Network briefings
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What inspectors say about prospects for improvement
2 September 2010Network briefing by John Wheeldon
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What inspectors say about allocations and lettings
31 August 2010Network briefing by John Wheeldon
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What inspectors say about access and customer care
26 August 2010Network briefing by John Wheeldon
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The NHS White Paper: opportunities and insight for the housing sector
19 August 2010Network briefing by Gill Leng
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What inspectors say about asset management and major works
18 August 2010Network briefing by John Wheeldon
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HQN Your questions answered – health and safety – cold water storage systems
12 August 2010Network briefing by Steve Mount
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HQN Your questions answered – health and safety
10 August 2010Network briefing by Vicki Cutler
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Why sexual orientation is important for social housing providers
5 August 2010Network briefing by Joanna Jeffery and Richard Seager
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HQN Your questions answered – income management
3 August 2010Network briefing by Tony Newman
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Contractor insolvency: a survival guide
30 July 2010Complimentary TEAMnet briefing by Emma Wiltshire
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Planning for the future – a checklist to inform homelessness prevention post emergency budget
27 July 2010Network toolkit by Sheila Spencer
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Key issues from short notice inspections – resident involvement
22 July 2010Network briefing by John Wheeldon
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What inspectors say about diversity
20 July 2010Network briefing by John Wheeldon
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The impact of spending cuts on housing – update
15 July 2010Network briefing by Neil Merrick
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Key issues from short notice inspections – void repairs
13 July 2010Network briefing by John Wheeldon
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Fresh thinking, new ideas
7 July 2010Network briefing by Anna Evans
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Is an increase in accident reports a bad thing?
6 July 2010Complimentary SAFETYnet briefing by Morag Brown
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Incorporating equality and diversity into procurement
1 July 2010Network briefing by Joanna Jeffery and Richard Seager
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Data protection for frontline staff – quick legal guidance on eight topics
29 June 2010Network briefing by David Hall
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The emergency budget
25 June 2010Network briefing by Steve Wood
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Tackling homelessness - assessing the needs of 16- and 17-year-olds
25 June 2010Network briefing paper by Jon Cook
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Going local – landlords and tenants working together to raise standards
16 June 2010TSA report written by HQN
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Top tips for annual reports and communicating with tenants
16 June 2010Network briefing by Kate Murray
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The impact of spending cuts on housing
10 June 2010Network briefing by Neil Merrick
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New government – new rules: the hitchhiker's guide to the coalition’s housing policies
7 June 2010This briefing by Alistair McIntosh explains exactly where the coalition is coming from on all the major issues. Don’t get caught off guard – read it
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Rent restructuring policy
28 May 2010Network briefing by Robin Tebbutt
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Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit national indicator handbook for councils 2009/10
28 May 2010By Sue Beasor, HQN Associate
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Customer profiling – how would you do yours?
28 May 2010Network case study by Ceris Jones and Rob Allen, Wulvern Housing Association
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Providing care and health services: recent changes to regulation and what housing providers need to know
28 May 2010Network briefing by Lesley Healey
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Positive practice
28 May 2010Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission
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HQN equality and diversity briefings - The implications of the Equality Act
13 May 2010Network briefing by Joanna Jeffery and Richard Seager
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The Respect Standard: what social housing providers should be doing and what inspectors are looking for
11 May 2010Network toolkit by Tim Horsley
Additional files:
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The future development of ALMOs
4 May 2010Network briefing by Gwyneth Taylor
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Total Place - where next?
27 April 2010Network briefing by Charlie Hughes
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Setting out their stalls: the 2010 party manifestos
21 April 2010Network briefing by Kate Murray
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Flexible tenures
13 April 2010Network briefing by John Hocking
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The TSA's neighbourhood and community standard
8 April 2010Network briefing by Elaine Upton
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Housing associations and the recession
1 April 2010Network briefing by Neil Merrick
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An offer you can’t refuse? Further analysis
1 April 2010hf:expert briefing by Robin Tebbutt, HQN's Executive Director (Finance)
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hf:expert briefing on self financing HRA Prospectus
26 March 2010An offer you can't refuse? hf:expert briefing by Robin Tebbutt, HQN's Executive Director (Finance)
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The role of the third sector in delivering and improving public services
25 March 2010Network briefing by Charlie Hughes, in association with HACT
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Repossession update
23 March 2010Network briefing by Chris Bowen
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Regime change: the TSA's finalised regulatory framework
22 March 2010Network briefing by Kate Murray
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The Social Housing Equality Framework
16 March 2010Network briefing by Joanna Jeffrey and Richard Seager
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Tackling disability harassment
11 March 2010Network briefing by Joanna Jeffrey and Richard Seager
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Support for All: the Families and Relationships Green Paper
9 March 2010Network briefing by Tim Horsley
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Value for money toolkit - 2010 edition
2 March 2010Network toolkit updated by Steve Wood and Robin Tebbutt
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Analysis of 2008/09 Scottish local authority housing management performance
26 February 2010By Hal Pawson and published by SHBVN
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Decent Homes - the National Audit Office verdict
25 February 2010Network briefing by Neil Merrick
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The recession checklist: things social landlords and strategic housing authorities need to keep under review
23 February 2010Network briefing by Charlie Hughes
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Analysis of English local authority housing management performance 2008/09
19 February 2010Performance continues to improve but management costs are rising and tenant satisfaction levels are stalled
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Creating more sustainable rural communities
16 February 2010Network briefing by Chris Bowen
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The DWP's Housing Benefit consultation: Supporting people into work: the next stage of Housing Benefit reform
11 February 2010Network briefing by Sue Beasor
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Attendance at work
9 February 2010Network briefing by Kate Murray
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Alistair McIntosh's response to TSA regulation proposals
4 February 2010Streamlined consultation and clarity of strategic vision required
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The TSA's proposed governance standard
3 February 2010Network briefing by Steve Wood
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Aids and adaptations toolkit – second edition
2 February 2010By Joanna Jeffery and Richard Seager
Additional files:
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Analysis of 2008/09 TSA performance indicators for housing associations in England
1 February 2010Network briefing by Clive Hall
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The TSA’s equality and diversity requirements
1 February 2010Network briefing by Joanna Jeffery and Richard Seager
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Squaring circles - state of the nation 2009-2010 (Scotland)
29 January 2010Network briefing by Anna Evans
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Violence against women and girls
28 January 2010Network briefing by Tim Horsley
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The TSA's proposed tenant involvement and empowerment standard
26 January 2010Network briefing by Laurie McCormack
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Positive practice 2009
25 January 2010Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission
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The TSA's proposed anti-social behaviour standard
25 January 2010Network briefing by Tim Horsley
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The TSA's proposed value for money standard
21 January 2010Network briefing by Steve Wood
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Meeting the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers – a round-up of recent policy and other developments
19 January 2010Briefing by Wendy Murphy
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Short notice inspections – the first nine months – part two
13 January 2010Network briefing by John Wheeldon
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Positive practice
7 January 2010Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission
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Short notice inspections - the first nine months
5 January 2010Network briefing by John Wheeldon
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Audit services
29 December 2009Network briefing by HQN’s Financial Director, Steve Wood (ACA)
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Tackling unlawful subletting and other tenancy fraud
22 December 2009Network briefing by Neil Merrick
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State of the Nation 2009: A reality check
15 December 2009Network briefing by Kate Murray
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Tackling social exclusion and inequality in housing
11 December 2009Complimentary SEN briefing by Sarah Hopkins
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Positive practice
8 December 2009Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission
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What does excellence look like? Value for money
3 December 2009Network briefing by John Wheeldon
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Low cost home ownership and shared ownership
1 December 2009Network briefing by Chris Bowen
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Topping the charts: a look at best companies schemes
26 November 2009Network briefing by Kate Murray
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Adding meaning to 'reasonable to continue to occupy'
24 November 2009Network briefing by Tim Horsley
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Positive practice information
19 November 2009Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission
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Regulating social housing: the TSA's proposals
16 November 2009Network briefing by Kate Murray
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Using data and information to improve decision-making and performance
13 November 2009Joint Network and SEN briefing by Tim Brown and Lesley Healey
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Personalisation and individual budgets: challenge or opportunity?
10 November 2009Network briefing by Helena Taylor Knox
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Housing associations – financial challenges and prospects
9 November 2009Network briefing paper by Paul Reeves
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What does excellence look like? Asset management and major works
3 November 2009Network briefing by John Wheeldon
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Repossession and mortgage rescue
27 October 2009Network briefing by Chris Bowen
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Community Land Trusts and affordable housing
22 October 2009Network briefing by Vanessa Morton
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What does excellence look like? Allocations and lettings
20 October 2009Network briefing by John Wheeldon looking at the attributes of excellent three-star organisations inspected by the Audit Commission in 2007 and 2008. This briefing covers allocations and lettings
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Making the most of information resources
15 October 2009Network briefing paper by Margaret Gibson looks at how organisations can be far more effective in their use of intelligence to inform decision-making and to support strong governance and leadership
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Cross-domain regulation
8 October 2009Network briefing by Kate Murray looks at how the government proposes LAs should be regulated by the TSA
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Managing housing registers in England
6 October 2009Network briefing by Tim Brown and Wendy Murphy
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Choice-based lettings (CBL): where next?
1 October 2009Network briefing by Tim Brown and Wendy Murphy focuses on what ‘fair and flexible’ means for CBL systems
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Home Improvement Agencies – the future
25 September 2009Complimentary SEN briefing by Lynn Collingbourne
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Social housing fraud
22 September 2009Network briefing by Chris Bowen examines the cost and extent of social housing fraud via the illegal sub-letting of homes owned by local authorities and housing associations
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Trends in Scottish Housing Regulator inspections
16 September 2009Network briefing by Anna Evans which provides an overview of the Scottish Housing Regulator’s publication Social Landlords in Scotland: shaping up for improvement
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What does excellence look like? Access and customer care
15 September 2009Network briefing by John Wheeldon looking at the attributes of excellent three-star organisations inspected by the Audit Commission in 2007 and 2008
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The reform of council housing finance
11 September 2009HQN's response to CLG's consultation paper. We are also running an event (13 October) to help you shape your own responses to the consultation - click on the green 'full listing' link in the events and training column on this page for further information
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Positive practice information
9 September 2009Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission
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HQN response to the Tenant Services Authority (TSA) consultation papers on governance and viability
9 September 2009Our questions and suggestions are intended to make the proposed standards work well
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Analysis of 2007/08 Housing Corporation performance indicators for housing associations in England
4 September 2009Network briefing by Clive Hall which compares the median scores for a group of performance indicators (PIs) collected by the Housing Corporation (HC) for 2007/08. It divides the results by class of association and, where possible, compares the results to those of earlier years
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The strategic approach to housing – consultation on a new Key Line of Enquiry
1 September 2009Network briefing paper by Gill Leng, Executive Director highlights the changes in the approach and focus proposed by the Audit Commission and other changes HQN feels are significant for local authorities and their partners
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Housing Market Renewal: programme review 2008/09
27 August 2009Network briefing paper by Jenny Mayne draws out the key points from the review and suggests where there are lessons for others engaged in neighbourhood and area renewal
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HQN annual conference
25 August 2009Network briefing by Kate Murray details each of the presentations at this year's HQN annual conference
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What does excellence look like? Gas servicing
18 August 2009Network briefing by John Wheeldon looking at the attributes of excellent three-star organisations inspected by the Audit Commission in 2007 and 2008. This briefing covers gas servicing
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Fair and flexible – draft statutory guidance on social housing allocations for local authorities in England, issued 31 July 2009
13 August 2009Complimentary SEN briefing by Wendy Murphy, summarises the guidance, highlighting changes in emphasis and recommendations from government for action and presents HQN’s response to the guidance based on considerable and recent work with a number of local authorities and their partners to review and redesign their allocations policies
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The future of private renting (Scotland)
12 August 2009Network briefing by Anna Evans concentrates on the review of the private rented sector, volume one, key findings document, drawing out the critical findings, conclusions and policy implications
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Positive practice information
4 August 2009Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission
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Rationalisation of housing stock: which way forward in the new era?
28 July 2009Network briefing by Charlie Hughes offers some thoughts on how a range of significant changes in the operating environment – from the creation of the Tenant Services Authority to the economic downturn – might affect the rationalisation agenda
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The private rented sector: the purpose and impact of recent consultations for housing professionals
23 July 2009Network briefing by Kirsten Firth outlines the proposals put forward, identifies issues for housing professionals and will also assist you to respond to each of the consultations
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Positive practice information
21 July 2009Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission
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Efficiency in development and regeneration
16 July 2009Network briefing paper by Clare Harrigan sets out an overview of progression and delivery of development and regeneration, but in the context of economic pressures and specifically highlights key areas where efficiency gains can be made
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Risks of infection at work
14 July 2009Complimentary SAFETYnet briefing, by Morag Brown, which covers a very topical issue, taking a look at 'risks from infections' giving you some things to think about, along with links for you to find more information if you require
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Managing empty properties in the social sector
9 July 2009Network briefing paper by Chris Bowen sets out the problem of empty properties in the social housing sector, the potential they offer to increase the supply of affordable housing and the impact that vacant stock has on landlords and neighbourhoods
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The Tenant Services Authority: the National Conversation – phase one findings
7 July 2009Network briefing by Charlie Hughes sets out the key findings and how phase two of the conversation will be conducted
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Financial briefing note: Ministerial announcement on the outcome of the Review of Council Housing Finance
3 July 2009Network briefing by Steve Partridge covering the announcement on 30 June by the Housing Minister John Healey
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HQN briefing on the Equality Bill and the Equality Framework for Local Government
30 June 2009Network briefing by Joanna Jeffery and Richard Seager sets out the main points of the bill with relevance to social landlords, such as the new public duty to promote equality for all the six diversity strands as well as a new duty to take account of the need to tackle socio-economic disadvantage in strategic planning
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Positive practice information
25 June 2009Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission
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Efficiency in housing income management
23 June 2009Network briefing paper by Tony Newman which forms part of a series of HQN briefings on efficiency in social housing
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Decent Homes - the next steps?
18 June 2009Network briefing by Sheila Camp looks at the aims of the report; 'Towards a successor standard to Decent Homes', the key areas for a new standard, areas to be excluded/tackled locally and the next steps
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What does excellence look like? Resident involvement
16 June 2009Network briefing by John Wheeldon looking at the attributes of excellent three-star organisations inspected by the Audit Commission in 2007 and 2008. This briefing covers resident involvement
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Draft Housing (Scotland) Bill: a commentary
11 June 2009Network briefing by Dave Alexander on the draft Scottish Housing Bill which is the subject of current consultation. The briefing looks at the proposals in detail, and offers a commentary on the consultation questions posed by the Government
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Living Working Countryside: The Government Response to The Taylor Review of Rural Economy and Affordable Housing
11 June 2009Network briefing paper by Vanessa Morton analyses the government’s recent response to the findings of the Taylor Review of Rural Economy and Affordable Housing, Living Working Countryside, published last July
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State of the nation: homelessness
10 June 2009Network briefing by Sheila Spencer which provides organisations with a round-up of the key issues for local authorities and housing providers when planning how best to prevent and respond to homelessness
Additional files:
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Domestic abuse and older adults: what should housing providers be doing?
3 June 2009Complimentary ACEnet briefing by Helena Taylor Knox on the difficult subject of domestic abuse
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Tolerated trespass – moving on
28 May 2009Network briefing by Tim Horsley which explains the legislation in more detail and provides practical tips to help social landlords to comply with the legislation
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Tolerated trespass – the end
26 May 2009Two Statutory Instruments have now been passed in Parliament that finally brought an end to tolerated trespass on Wednesday 20 May 2009. Network briefing by Tim Horsley clarifies and explains the legislation
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Co-regulation: What does the TSA really mean?
19 May 2009Network briefing by Kate Murray finds out from Peter Marsh, Roy Irwin, and chief executives
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The Scottish Government’s agenda for funding new affordable housing: the Affordable Housing Investment Reform Project
13 May 2009Network briefing by HQN Associate Anna Evans, summarises the presentations at HQN’s recent conference which explored the Scottish Government’s agenda for affordable housing
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Supporting or evicting – the best way to manage arrears in the current economic climate
6 May 2009Network briefing by Sheila Stubbins looks at the potential effects of the current economic climate on social housing arrears
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Positive practice information
5 May 2009Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission
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Guidance for short notice inspections
28 April 2009Network briefing by HQN associate, Ellis Blackmore, which includes ideas for the development of outcome-focussed self-assessment, and invites feedback on good practice which can be shared with other organisations
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Efficiency in asset management
28 April 2009Network briefing by Rob McNaughton looks at how organisations can achieve efficiency when dealing with existing housing stock
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Draft amending HRA Subsidy Determination relating to administration of rent reduction
20 April 2009Complimentary hf:expert technical briefing by Hilary Vaughan following the latest clarification from CLG which came out the day before the Easter break
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Demonstrating sustainability of housing organisations
14 April 2009Network briefing by Richard Lupo describes the benefit of demonstrating sustainability for a social housing provider
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Overcoming poverty and its links to place
8 April 2009Network briefing paper, by Chris Bowen, explains the background to poverty and social mobility and how various factors influence people’s ability to achieve their full potential in life
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Development prospects
7 April 2009Summary of a presentation provided by Anna Evans on housing development prospects given at HQN’s Scottish spring 2009 conference
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Workforce development plan
31 March 2009Network briefing by Bill Fullen and Jennifer Aston looks in detail at the fundamental issues, which are key to the development of successful workforce planning
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Analysis of 2007/08 Scottish local authority housing management performance
27 March 2009The latest briefing on performance indicator analysis by Hal Pawson and published by SHBVN
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Using Family Intervention Tenancies
24 March 2009Network briefing by Tim Horsley gives a brief background to how FIPs work and their impact (a full briefing on vulnerability will follow), what FITs are and how they work
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Safeguarding children: how can the housing sector address the issues of ‘Baby P?’
17 March 2009Network briefing by Sandra H Knox explains how housing services, and particularly social landlords, are uniquely positioned to provide information, support and expertise in the prevention of abuse of children
Additional files:
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The ‘new’ Local Area Agreements (LAAs) and housing
3 March 2009Network briefing by Charlie Hughes gives an overview of what is meant to be different about this round of LAAs, some strengths and weaknesses of the new form and how housing issues seem to have fared
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Fuel poverty
24 February 2009Network briefing by Maria Wardrobe explores the issues surrounding fuel poverty
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Analysis of English local authority housing management performance 2007/08
19 February 2009The latest briefing in our annual series of performance indicator analyses by Hal Pawson
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Building new council housing: CLG consultation paper: changes to the revenue and capital rules for new council housing
17 February 2009Briefing by Hilary Vaughan and Steve Partridge
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Positive practice information
10 February 2009Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission
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Social housing, the financial crisis and government housing initiatives
3 February 2009Network briefing paper by Colin Armstrong considers the impact the crisis has had on social housing providers in England and the implications of interventions made by the UK government in response to the crisis
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Crunch time for councils?
30 January 2009Network briefing by Sheila Camp summarises the Audit Commission's report
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Welfare reform summary
29 January 2009Network briefing by Andy Selman is a summary of the government’s White Paper on welfare reform
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Welfare reform
27 January 2009Network briefing by Jamie Ewing examines the ideas set out in the Green Paper on welfare reform published last year
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Towards zero carbon housing
22 January 2009Network briefing paper by Ann Bodkin covers the need for change, the policies and step changes which government has brought in through legislation, with examples of new build schemes and improvements to existing housing stock to reduce carbon emissions
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Positive practice information
20 January 2009Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission
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Positive practice information
16 January 2009Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission
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The harder test – the Audit Commission’s fresh approach to benefits inspection
13 January 2009Network briefing by Jeannie Swales and Claire Turner is based on a presentation at HQN’s Your benefit service – the harder test event by Tim Savill, Benefit Policy Lead at the Audit Commission
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Getting ahead of the game, preparing for inspection – what do you need to do? A guide for Housing Benefit staff
13 January 2009Network briefing by Jeannie Swales and Claire Turner covers all elements of Housing Benefit Inspections, including; Understanding what the Audit Commission are looking for, self assessment and generally on how to prepare for a Housing Benefit Inspection
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‘Investing in Affordable Housing’: a commentary
9 January 2009Network briefing by Dave Alexander which includes the latest government thinking on the subject, and outlines the main issues likely to arise during the consultation period
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Premises Closure Orders and Social Landlords
8 January 2009Network briefing by Tim Horsley looks in detail at the next stage in the government’s use of tools and powers to manage anti social behaviour (ASB) and increase public confidence
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Gypsies and Traveller accommodation – an update
6 January 2009Network briefing by Vanessa Morton, provides an update on the developing frameworks around Gypsy and Traveller accommodation, looks at recent analysis of progress on the ground and highlights the excellent practical toolkits and guidance now available to assist local authorities and housing organisations
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Sustainable maintenance in existing homes
2 January 2009Network briefing by Richard Lupo explains not only how to maintain the existing stock but how to take the opportunity, during maintenance activities, to improve the environmental performance
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Reform of the Scottish fuel poverty policy
2 January 2009Network briefing note by Colin Armstrong looks at the background to this reform, summarises the key measures being introduced and considers the wider implications
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Citizens of Equal Worth: putting tenants at the heart of government
30 December 2008Network briefing by Nigel Long summarises the now publicised recommendations of the NTV project group
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Positive practice information
23 December 2008Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission
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The government’s new rough sleeping strategy: No One Left Out – a new goal to end rough sleeping
22 December 2008Network briefing by Sheila Spencer looks at what's new in this strategy, what is planned and the role of local authorities and their partners
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Implementation of tenant service charges
18 December 2008Network briefing by Tony Huff
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How the social housing sector can help to tackle worklessness
16 December 2008Network briefing paper by Sheila Spencer focuses on the work that has been done by housing associations, arm’s-length management organisations (ALMOs), and local authorities, individually and in partnership with other housing organisations to tackle worklessness
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Positive practice information
12 December 2008Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission
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The Tenant Services Authority National Conversation - A joint briefing by HQN and the Northern Housing Consortium
11 December 2008Network briefing by Charlie Hughes sets out what we know so far and explains why providers from all parts of the sector should get involved
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Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs)
11 December 2008Network briefing by Chris Bowen highlights the pros and cons of CPOs, summarises their legal basis and alerts HQN members to good practice in the use of CPOs
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State of the Nation 2008: a reality check
9 December 2008Network briefing paper by Anna Evans, summarises all the main recent developments in Scotland
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Queen's Speech
8 December 2008Network briefing which summarises the speech and highlights implications for housing providers
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Pre-Budget (PBR) report
5 December 2008The Housing Quality Networks Pre-Budget (PBR) report, from 24 November 2008, which covers the implications for the housing sector
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Responding to the Changing Economic Climate – Further Action on Housing
3 December 2008Network briefing note by Colin Armstrong summarises Responding to the Changing Economic Climate – Further Action on Housing
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Metropolitan Housing Partnership and sustainability
2 December 2008This Network case study by Matthew Bush summarises what they have achieved so far and where they are heading
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The regulatory and financial map of the affordable housing market
28 November 2008Network briefing by Charlie Hughes looks at regulation and funding and also includes both public and private players as we are increasingly operating in a mixed economy
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The Private Rented Sector – its contribution and potential (The Rugg Review)
25 November 2008Network briefing by Kirsten Firth looks in detail at the Rugg review and examines the implications for Housing Quality Network members
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Energy performance certificates: the new requirements
20 November 2008Network briefing by Janis Bright which considers the new requirements and some of the issues arising from a pilot of EPCs carried out by social landlords last year
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Tenant empowerment: turning fine words into best practice
19 November 2008Network briefing by Nigel Long explores tenant empowerment, including tenant-led areas of good practice
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Bringing private sector empty homes back into use
18 November 2008Network briefing by Kirsten Firth, looks at how private sector empty homes can be brought back into use – including failed private rented properties, abandoned properties, and surplus buy-to-let flats
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Partnering and open-book – till dispute do us part?
17 November 2008TEAMnet briefing by Wayne Hughes and Rob McNaughton, made available here to Network members, explores the benefits and pitfalls of partnering
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Housing and Regeneration Act
13 November 2008Network briefing by Jamie Ewing explores the implications of the Act for the housing sector
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Tolerated trespass – the end is nigh
11 November 2008Network briefing by Tim Horsley rehearses the underlying issues, describes how TTs will be prevented and eliminated, and looks at the proposals for successor landlords put forward by the CLG in a recent consultation paper: Tolerated Trespassers: Successor Landlord Cases
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Effective procurement/VfM/contract arrangements
4 November 2008Network briefing by Rob McNaughton looks at joint procurement, whole life costing, partnering and other common issues
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Disabled adaptations - the current agenda
30 October 2008Complimentary SEN briefing by Vanessa Morton provides a detailed overview of the main policy agenda which is likely to frame the way in which adaptations are currently delivered and how they will be delivered in the future
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Communities and Local Government (2008): Allocation of Accommodation: Code of Guidance for local housing authorities – choice-based lettings
28 October 2008Network briefing note by Tim Brown summarises and comments on the Code of Guidance
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Positive practice information
24 October 2008Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission
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Tackling the green agenda
21 October 2008Network briefing by Richard Lupo outlines the main initiatives taken in the UK and what they mean for building practice with a particular reference to social housing providers
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Analysis of 2006/07 Housing Corporation performance indicators for housing associations in England
16 October 2008Network briefing by Clive Hall and Doug Edmonds, shows continuing improvements in void management and rent collection
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Tackling fuel poverty
14 October 2008Network briefing by Chris Bowen, explores amongst other things, the extent of fuel poverty, government targets and what a housing organisation can do to help reduce fuel poverty
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Housing IT solutions
9 October 2008Network briefing by Louise Russell sets out the work that needs to be undertaken in the planning and pre-procurement stages when considering the introduction of a new integrated housing management system
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The Respect Standard: what social landlords should be doing and what inspectors are looking for
7 October 2008Network toolkit by Tim Horsley includes background information, a self-assessment tool, examples of good practice involving young people, estate management, ASB management and support, and hyperlinks to key documents
Additional files:
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Developing common housing registers in Scotland
1 October 2008This Network briefing paper by Colin Armstrong considers government policy and support for CHRs in Scotland, the progress that has been made to date in developing CHRs and some key best practice issues for CHR partners
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Quality counts - A brief guide to quality standards and systems
30 September 2008Network briefing by Cathy Jackson provides an overview of some of the key quality standards used by housing organisations, and whether anecdotal evidence would suggest that those organisations which have achieved externally assessed quality marks have improved their ratings in audit commission inspections
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Housing Supply Task Force – one year on
24 September 2008Network briefing paper by Colin Armstrong describes the progress the Task Force has made in its first year and considers the future direction of its activities
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Positive practice information
23 September 2008Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission
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National Tenant Voice
22 September 2008Network briefing by Sheila Adamson looks at how proposals for a National Tenant Voice are developing
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The inspection of Housing and Council Tax Benefits (and a reference to the National Fraud Initiative)
18 September 2008Network briefing by Ellis Blackmore looks at the inspection process, how LAs can prepare for inspection and the National Fraud Initiative
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Short notice inspections (SNI) of housing associations
17 September 2008Audit Commission Consultation - HQN response
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Assisting leaseholders facing large bills for major works or improvements
16 September 2008Network briefing by Jeff Platt looks at the historical context and the current position of leaseholders, including; payment options offered by landlords, sinking funds and any other options to consider
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Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Tenant Services Authority (TSA)
11 September 2008Network briefing by Charlie Hughes summarises the background to splitting up the Housing Corporation's functions of funding and regulation and reminds readers of the reasons and objectives behind this change
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Ensuring a fair housing market for all - Latest housing market package
10 September 2008Network briefing by Gwyneth Taylor, gives an overview of the latest housing market package, recently announced by CLG
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Revised performance indicator handbook for housing associations
14 November 2007The handbook has been revised, updated and new material written by HQN Associate John Wheeldon
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Using stock swaps to rationalise housing management
25 April 2006Network briefing by David Bebb based on Liverpool Housing Trust’s experience of completing two successful stock swaps in Liverpool involving about 700 homes and three other housing associations
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“"I have found [the HQN briefing] extremely informative, helpful and well written"”
Sue Whitthread, Anchor Trust -
“I find these briefings extremely useful – easy to read, succinct, to the point and focused. Very helpful”
Jane Bennison, Broadacres Housing Association -
“One of the main things I am looking for from a network group is timely, accurate, clear and concise briefings on developments in policy and practice. Kate Murray’s recent 12-page briefing on the 140-page TSA new regulatory framework for social housing meets the high standard set by previous HQN briefings, providing an excellent overview and allowing me to focus in on any points of detail”
John Hocking, Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust -
“We find the regular briefing papers on a variety of topics very useful and we have used HQN to carry out a mock inspection for us which was very thorough and comprehensive and gave us some really good pointers about where we needed to improve. We would certainly recommend the Housing Quality Network to others as they have a wealth of information and experience at their fingertips”
Carole Hodson, Director of Policy and Corporate Sales, Solihull Community Housing