MANAGER £ 27,855 - £30,017 We are seeking to appoint a person, skilled in community involvement, who will lead the further development, and implementation, of Optima’s community engagement activities. You will be responsible for ensuring residents are supported and developed to give them the skills to effectively engage in a range of resident scrutiny activities, including joining Optima’s Board. You will also be responsible for working with residents to critically assess the outcomes of resident engagement activities. HOUSING ASSISTANT £15,738 TO £19,131 This is a 12 month contract based within our Income Recovery Team. You will assist in the collection of rent arrears, and your duties will include contacting residents by telephone and in writing, interviewing residents in our offices, processing court paperwork and submitting court cases on line. You will have a good level of education as well as a flexible approach to working hours. Experience of working in a customer focused environment is essential and experience of working within social housing would be an advantage. An information pack can be downloaded from our website: www.optima.org.uk. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 23 February 2010. No agencies or CV’s please. Optima Community Association is committed to equality of opportunity for both its residents and employees. Applications are welcome from suitably qualified and experienced people, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, disability or sexual orientation. However, candidates must be able to demonstrate a real desire to work within a community based organisation.

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TENDER: INTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES
10 February 2010

Tender for Internal Audit Services Moray Housing Partnership Moray Housing Partnership is a Registered Social Landlord based in Lossiemouth and serving most of the Moray region. It owns and manages just under 500 general needs units. We are currently tendering for our internal audit services. This will initially be for a three year period with the possibility to extend this to six years. We are seeking tenders from audit companies with internal audit experience within the RSL sector. If you wish further information or want to receive the tender documents sent to you, please contact Michaela Munro on 01343 543210 or michaela@morayhousingpartnership.co.uk. The closing dates for tenders will be 19th February and we plan to interview prior to the end of February. The period of appointment will commence on 1 April 2010, however we may ask that some work be carried out in March if this is mutually convenient. Moray Housing Partnership is a registered charity operating under Scottish Charity number SC 031841 Registered office Clifton Road, Lossiemouth. Moray, IV31 6DJ. Registered with the FSA under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 (No2567R(S)) and the Scottish Housing Regulator No: 325. Further Links:

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RICS: WEST MIDLANDS HOUSE BUYING ACTIVITY FALLS AS PRICES RISE
10 February 2010

The latest report by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) states that West Midlands house prices rose again in last month but general activity in the market subsided as the bad weather took its toll. In January, 19 percent more chartered surveyors in the West Midlands reported a rise rather than a fall in house prices, up from a negative four percent in December, according to the RICS UK Housing Market survey. However, researchers found that six percent more surveyors reported a fall rather than a rise in new buyer enquiries, down from a positive reading of three percent last month. Meanwhile, a net balance of 12 percent of surveyors saw a decline in new instructions down two percentage points from a negative balance of 10 percent in December. Newly agreed sales also fell substantially. However, West Midlands surveyors are optimistic that these negative signs are a reflection of the extreme weather conditions experienced in the early part of the month. The number of surveyors expecting house prices to rise increased dramatically to a positive 22 percent from a negative six percent. What’s more, the number of surveyors expecting sales to pick up over the next three months also rose substantially from 12 percent of surveyors who expected a fall to 20 percent who are expecting a rise in January. Richard Franklin, of Franklin Property Consultancy and RICS West Midlands spokesperson, said: “The cold snap in January clearly had a huge impact on the West Midlands housing market with activity coming to a halt amidst the seasonal chaos. The indicators are that this will merely defer this activity until the coming months. January was also the first month impacted by the restoration of the Stamp Duty threshold so a positive outlook after this bottleneck bodes well. “House prices are likely to continue rising in the short term but if supply increases, this could curtail significant rises during 2010. Increased volumes rather than the headline prices should be the key barometer to assess market recovery during the forthcoming year.” Transaction levels in the West Midlands region fell slightly in January, with the number of sales per surveying firm dropping from 24 to 23, compared to a national average of 18. Nationally, the closely watched sales to stock ratio – a measure of market slack and a lead indicator of future prices – fell for the second successive month.

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DECLAN CURRY AND MICHELLE MONE TO SPEAK AT NHF FINANCE CONFERENCE
10 February 2010

The National Housing Federation is delighted to announce the confirmation of two keynote speakers for its annual Housing Finance Conference, Declan Curry and Michelle Mone. Declan Curry will open the conference with his view on the economy and what may be in store for the housing sector. Curry reported on the development of the financial and economic crisis from his studio at the London Stock Exchange which placed him at the very heart of emerging events. Curry is the business presenter for the BBC One and BBC News 24. He has also reported for a range of programmes, including Wake up to Money, Moneybox, Financial World Tonight, and World Business Report. Michelle Mone is a highly successful businesswomen and one of the UK’s top three female entrepreneurs. Since launching her Ultimo Gel Bra invention in 1999, she has built up the UK’s leading designer lingerie brand, Ultimo, and seven further brands. Michelle’s personal story charts her rise from redundancy to running a successful multinational company. Michelle is a regular panelist on BBC’s The Apprentice and has clocked up a number of prestigious awards over the years, including Business Woman of the Year at the Corporate Elite Awards in London. This event is the largest housing finance conference in the UK and attracts approximately 1000 delegates each year. Taking place on 24 – 26 March at the University of Warwick, Coventry, this highly respected and long-standing event offers opportunities to network with housing association finance peers, government agencies, local authorities and commercial organisations. Other confirmed speakers include: Richard Donnell, Director, Hometrack Data Systems Piers Williamson, Chief Executive, The Housing Finance Corporation Clare Miller, Executive Director, Risk and Assurance, Tenant Services Authority Richard Hill, Corporate Director, Investment and Renewal, Homes and Communities Agency For more information about the conference, please visit:

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SARH CELEBRATES FORTH ANNIVERSARY
10 February 2010

Homes in Stafford have seen a £46million investment since they were transferred to a housing association four years ago. Stafford and Rural Homes revealed the figure this week as it celebrated its fourth anniversary since taking ownership of 5,600 homes in 2006. “We set out in 2006 to provide quality and affordable homes in safe environments and the investment we have made proves our commitment to those values,” said Chief Executive Karen Armitage. “Our work and investment will continue, but we have already made a significant start in our efforts to strengthen local communities and provide excellent services for all our customers.” SARH is a registered charity that has aimed to build and strengthen communities in Stafford since it took over the homes from Stafford Borough Council. The £46million has been spent on a range of improvements including hundreds of new kitchens, bathrooms and double glazed windows. It has also been used to install more energy efficient boilers and loft insulation to help customers reduce their heating bills. “Investment has been crucial to help improve the lives of our customers,” said Karen. “Our multi-million pound improvement programme is just part of a much wider investment in the Stafford area to make it a great place to live.” Since 2006 SARH has also invested more than £25,000 in supporting community organisations including local football teams, schools, and the Staffordshire Credit Union. SARH also launched its Community Resource Centre, in May 2008, providing a facility for customers to get involved in community work and opportunities for volunteers to develop new skills and try new activities. The launch of ‘Homes First’ the choice based lettings scheme in 2009 has played an important role in giving customers more choice about where they live. The purchase of 135 extra properties has also helped to provide more choice in affordable housing in the Borough. A special party for customers and staff was held to mark Stafford and Rural Homes' fourth birthday on Friday, February 5. The celebration was held at the Housing Advice Shop, at Greyfrairs, where tea and cakes were on offer, as well as a Nintendo Wii bowling competition and a quiz with questions relating to the number four. Karen Armitage added: “It is important that we celebrate our achievements with staff and customers and this event was a fantastic chance to share in our successes so far. We have come a long way in a short space of time and I hope we can now build on our achievements and continue to deliver the best possible service for our customers for many years to come.”

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FIT FOR THE FUTURE: 600 RESIDENTS TO BE TRAINED IN CLIMATE CHANGE
10 February 2010

A unique £200,000 project to train 600 Midland residents in ‘going green’ and employ 20 Community Climate Change Champions has been launched. The Fit for the Future campaign, backed by Advantage West Midlands, aims to help the region develop its role as an economic hub of green technology. It is being delivered by the Accord Group in partnership with two other housing associations, Family and Black Country. The project is also being backed by the Energy Saving Trust. Throughout 2010 up to 600 residents from across the Midlands will be provided with a free 2-hour training course on Energy Conservation. Up to 100 will be offered further training on a Level 2 accredited one-day course. There are also up to 20 jobs as paid Community Climate Change Champions to carry the message out into the neighbourhoods where they live. The Climate Change Champions are being employed by Groundwork Trust West Midlands through the Future Jobs Fund. The roles are open to anyone who has been out of work for 6 months. Major contractor Mears also hopes to offer work placements to residents and train its own ‘green technicians’ at the project base, the Innovation Works @ Rubery Owen, a renovated historic industrial building in Darlaston. Project co-coordinator Mark England, from the Accord Group, said: “Fit for the Future works on many different levels, from increasing understanding of Climate Change to giving people practical advice on cutting their energy bills. “It also provides people with new skills and potential career options, from being Climate Change champions to work placements, as well as a programme to train green technicians right here in the Midlands.” More than a dozen community 2-hour training events will be held across the Midlands between now and September 2010. Mark Pearce, Corporate Director for Economic Regeneration at Advantage West Midlands, said: “Advantage West Midlands is committed to helping the region’s businesses and residents seize the economic opportunities from the transition to a low carbon economy but we recognise that we will need to learn important lessons along the way. “That’s why we have provided £200,000 to support the exciting Fit for the Future pilot project to look at new ways to develop skills and knowledge in the people, businesses and new technologies that will drive the region’s economic transition and play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions. “With more than 600 residents receiving this specialist training I am confident that this pilot will shape how we develop these crucial skills for the future.” The next free training session are being run on: Monday 22nd February - Sandwell Homes, Operational and Development Centre, Roway Lane, Oldbury Tuesday 23rd February – Innovation Works @ Rubery Owen, Booth St, Darlaston Monday 15th March – Innovation Works @ Rubery Owen, Booth St, Darlaston Monday 22nd March - Jervis Court Meeting Room, Dog Kennel Lane, Walsall

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STAYING SAFE IS CHILD’S PLAY AT WHITEFRIARS
10 February 2010

Coventry primary school pupils are being given a helping hand to stay safe, thanks to a pioneering project by Whitefriars Housing Group. Children aged 7 to 11 in six Coventry schools are set to benefit from lessons in accident prevention and the importance of willpower as part of their citizenship curriculum. The aim of the scheme is to teach children how to play a positive role in their communities by increasing their understanding of how their behaviour affects others. To support the work Whitefriars Housing Group has sponsored two learning books produced by the Children's Safety Education Foundation. The booklets cover such things as safety at home, electricity, water, beaches, bullying and drugs. Staff from the not-for-profit group have been heading back to the classroom to speak to the children, and at some of the schools give lessons weekly. Year six pupil Alicia Lammaf, age 11, attends Charter Primary School in Canley and recently took part in the lessons. The children were encouraged to imagine what it would be like to move to a new country and become a victim of hate crime. Other activities included learning how to put on a bandage and put someone in the recovery position. She said: “I really enjoyed the Whitefriars visitors because they taught us how to help someone if they were injured.” Pupil Brogan Roche, age 11, from the same school, added: “I can’t wait to complete my ‘Play Safe, Stay Safe, Keep Safe’ booklet. The information looks fun and really interesting.” Sarah Thompson, a teacher at Charter Primary School, said: “Whitefriars has produced a booklet that really supports my Personal Health and Safety Education and citizenship teaching in school. The children like the activities and are excited about completing the packs.” The intention of the scheme is to help pupils make their own decisions about to keep themselves and their neighbours safe. It follows the success of the Whitefriars Respect programme in Coventry’s secondary schools which has helped more than 700 pupils to be good citizens and to improve their safety by providing knowledge about what anti-social behaviour is and how to deal with it. Terry Rollings, senior customer involvement officer at Whitefriars, said: “The success of the work in secondary schools has inspired us to consider how we can work with younger children. “By sponsoring these books and also giving lessons in safety and behaviour we hope to do our bit to help make Coventry a fantastic place to live. Understanding that their behaviour impacts upon how others feel is a very important lesson for children and we are delighted to be playing our part in helping to teach them to make a positive difference in their communities.” Other schools which are benefitting from the project include Moat House, Frederick Bird, Henley Green School and Community Centre, Willenhall Community Primary and Cheylesmore. Statistics from the Child Accident Prevention Trust highlight that more than two million children are taken to hospital each year as a result of an accident. Half of those injuries take place in the home.

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JOB OF THE WEEK: OPTIMA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION x3
11 February 2010

COMMUNITY DRIVEN HOUSING Optima is a resident led housing association with homes immediately adjacent to Birmingham city centre. We are proud of our achievements in transforming the local area and of the services we provide. We are looking for committed, self motivated and flexible people to help us build on what we have achieved. Human Resources Manager circa £35,000 (more for the right candidate) Are you a team player? Can you juggle being hands on and yet think strategically? Have you experience of working with senior managers and directors? Can you deliver an HR service that supports quality service delivery in a customer focussed organisation? Are you able to coach and mentor line managers to develop their skills to manage people effectively? Are you able to build positive working relationships with staff yet be clear where the boundaries lie? Can you take our HR function to the next level, modernise our approach to HR and at the same time ensure we meet our statutory responsibilities including health and safety? Then this may be role for you. This may be a step up or a change in direction for you. Either way we need someone who can make a difference and push us in a new direction. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT MANAGER £ 27,855 - £30,017 We are seeking to appoint a person, skilled in community involvement, who will lead the further development, and implementation, of Optima’s community engagement activities. You will be responsible for ensuring residents are supported and developed to give them the skills to effectively engage in a range of resident scrutiny activities, including joining Optima’s Board. You will also be responsible for working with residents to critically assess the outcomes of resident engagement activities. HOUSING ASSISTANT £15,738 TO £19,131 This is a 12 month contract based within our Income Recovery Team. You will assist in the collection of rent arrears, and your duties will include contacting residents by telephone and in writing, interviewing residents in our offices, processing court paperwork and submitting court cases on line. You will have a good level of education as well as a flexible approach to working hours. Experience of working in a customer focused environment is essential and experience of working within social housing would be an advantage. An information pack can be downloaded from our website: www.optima.org.uk. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 23 February 2010. No agencies or CV’s please. Optima Community Association is committed to equality of opportunity for both its residents and employees. Applications are welcome from suitably qualified and experienced people, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, disability or sexual orientation. However, candidates must be able to demonstrate a real desire to work within a community based organisation.

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TENDER: INTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES
11 February 2010

Tender for Internal Audit Services Moray Housing Partnership Moray Housing Partnership is a Registered Social Landlord based in Lossiemouth and serving most of the Moray region. It owns and manages just under 500 general needs units. We are currently tendering for our internal audit services. This will initially be for a three year period with the possibility to extend this to six years. We are seeking tenders from audit companies with internal audit experience within the RSL sector. If you wish further information or want to receive the tender documents sent to you, please contact Michaela Munro on 01343 543210 or michaela@morayhousingpartnership.co.uk. The closing dates for tenders will be 19th February and we plan to interview prior to the end of February. The period of appointment will commence on 1 April 2010, however we may ask that some work be carried out in March if this is mutually convenient. Moray Housing Partnership is a registered charity operating under Scottish Charity number SC 031841 Registered office Clifton Road, Lossiemouth. Moray, IV31 6DJ. Registered with the FSA under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 (No2567R(S)) and the Scottish Housing Regulator No: 325. Further Links:

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APPEAL FOR PRIVATE SECTOR LANDLORDS TO HELP THOSE IN NEED OF A HOME
11 February 2010

A scheme which helps those in need of housing find homes in the private sector rental market is calling for more landlords to sign up and help. Solihull Community Housing's (SCH) Bond Scheme helps vulnerable people who cannot afford a cash deposit needed to rent in the private sector by providing a written guarantee (or bond) on behalf of the tenant. It currently has 80 landlords and agents on its books, but needs more to sign up to the scheme which has already helped more than 200 people and families find properties to rent. Jenny Fletcher, a landlady who owns a number of properties across North Solihull, has rented all her properties to tenants through the scheme. She said: "I think the scheme is fantastic and works really well for both landlords and tenants. "An estate agent recommended the scheme to me when I was looking to rent out my properties. The team at SCH have been great and found four tenants who were all checked before being accepted onto the scheme and who I met before handing the keys over. I also get any Housing Benefit paid directly to me." She added: "There are so many people struggling to get Social Housing at the moment and sadly I think many new landlords are reluctant to invest in this area. This scheme has not only helped me to rent out my properties, but I also feel that I am helping more vulnerable people get a roof over their heads." The scheme is a free service to private landlords and agents which aims to match suitable applicants to their properties and guarantees bonds up to the value of one month's rent. Applicants are interviewed to check their circumstances before being accepted onto the scheme and in many cases arrangements are made to pay Housing Benefit directly to the landlord.

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NEW HOMES COMING TO TELFORD
11 February 2010

Wrekin Housing Trust will be providing sixty affordable homes in the Trench area of Telford over the next year. The Trust, Shropshire’s largest social landlord, will be taking the homes from the developer Bloor Homes in stages throughout 2010 and 2011 and making them available for affordable rent or shared ownership. In the current financial market, where people are struggling to afford high rents or to get onto the property ladder, these new homes will be the perfect solution for Telford residents looking for a modern affordable home. The site will consist of three bedroom homes, with a mixture of terraced, detached and semi detached properties, as well as one detached four-bedroom house. The majority of the homes will be let as they become available through the Trust’s choice based lettings system Choose Your Home. More information can be found at www.chooseyourhome.org.uk or by calling the local team on 01952 217309. The remainder of the houses will be advertised through Inreach, a scheme where customers can rent a property with the option to buy a share when they are in a financial situation to do so. Details can be found at www.inreach-homes.co.uk or 01743 271885. The homes will also meet the Code for sustainable homes level 3, which ensures that they are built to a highly energy efficient standard, including features such as water butts, solar panels and double glazing. George Rushgrove, Director or Business Development, said: ”If people are interested in these high-quality, modern and affordable properties then they will need to register early as there will be a lot of interest and demand for them.” The first six properties are due to be handed over to the Trust at the end of February.

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RESIDENTS URGED TO CHECK SANDWELL HOMES CALLERS' ID
11 February 2010

Housing chiefs at Sandwell Homes are reiterating the safeguards they have in place to protect residents from potential bogus callers. The advice comes following a spate of distraction burglaries across the borough targeting five pensioners in a week. In one of the reported incidents callers posed as officials from Sandwell Homes, the organisation which manages the borough’s 29,000 council homes. Repairs and maintenance director, Chris Poulton, said: “The vast majority of visits we make are from our repairs teams and are by appointment only. We operate a system with a unique password known only to the tenant and our repairs operative, so anyone in doubt as to the validity of the caller can ask them to quote this password.” Mr Poulton added: “Any genuine caller from Sandwell Homes or one of our partner organisations also carries a photographic ID card with a contact telephone number on the reverse which can be called to check their identity. “The numbers are 0121 569 5242 during office hours and 0800 844112 at all other times. “We would rather our employee have to wait a few minutes while their ID is checked, if it ensures residents have peace of mind. “If they are in any doubt, they should refuse to let the caller in and contact the police.”

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WOLVERHAMPTON HOMES EVICTS UNRULY TENANT
11 February 2010

A tenant who made his neighbours’ lives a misery for well over a year has been evicted by Wolverhampton Homes. The tenant, Leon Greenwell, 59, was evicted from the property on Sandy Hollow, Compton, on Wednesday 3 February. An Immediate Possession Order for antisocial behaviour had been granted against Mr Greenwell at Dudley County Court on 11 December 2009. Mr Greenwell, a single man, had been visited many times and received warning letters and cautions about noise and nuisance he was causing to his neighbours. His antisocial behaviour included shouting and swearing at neighbours. Despite being given the opportunity to change his behaviour, Mr Greenwell continued to behave in an antisocial manner leaving Wolverhampton Homes with no option but to ask the court for possession of his property. Michelle Griffiths, Estate Manager for Wolverhampton Homes, said: “Wolverhampton Homes takes antisocial behaviour very seriously. The safety and wellbeing of our tenants is of utmost important to us and we will do everything in our power to protect them. “An eviction is the last step in a very long process, so we always look for other ways to try and resolve any issues. In this case, eviction proved to be the only solution.” Wolverhampton Homes worked closely with the Police throughout this case and carried out numerous joint visits, including visits to the witnesses to provide help and support. It will also take legal action, where necessary, to resolve issues. Tenants and leaseholders of Wolverhampton Homes should call 01902 556789 immediately if they are experiencing antisocial behaviour.

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NINE NEW FACES AT THE WREKIN TRUST
11 February 2010

The nine environmental maintenance trainees have joined the Wrekin Housing Trust on a six-month work placement, as part of the Government's Future Jobs Fund initiative. Working with the Jobcentre and Shropshire County Training, the Trust is embracing this £1 billion Government scheme, which supports the creation of jobs for long term unemployed young people. In total, 13 temporary new posts have been created at the Trust for unemployed people aged 18 to 24 years. The first four applicants started work at the end of last year, with placements in Marketing, IT, Finance and Asset Management. The new environmental maintenance trainees will be tasked with landscaping some of the communal areas around Trust properties. They'll learn skills such as grass maintenance, weed control, pruning and cutting, as well as helping with projects such as laying slabs, erecting fencing and painting. One of the young people to benefit is 24 year old Shaun Smith, who says: "This is a great opportunity to get a foot on the employment ladder as until now I've been doing my NVQ Level 1 in Maintenance and Repair in HGV. I think this opportunity at the Trust will give me the skills I need for my future." Kevin Lewis, Maintenance Co-ordinator at the Trust, explains: "This initiative is a win-win situation for all involved. The trainees gain vital paid work experience, and the Trust acquires extra resources to help visually improve the community for residents". Having been kitted out in smart new Trust uniforms, the new recruits are spending their first week learning about the various types of equipment used in exterior landscaping at the Trust's dedicated training facility at Wendover.

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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
11 February 2010

Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: JOBS Optima Community Association is seeking a Housing Assistant , £15,738 TO £19,131 pa. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/westmidlands. Closing date: February 23. Optima Community Association is seeking a Community Involvement Manager , £ 27,855 - £30,017 pa. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/westmidlands. Closing date: February 23. Optima Community Association is seeking a Human Resources Manager , CIRCA £35,000pa. (more for the right candidate). For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/westmidlands. Closing date: February 23. Barnet Homes is seeking an Area Housing Manager . For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing date: February 19. CIH in Scotland is seeking a Head of Policy & Public Affairs. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing Date: February 12. Helena Partnerships is seeking a Research & Performance Advisor, salary £25,500 – £27,000 pa. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northwest. Closing date: February 12. Pierhead Housing is seeking a Housing Director, salary £50,722 - £56,357 p.a. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northwest. Closing date: February 23. Keelman Homes is seeking Two Ordinary Trustees to join its Board. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: March 5. Rural Stirling Housing Association is seeking a Housing Services Manager (Depute Director). For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: noon on February 15. TENDERS West Dunbartonshire Council is inviting tenders for a Lead Consultant . For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: February 15. Craigdale Housing Association is inviting tenders for a Tenant Satisfaction Survey. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 8. Moray Housing Partnership is inviting tenders for a Internal Audit Services. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: February 19. Hebridean Housing Partnership is inviting tenders for its Approved Contractor List. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: February 26. To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804.

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JOBS OF THE WEEK: OPTIMA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
12 February 2010

COMMUNITY DRIVEN HOUSING Optima is a resident led housing association with homes immediately adjacent to Birmingham city centre. We are proud of our achievements in transforming the local area and of the services we provide. We are looking for committed, self motivated and flexible people to help us build on what we have achieved. Human Resources Manager circa £35,000 (more for the right candidate) Are you a team player? Can you juggle being hands on and yet think strategically? Have you experience of working with senior managers and directors? Can you deliver an HR service that supports quality service delivery in a customer focussed organisation? Are you able to coach and mentor line managers to develop their skills to manage people effectively? Are you able to build positive working relationships with staff yet be clear where the boundaries lie? Can you take our HR function to the next level, modernise our approach to HR and at the same time ensure we meet our statutory responsibilities including health and safety? Then this may be role for you. This may be a step up or a change in direction for you. Either way we need someone who can make a difference and push us in a new direction. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT MANAGER £ 27,855 - £30,017 We are seeking to appoint a person, skilled in community involvement, who will lead the further development, and implementation, of Optima’s community engagement activities. You will be responsible for ensuring residents are supported and developed to give them the skills to effectively engage in a range of resident scrutiny activities, including joining Optima’s Board. You will also be responsible for working with residents to critically assess the outcomes of resident engagement activities. HOUSING ASSISTANT £15,738 TO £19,131 This is a 12 month contract based within our Income Recovery Team. You will assist in the collection of rent arrears, and your duties will include contacting residents by telephone and in writing, interviewing residents in our offices, processing court paperwork and submitting court cases on line. You will have a good level of education as well as a flexible approach to working hours. Experience of working in a customer focused environment is essential and experience of working within social housing would be an advantage. An information pack can be downloaded from our website: www.optima.org.uk. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 23 February 2010. No agencies or CV’s please. Optima Community Association is committed to equality of opportunity for both its residents and employees. Applications are welcome from suitably qualified and experienced people, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, disability or sexual orientation. However, candidates must be able to demonstrate a real desire to work within a community based organisation.

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TENDER: INTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES
12 February 2010

Tender for Internal Audit Services Moray Housing Partnership Moray Housing Partnership is a Registered Social Landlord based in Lossiemouth and serving most of the Moray region. It owns and manages just under 500 general needs units. We are currently tendering for our internal audit services. This will initially be for a three year period with the possibility to extend this to six years. We are seeking tenders from audit companies with internal audit experience within the RSL sector. If you wish further information or want to receive the tender documents sent to you, please contact Michaela Munro on 01343 543210 or michaela@morayhousingpartnership.co.uk. The closing dates for tenders will be 19th February and we plan to interview prior to the end of February. The period of appointment will commence on 1 April 2010, however we may ask that some work be carried out in March if this is mutually convenient. Moray Housing Partnership is a registered charity operating under Scottish Charity number SC 031841 Registered office Clifton Road, Lossiemouth. Moray, IV31 6DJ. Registered with the FSA under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 (No2567R(S)) and the Scottish Housing Regulator No: 325. Further Links:

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FREE ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING FOR SANDWELL RESIDENTS
12 February 2010

Sandwell Homes customers are being invited to take advantage of free environmental training being provided in alliance with Advantage West Midlands and Accord Housing Group, who are delivering £200,000 worth of energy conservation training to residents in Sandwell as part of the ‘Fit for the Future’ campaign. The campaign, being backed by the Energy Saving Trust, aims to help the region develop its role as an economic hub of green technology. Throughout 2010 up to 600 residents from across the Midlands will be provided with a free 2-hour training course on Energy Conservation with a further 100 being offered further training on a Level 2 accredited one-day course. There are also up to 20 jobs as paid Community Climate Change Champions to carry the message out into the neighbourhoods where they live. The Climate Change Champions are being employed by Groundwork Trust West Midlands through the Future Jobs Fund. The roles are open to anyone who has been out of work for six months. Major contractor Mears hopes to offer work placements to residents and train its own ‘green technicians’ at project base the Innovation Works @ Rubery Owen, a renovated historic industrial building in Darlaston. Mark Pearce, Corporate Director for Economic Regeneration at Advantage West Midlands, said: “Advantage West Midlands is committed to helping the region’s businesses and residents seize the economic opportunities from the transition to a low carbon economy but we recognise that we will need to learn important lessons along the way. “That’s why we have provided £200,000 to support the exciting Fit for the Future pilot project to look at new ways to develop skills and knowledge in the people, businesses and new technologies that will drive the region’s economic transition and play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions.

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£2M FOR GYPSY AND TRAVELLER SITES IN WEST MIDS
12 February 2010

Allocations for the 2009/2010 Gypsy and Traveller Site Grant were announced yesterday by the national government housing and regeneration agency that manages the programme, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). Funding is awarded to local authorities and housing associations to provide new social rented sites and to help pay for the refurbishment of existing social rented sites for gypsies and travellers, new age travellers and travelling showpeople. In the West Midlands, a total of £2,062,600 has been allocated for gypsy and traveller sites. Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council is to receive £1,063,000 to replace a current 15 pitch scheme onto adjacent land, providing 16 new pitches to modern standards and clearing land for Sandwell MBC to provide a further 10 pitches at the Brierley Lane site. Rooftop Housing Association has been awarded £999,600 to renovate 18 existing units and to replace 5 unused transit pitches with 5 permanent pitches at the Houndsfield Road site in Bromsgrove. Paul Spooner, West Midlands director at the HCA, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Sandwell Council to deliver these much-needed schemes for our gypsy and travelling communities in the West Midlands.” Councillor Mahboob Hussain, deputy leader and cabinet member for neighbourhoods at Sandwell MBC, said: “We have been working with residents for a long time to plan for the improvements that are needed on this site. “We have also been supported by staff from Race Equality Sandwell and the Primary Care Trust and the announcement of funding to make the plans a reality is good news for everyone involved. “I look forward to work starting on site, and to seeing the residents in their new accommodation later this year.” Roughly a quarter of all Gypsy and Traveller caravans have no authorised site, despite a desire by their owners to have a permanent base. Poor access to good quality, well managed sites contribute to the community’s lower than average life expectancy, high infant mortality, and under achievement in school. The HCA is managing the Gypsy and Traveller Sites Grant programme for 2009/10 and 2010/11 with £97m of funding available between 2008-11. The agency’s role is to promote and manage the annual bidding round, manage the assessment of applications, allocate funding and evaluate funded schemes. To coincide with the announcement, the HCA has opened the bidding round for the Gypsy and Traveller Site Grant 2010/2011 and published new guidance at:

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FRANK HASLAM MILAN BOOSTS WORKFORCE
12 February 2010

Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) West Midlands has boosted its workforce by taking on 82 new recruits throughout 2009. The Coleshill-based community regeneration company, which forms part of the Keepmoat group, has defied the economic recession by creating new posts ranging from Site Managers, to Tenant Liaison Officers, Labourers, Quantity Surveyors and Planners. Among the new starters, FHM has also taken on 13 apprentices and 5 trainees to work on a variety of multi-million pound refurbishment and new build schemes across the West Midlands. The new jobs were made possible due to a number of large contract wins including a £17 million major works contract with Walsall Housing Group (whg), an £8.4 million Extra Care scheme at Coseley for Midland Heart and a £6.8 million new build scheme for Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust. FHM’s Managing Director Fraser Mercer, said: “The creation of new jobs in times of economic hardship is good news not only for Frank Haslam Milan, but also the wider region and the local communities in which we work. “We’re doing well in our market, which thankfully remains buoyant and winning major contracts has certainly helped the organisation to expand. We are confident that we will continue to grow and recruit in 2010.”

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COACHING THE ENTREPRENEURS OF CALDMORE
12 February 2010

Aspiring business men and women are being offered the chance to realise their dreams with help from an expert in the field of entrepreneurship. Richard Farmer Richard Farmer has been appointed BizFizz coach by the borough’s biggest social landlord, Walsall Housing Group (whg). His job is to identify new entrepreneurs and help them achieve their goal by creating a network of local support. Richard, whose post is funded through VIEW, a regeneration fund jointly managed by whg and Walsall Council, is first focusing his attention on Caldmore. Many of his contacts will be found through word of mouth so he is spending much of his time in the community visiting clubs, societies, schools and faith groups. BizFizz works with and in the community it serves, identifying people that want to make a difference for themselves. People with a passion, hobby, desire, skill or even simply a strong interest who want to explore the opportunity of creating their own business and being self employed as a route out of unemployment. BizFizz can help in many ways, the approach of coaching helps people explore their own strengths and weaknesses as well as identify areas that they may need further development. It may be assistance with writing a business plan, identification of some training or even help with identifying a suitable business premises and or location, or applying for funds. His job will involve working with the local communities and people, promoting the ‘Free’ services of the project to new business entrepreneurs, with the aim always to find a local solution. For example, if accountancy is a weak spot it may be possible to enlist the help of a nearby mum who is taking evening classes in book-keeping and in need of experience. Richard, of Fordhouses in Wolverhampton, has set up a local panel of well-connected and experienced people from the community, from influential residents, to business owners, councillors and head teachers. The task of members is to advise, support and share contacts with those being coached. Richard has spent more than 20 years working in the commercial sector, most recently as operations manager for a veterinary division of Pets at Home, and within the NHS on the e-KSF program, an online database designed to support personal development. He said: “My move to whg has allowed me to concentrate on providing support and guidance in the very early and vital stages of business development. “Tapping into communities, such as Caldmore, where ideas are raw and enthusiasm is high is immensely exciting and refreshing. There’s a real energy and determination to succeed.”

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DEPUTY SPEAKER SUPPORTS ‘HONOUR CRIME’ FILM
12 February 2010

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons Sylvia Heal will attend a special screening of the UK’s first feature film about so called honour killings this week. Sylvia Heal The film has scooped a number of accolades since it was premiered including India’s National Film Award for ‘Best Film in the English Language.’ Director Hari Avantika worked with Birmingham-based Ashram Housing Association on the film, which was set and filmed in Birmingham. Award winning feature film Land Gold Women will be shown to a specially selected audience of local dignitaries and community groups at The Public in West Bromwich today. Ms Heal will welcome guests to the screening before the film’s director and the film’s producer Vivek Agrawal introduce the film. The event is being supported by Sandwell Organisations Against Domestic Violence (SOADA). Land Gold Women is the heart-breaking story of an Indian-born professor living in Birmingham who faces the loss of his family’s ‘honour’ when his teenage daughter embarks on an illicit relationship. A tragic story then unfolds. Producer Vivek said: “Our aim in making this film was to raise awareness of the serious issue of so-called honour crime. “It’s great that MP Sylvia Heal and other local dignitaries can come together to watch Land Gold Women and support the message that this type of crime must cease.”

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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
12 February 2010

Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: JOBS Optima Community Association is seeking a Housing Assistant , £15,738 to £19,131 pa. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/westmidlands. Closing date: February 23. Optima Community Association is seeking a Community Involvement Manager , £ 27,855 - £30,017 pa. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/westmidlands. Closing date: February 23. Optima Community Association is seeking a Human Resources Manager, circa £35,000 pa. (more for the right candidate). For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/westmidlands. Closing date: February 23. Barnet Homes is seeking an Area Housing Manager . For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing date: February 19. CIH in Scotland is seeking a Head of Policy & Public Affairs. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing Date: February 12. Pierhead Housing is seeking a Housing Director, salary £50,722 - £56,357 p.a. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northwest. Closing date: February 23. Keelman Homes is seeking Two Ordinary Trustees to join its Board. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: March 5. Rural Stirling Housing Association is seeking a Housing Services Manager (Depute Director). For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: noon on February 15. TENDERS West Dunbartonshire Council is inviting tenders for a Lead Consultant . For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: February 15. Craigdale Housing Association is inviting tenders for a Tenant Satisfaction Survey. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 8. Moray Housing Partnership is inviting tenders for a Internal Audit Services. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: February 19. Hebridean Housing Partnership is inviting tenders for its Approved Contractor List. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: February 26. To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804.

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