1. home and garden

19th August 2013
BF/Cover Letter/Jobs
Bruce Forbes
Dear
POST OF FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES MANAGER
Thank you for enquiry about the above Post.
An Application Form and Information Pack are enclosed. To find out more about Angus Housing
Association, you can visit our website on www.angusha.org.uk.
If you wish to proceed to apply for the post you should ensure that the Application Form and any
supporting information is returned to our office at 93 High Street, Arbroath, DD11 1DP by no later than 12
noon on Friday 6th September 2013. Please note that CV’s WILL NOT be accepted.
Also enclosed is an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form which I would encourage you to complete and
return with your application form.
Yours sincerely
Bruce Forbes
DIRECTOR
ANGUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION LIMITED
FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES MANAGER
(EVH Grade SM 13 to 15 - £52,860 to £55,274 per annum plus Essential User Car Allowance)
Angus Housing Association is a key provider of affordable housing to rent in Dundee and Angus.
We have offices in Arbroath and Dundee from which we manage over 2,000 houses.
We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated and skilled individual to finalise our Management
Team.
The person we are looking for should have a minimum of 10 years’ experience of working in
Financial Management, of which 5 years should have been at a supervisory or management level.
You should also possess high level computing skills, be an excellent verbal and written
communicator and demonstrate a proven track record of effectively supporting and helping
improve front line service delivery. You should preferably have some experience of working in the
public or social housing sectors and you must hold a relevant Accountancy qualification.
If you are interested in working for a forward looking organisation committed to providing first class
services, call for an Application Form and an Information Pack.
You can contact us by calling our Customer Service Team on 0845 177 2244, by emailing us at
[email protected] or by writing to us at Angus Housing Association Limited, 93 High Street,
Arbroath, DD11 1DP. If you want to have an informal chat with us about this post before applying,
you can also speak with our Director, Bruce Forbes, by phoning the above number.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS FRIDAY 6th SEPTEMBER, 2013.
Angus Housing Association Limited is committed to Equal Opportunities across the entire range of
our activities.
We are a Registered Scottish Charity No SC020981.
COMMON/JOBS/Finance and Corporate Services Manager
ANGUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION LIMITED
JOB DESCRIPTION
A.
GENERAL
JOB TITLE:-
FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES MANAGER
GRADE AND SALARY:-
EVH Senior Manager points 13-15
LINE MANAGER:-
DIRECTOR
STAFF SUPERVISED:- FINANCE OFFICER, OFFICE & H.R.
ADMINISTRATOR, FINANCE ASSISTANT AND CUSTOMER
SERVICE TEAM.
_________________________________________________
B.
OVERALL PURPOSE OF POST
To ensure the effective and efficient administration of all of the
Association’s Financial and HR Policies and Procedures, to ensure the
efficient delivery of first contact customer services, and as a
Member of the Management Team, to contribute to the effective
formulation and implementation of the Association’s Financial
Strategy.
C.
SPECIFIC TASKS
1.
Ensure that sound financial systems
formulating Financial Regulations that
accounting standards and best practise.
2.
Ensure efficient systems of internal control are in operation.
3.
Prepare in statutory format, and have audited, the Financial
Statements of the Association for the Annual General Meeting
each year.
4.
Present the Financial Statements to the Members of the
Association at the Annual General Meeting and answer questions
on the statements.
5.
Prepare Quarterly Management Accounts and present to the
Finance and Audit Sub-Committee and report on these statements.
6.
Prepare for submission annual and other reports as required by
External Bodies, such as Scottish Housing Regulator, within the
required timescales.
are established by
comply with current
7.
Operate the Association’s Treasury Management
managing the Association’s cash balances and
appropriate Private Finance when required.
policy by
negotiating
8.
Prepare and maintain a thirty-year Financial
supports the Association’s current Business Plan.
Plan
9.
Monitor the annual budgets by providing regular information to
the Management Team and the relevant Committees.
10.
Authorising the Housing Association Grant Claims prior to
submission and the monitoring of payments made and Grants
received.
11.
Maintain records of capital projects including Housing
Association Grant (HAG) and Private Finance reconciliations.
12.
To co-ordinate the development of the Association’s computer
systems.
13.
To ensure the day to day running of all existing Information
Technology systems within the offices. Liaising with the
Association’s software and hardware support suppliers.
14.
Ensuring that a proper daily back-up of the entire system and
keeping one recent back-up tape off site.
15.
Supervise the maintenance of the Rent Accounting system and its
reconciliation with the bank account on a monthly basis.
16.
Ensure that the Association has adequate Insurances in place
and maintain a record of all policies held and claims made.
17.
Prepare reports for and attend all Finance and Audit SubCommittee and Committee of Management Meetings.
18.
To supervise the provision of front line Customer Services
through office and phone contact within both offices.
19.
To supervise the provision of H.R Support provided to all
members of the Management Team by the Office & H.R.
Administrator, including the signing of all contracts of
employment, monitoring of the Flexi-system, provision of
Absence Management information and Personnel Policy reviews.
20.
To ensure the proper invoicing and collection of all charges
levied to Owner Occupiers.
21.
Liaise and maintain a good working relationship with both the
Association’s banker and auditors.
22.
Ensuring that all loan covenants are met and report on such to
both Committee and the relevant Lenders.
23.
Ensuring the correct allocation
appropriate Ledger Accounts.
24.
Ensuring that payments to creditors are made on a
basis.
of
expenditure
which
to
the
timeous
25.
Ensuring that all Invoices raised by the Association are paid
promptly and ensuring the correct allocation of income to the
Ledger Accounts.
26.
Supervision of the Inland Revenue Construction Industry Tax
Scheme.
27.
Ensuring that the Association’s Cash Book
reconciled to the bank on a monthly basis.
28.
Supervision of all Petty Cash systems.
29.
Ensuring that all salaries and wages, including
Contributions, National Insurance, PAYE and other
Deductions are paid accurately and on time.
30.
Ensuring that the SHAPS Pension Scheme is complied with in full
and that any changes in staff circumstances are notified in the
correct manner.
31.
Supervision of all Right to Buy Applications from tenants.
Checking all details prior to submission to solicitors.
Arranging the appropriate repayment of outstanding loans and
HAG. Ensuring that all legal documents are signed.
32.
Operating the Association’s Car Leasing Scheme.
33.
Supervising the issue of Master Keys from the safe.
34.
Supervising the provision of Financial
Association’s Agency Services clients.
35.
Formulating Financial Policies and Procedures on an
basis for the Association’s Agency Services clients.
36.
Supervision
offices.
D.
OTHER DUTIES
1.
Any other duties which may from time to time be determined by
the Director.
of
the
Cash
Collection
system
is
updated
Pension
Payroll
Services
within
and
to
the
Ad-hoc
the
main
_________________________________________________
DATE AGREED WITH STAFF MEMBER:DATE AGREED WITH DIRECTOR:DATE LAST APPROVED BY COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT:-
_________________________________________________
THIS IS NOT A CONTRACTUAL DOCUMENT
ANGUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION LIMITED
POST OF FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES MANAGER –
AUGUST 2013
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
CURRENT, CLEAN DRIVING LICENCE
ABILITY TO WORK EVENINGS AS NECESSARY
10 YEARS EXPERIENCE OF WORKING IN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
HIGH LEVEL COMPUTING SKILLS
EXCELLENT WRITTEN AND VERBAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS
5 YEARS EXPERIENCE OF MANAGING/SUPERVISING STAFF
PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF EFFECTIVELY SUPPORTING FRONT LINE
SERVICE DELIVERY
PROVEN ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE IDEAS AND ISSUES CLEARLY IN
REPORT WRITING AND POLICY REVIEWS
FULLY QUALIFIED ACCOUNTANT
DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES
•
HOUSING ASSOCIATION/PUBLIC SECTOR WORK EXPERIENCE
ANGUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION LIMITED
FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES MANAGER
SUMMARY OF MAIN CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
1. Salary
Employers in Voluntary Housing Senior Management Grade 13 to 15.
£52,860 per annum rising by three annual increments to £55,274 per annum plus
Essential User Car Allowance.
Starting salary may be negotiable dependent upon experience and qualifications.
2. Normal Hours of Work
8.45am to 5pm – Mondays to Thursdays
9am to 4pm – Fridays
35 hour week, 1 hour for lunch per day, formal system of flexible working.
3. Holidays
11 Fixed Public Holidays
29 Days Paid Annual Leave
4. Pension
Employer’s Pension Scheme:SHAPS 1/60th Career Average Salary Scheme
8.6% Employer’s Contribution
8.5% Employee’s Contribution
5. General
All other conditions of service are those of our employer’s organisation, Employers in
Voluntary Housing
ANGUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION LIMITED
GOVERNANCE AND STAFF STRUCTURE AS FROM AUGUST 2013
COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT
(MEETS 8 TIMES PER YEAR)
FINANCE AND AUDIT SUB COMMITTEE
(MEETS QUARTERLY)
SERVICE DELIVERY SUB COMMITTEE
(MEETS QUARTERLY)
EMERGENCYSUB COMMITTEE
(MEETS AS REQUIRED)
ANGUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION LIMITED
DEPARTMENTAL/MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE AS FROM AUGUST 2013
DIRECTOR
EVH SM24-26
FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES MANAGER
HOUSING MANAGER
ASSET MANAGER
EVH SM13-15
EVH SM13-15
EVH SM13-15
ANGUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION LIMITED
STAFFING STRUCTURE FOR FINANCE AND CUSTOMER SERVICES DEPARTMENT AS FROM AUGUST
2013
DIRECTOR
FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES MANAGER
FINANCE OFFICER
EVH PA22-25
FINANCE ASSISTANT
EVH PA17-20
OFFICE AND HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATOR
EVH PA22-25
TEAM LEADER EVH PA17-20
CUSTOMER SERVICES TEAM – 4 FULL TIME AND 1 PART TIME POST WITH CONTRACTUAL SPLIT BETWEEN 2 OFFICES
EVH PA13-16
OFFICE
CLEANERS
X2
ANGUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION LIMITED
STAFFING STRUCTURE FOR HOUSING MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT AS FROM AUGUST 2013
DIRECTOR
HOUSING MANAGER
SENIOR HOUSING OFFICER – EVH PA28-31
ARBROATH OFFICE
2 X HOUSING OFFICERS
EVH PA22-25
1 X DEBT CONTROL CO-ORDINATOR
EVH PA22-25
DUNDEE OFFICE
2 X HOUSING OFFICERS 1 X FINANCIAL INCLUSION OFFICER
EVH PA22-25
EVH PA22-25 (PRO RATA) – 3 DAYS
HOUSING ASSISTANT
EVH PA17-20
HOUSING ASSISTANT
EVH PA17-20
3 X SHELTERED HOUSING SCHEME MANAGERS
CARETAKER
2 X SCHEME CLEANERS
ANGUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION LIMITED
STAFFING STRUCTURE FOR ASSET DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT AS FROM
AUGUST 2013
DIRECTOR
ASSET MANAGER
SENIOR MAINTENANCE OFFICER – PA 28-31
2 X MAINTENANCE OFFICERS
EVH PA22-25
MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT
EVH PA 17-20
1 X MAINTENANCE CLERICAL ASSISTANT
EVH PA 9-12
2 X MAINTENANCE OFFICERS
EVH PA22-25
MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT
EVH PA 17-20
APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL SECTIONS. CVs WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
INFORMATION GIVEN WILL BE HELD IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE
The information that you supply in this application form will enable the interview
panel to decide whether to invite you to an interview. Whilst all sections may not
be relevant to you personally, you should complete the form as fully and as
accurately as possible to enable your application to be given full consideration.
The information provided within your application form will be processed in
accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. Please note that the first two pages
will not be shown to the short-listing panel. Please complete all sections in type or
black ink (for photocopying purposes).
POST APPLIED FOR: FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES
MANAGER
Closing date for applications is: FRIDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER 2013
Applications received after this time will NOT be considered.
Personal Information
Title:
Surname:
Firstname:
Address for Correspondence:
Postcode:
Private telephone Number:
Mobile Number:
Email Address;
Your Daytime Telephone Number (on which a message may be left):
Assistance for people with disabilites
We are committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer and do not
discriminate in any way. If you consider yourself to have a disability, are there any
arrangements that we can make to assist/adapt, for you, if you are called to interview
or if employed successfully? Please give details below.
REFEREES
Please give details of two referees. They should be qualified to comment on your
ability and experience for this appointment and should include a referee from your
current or most recent employer. Angus Housing Association does not accept
references from family members.
Referees will not be approached prior to a conditional offer being
accepted.
Name:
Name:
Job title:
Job title:
Company:
Company:
Address:
Address:
Postcode:
Postcode:
Email:
Email:
Mobile:
Mobile:
Tel No:
Tel No:
The Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 makes it an offence to employ anyone
who is not entitled to live or work in the UK. All applicants selected for interview
will be required to provide evidence that they are entitled to live and work in the
UK. Appropriate documentation may include the original of your current passport,
or birth/ marriage certificate and National Insurance Number [found on NI Card/
P45/P60 etc].
DECLARATON
I have read this application form fully and I declare that the information I have given
in support of my application is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true and
complete. I understand that if it is subsequently discovered that any statement is
false or misleading, or that I have withheld any relevant information my application
may be disqualified or, if I have already been appointed, I may be dismissed without
notice. I declare that I am entitled to work in the UK.
Signed:
Date: __________________
Post Applied For:
EDUCATIONAL RECORD
University or Further Education Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates
Course & Subjects Studied
Obtained
Secondary Education Subjects Studied Qualifications Obtained
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS/MEMBERSHIP OF INSTITUTES
OR SOCIETIES
Name of Awarding Body
Qualifications
Obtained,
Membership
of
professional
Institution etc
Training Courses
(Please give details of any relevant short courses or training undertaken)
Course(s) Undertaken
Provider
EMPLOYMENT DETAILS – Please List all employment details, giving
current (or most recent) employment first
Name & Address of
Date
Date
Employer
From:
To:
Position Held:
Salary and other
benefits/payments
Notice Required:
Reason For Leaving:
Nature of Post (please describe your main duties):
EMPLOYMENT DETAILS – Continued
Employers
Address
Name
&
Post Title
From
To
Reason
Leaving
for
Angus Housing Association wishes to compare your experience, skills and
knowledge with its requirements. You should therefore, try to show in the following
part of the form how you satisfy these. This does not have to be from paid work, but
can be from other experience. The Selection Panel will consider candidates who do
not meet all the requirements, therefore please complete all sections as appropriate
You may submit additional pages for the following sections if necessary.
Experience in present or most recent post:
In previous employment:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please outline any career ambitions you may have.
Please provide any relevant information not covered elsewhere on this
form, which may include other activities e.g. voluntary work, major
achievements, projects to date and indicate how this will enable you to
contribute further to this post.
Driving Licence
Do you possess a full current driving licence?
appropriate)
YES/NO (please delete as
Do you have access to a car for work purposes?
YES/NO
Do you have insurance for business travel?
YES/NO
Relationship to Committee and/or Staff Members
Are you related to any current Committee Member or Staff member of Angus
Housing Association who has served in last 12 months or the owner or Director of
any Company that has a contract with us?
Yes/No
If yes, please state their name and your relationship to them
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 enables some criminal
convictions to become spent or ignored, after a ‘rehabilitation period’.
Excepted posts are those to which the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 applies. You may be entitled to withhold
information about convictions that are ‘spent’ under the provision of the
act. In the event of employment, any failure to disclose could result in
dismissal or disciplinary action by your employer. If selected for interview
you will be required to complete a criminal convictions declaration form
that will only be reviewed if an offer of employment is being made.
Canvassing
Canvassing directly or indirectly in connection with the appointment shall
disqualify your application. If discovered after appointment you will be
liable to dismissal.
Confirmation of Qualifications
If selected for interview you will be required to bring with you the original
certificate(s) of all qualifications referred to in this application. This
extends to membership of professional bodies.
______________________________________________________________
When completed this form can be returned by e-mail to:
[email protected]
By post to: The Director, Angus Housing Association Ltd, 93 High Street,
Arbroath, DD11 1DP
(Please affix the required postage for weight/size of envelope if returning by post)
(If returning the application form by e-mail please note that there is no need to also post a hard copy.
If shortlisted you will be asked to sign your application form at interview.)
Please note that the closing date/time for receipt of applications is 12
NOON – FRIDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER 2013.
ANGUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION LIMITED
EQUALITY OPPORTUNITIES MONITORING INFORMATION
Angus Housing Association Limited is making every possible effort to ensure we are an
Equal Opportunities Employer. The aim of our Policy is to ensure that no job applicant or
employee receives less favourable treatment or is disadvantaged by any conditions or
requirements that cannot be shown to be justifiable.
In order to help us check how well we implement this Policy, we would be pleased if you
could answer the following questions.
You are under no obligation to complete this section and it will not affect your application
in any way.
THIS PROFORMA WILL BE USED FOR MONITORING PURPOSES ONLY AND WILL BE
DETACHED FROM APPLICATION INFORMATION BEFORE THE SELECTION PROCESS
BEGINS.
A.
ETHNIC ORIGIN
I WOULD DESCRIBE MY ETHNIC ORIGIN AND CULTURAL BACKGROUND AS:(PLEASE TICK RELEVANT BOX)
WHITE
BLACK CARIBBEAN
BLACK AFRICAN
BLACK OTHER
INDIAN
PAKISTANI
BANGLADESHI
CHINESE
OTHER
IF OTHER, PLEASE SPECIFY:……………………………………………………………
B.
GENDER
(PLEASE TICK RELEVANT BOX)
MALE
FEMALE
C.
DISABILITY
GIVING INFORMATION ABOUT ANY DISABILITY OR HEALTH PROBLEM YOU HAVE
WILL HELP US RESPOND TO YOUR APPLICATION IN A FAIR MANNER.
DESCRIBING YOUR DISABILITY AND ANY RELEVANT REQUIREMENTS WILL NOT
STOP YOU FROM BEING CONSIDERED FOR A JOB FOR WHICH YOU ARE ABLE.
1.
DO YOU HAVE A DISABILITY WHICH IS RELEVANT TO YOUR JOB
APPLICATION?
(PLEASE TICK RELEVANT BOX)
YES
NO
2.
IF YES, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DISABILITY:
3.
PLEASE DESCRIBE ANY WORKPLACE ADAPTATIONS YOU THINK YOU
MAY NEED TO DO THE JOB YOU ARE APPLYING FOR AND STATE ANY
HELP YOU MIGHT NEED IN ORDER TO ATTEND FOR INTERVIEW.
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
POST: FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES MANAGER
REF NO: AHA/FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES
DATE RECEIVED:
2013
ANGUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL REPORT : 2011-12
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
“This is my fifth and last report to
the members and tenants of
Angus Housing Association in my
capacity as Chairman as I now
have to stand down under the
Association’s Rules.”
It has been an honour and a
privilege to have been the first
tenant of the Association to be
elected as Chairman and to have
served you in this role.
Unfortunately, my last report is
one of mixed feelings about the
last financial year, 2011/12.
While I can report a healthy
financial surplus for the year of
nearly £250,000 and continued
progress in many areas, 2011/12
was also a very painful and
onerous year as the Committee of
Management had to oversee a
significant reduction in staffing
levels for the first time.
Following a review of our
Governance
and
Staffing
Structures, it became apparent
that cuts made by the Scottish
Government in development
funding left us with no alternative
other than to close our dedicated
Development Team down.
With only 14 houses at Westfield,
Carnoustie and 6 at Lord Lyell
Drive,
Kirriemuir,
completed
during the year, our traditional
income
from
development
allowances virtually disappeared.
Costs had to be cut accordingly
and the new staffing structure will
accrue cost savings of £125,000
per annum.
On the down side, however, is the
real human cost of staff losing
their jobs. This was even more
difficult to cope with when the
staff involved, the Development
P02
Team, had all been integral to our
growth and success over the last
16 years.
and Investment Fund. Beyond
that, we have no definite plans for
growth by development.
Fortunately, we were able to
achieve this “downsizing” without
resorting
to
compulsory
redundancies as we managed
the process successfully through a
combination
of
voluntary
redundancy, early retirement
and re-deployment.
The Scottish Government Budget
announcement of £710 million for
the Affordable Housing Supply
Programme for the next three
years, coupled with the new and
unrealistically low, indicative
levels of public subsidy per unit,
leave us very fearful we will ever
be able to develop new homes
again.
Regardless of not having to resort
to compulsory redundancies, the
process was still far from painless.
Long term employees, colleagues
and friends such as Mike
McManus, Geoff Cosgrove, Cath
Stott and Dave Smart are no
longer part of our team. We will
miss them and wish them all the
best for their future.
Their
contributions to the work of Angus
Housing Association will never be
forgotten.
Looking to a future constrained by
forthcoming cuts in public
spending, we are, as an
organisation, however, much
leaner, fitter and better equipped
to cope with an unpredictable
period of austerity ahead of us.
Our Management Team has been
reduced in size and our staff
structure has been streamlined to
continue
delivering
quality
services more cost effectively.
Indications at present are,
however, that those unfortunate
enough to be on our waiting list
for a rented home are unlikely to
be helped any time soon by new
homes being provided. Currently,
we are only planning to build
four new houses in Arbroath in
2012/13 with funding from the
Scottish Government’s Innovation
We will, however, as always, look
to new ways of delivering for
those in housing need and our
new staff team retains the
capacity and expertise to bring
forward new funding and
development models to hopefully
allow us to grow again in the
future.
As I have already mentioned,
2011/12 was a difficult year of
upheaval and transition – a
working environment in which it
would have been only too easy
for
staff
to
allow
their
concentration on service delivery
to drift. I am pleased, however, to
be able to report that during this
period, the professional approach
taken by all of the staff team did
not allow this to happen. Indeed,
I can report that the service
delivery improvements in areas
such as debt recovery, void
management, repair response
times and housing options advice
continued to improve as they
have each year that I have been
Chairman.
At the same time, we once again
delivered
£1.25
million
of
improvements to our existing
housing stock and we should now
Front Cover - Sheena Welsh makes a Presentation to retiring Committee Member, Jim Scott and Chairman, Hazel Farquhar
ANGUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
achieve full Scottish Housing
Quality Standard compliance by
2014.
A huge amount of credit and
thanks goes to all of the staff for
these
efforts
and
their
concentration and commitment to
carry on delivering for our tenants
and those in housing need in
these circumstances. Credit and
thanks are also due to my fellow
Committee Members and the
tenants involved in our work
through our Tenants Forum. All of
them
give
up
their
time
voluntarily to keep Angus
Housing Association in the
forefront of delivering housing
solutions for the communities we
serve.
This year, I also want to single out
an individual contribution to the
work
of
Angus
Housing
Association for particular mention.
Jim Scott has been a Member of
our Committee of Management
for more than 20 years, during
most of which, he has been our
Treasurer. Along with his expert
financial advice, support for the
staff and general words of
wisdom, he has been integral to
the
confidence
his
fellow
Committee Members have had in
our financial planning and our
return to a firm financial footing in
recent years.
Jim is now stepping down for a
well-deserved rest and our thanks
and best wishes go to him for all
of his hard work, commitment
and dedication to Angus Housing
Association that have been
instrumental in our growth and
success in recent years.
Hazel Farquhar
Chairman
As the Chairman has said in
her Report, 2011/12 was a
difficult year of transition for
Angus Housing Association.
In this, we were by no means
alone as every family in the
country can probably testify to
the difficulties they have faced
as result of the continuing
economic recession.
The saddest aspect for me,
however, is the sense of
frustration at not being able to
continue
significantly
to
improve all our economic
prospects. It is well established
and
documented
that
investment in building and
improving housing can have a
major multiplying impact on
boosting economic activity. It
also has the added spin-off of
giving families the chance of a
decent place to live.
Despite this evidence, both the
Scottish
and
Westminster
Governments
have
cut
housing budgets. In Dundee,
Angus
and
throughout
Scotland, this has seen all sizes
and types of building firms
going out of business. In turn,
workers are laid off and
opportunities for young people
to get apprenticeships are
greatly reduced.
In these tough times, Angus
Housing
Association
has
continued to try to support
local businesses by investing in
our housing stock.
The
amounts involved, however,
pale
into
insignificance
compared to what we used to
invest through our now
decimated new build housing
programme. Ultimately, this
has led, for the first time ever,
to staffing numbers within the
Association being reduced.
Keeping motivated to perform at
your best at work, or give up your
free time to volunteer to come to
meetings, in this environment, is
very hard to achieve.
Fortunately,
the
Staff
and
Committee Members of the
Association have managed once
again to do this and for this, they
have both my thanks and
appreciation and I am sure, those
of all our tenants.
I would also like to record my
personal thanks to Jim Scott who
has retired from the Committee of
Management after 25 years of
outstanding service.
Jim’s
expertise has been an invaluable
help to me and all of the Staff for
the last 17 years.
Finally, I also want to pay tribute
to Hazel Farquhar, our first tenant
Chairman who has to stand
down after 5 years in the role.
Hazel
has
been
a
great
inspiration to work with over the
last 5 years and in particular, the
last most difficult, year. She lives
and breathes her commitment to
Angus Housing Association and
accordingly, she has been a hard
taskmaster.
She has also,
however, been extremely fair
and most importantly, has
always brought the sense of
perspective and humour to keep
us all believing that we can still
enjoy our working lives even
through the darkest of times.
Bruce Forbes
Director
P03
ANNUAL REPORT : 2011-12
HOUSING MANAGER’S REPORT
The Housing Management staff
team
are
responsible
for
delivering some of the core
services of the Association. The
Department is responsible for the:
• Collection of current and ex
tenant rent and rechargeable
debts.
• Arrears recovery from both
existing and ex tenants.
• Allocation
houses.
and
letting
of
• Management of all of the
housing estates.
During the past year the Housing
Management Department has
focused on:
• Reducing rent arrears and
void loss
• Continuing to improve the way
we report and recover outstanding debt for both current and
ex tenant rechargeable accounts
• Monitoring new tenancies and
ensuring new tenants continue
to receive appropriate advice
and support.
• The continual review and
development of the Association’s
Housing Management Policies
and Procedures in consultation
with the Tenants Forum.
Rent Arrears
The amount of rent collected
during 2011-2012 amounted to
£5,971,314 leaving a balance of
£102,252.52, uncollected. This
represents 1.71% of the Gross
Annual Charge and once again
this year, the staff team has
worked extremely hard to meet
the Rent Arrears Target of 2.0%
and improve on last year’s
performance.
The Association obtained 16
Decrees for repossessions and
evicted 5 tenants for substantial
rent arrears.
Allocations and Lettings
During the year, the Association
allocated 159 houses, 121 in the
Angus Council area and 38
houses in Dundee City Council
area. The 159 houses included 20
new build properties in Angus.
The Association also continues to
monitor rent loss due to properties
being empty. This amounted to
0.79% of the rental income. The
rent loss includes the time taken
by the contractor to complete
repairs.
The Association will
continue to work hard on
reducing the void loss and ensure
this
remains
one
of
the
Department’s priorities.
Estate Management and AntiSocial Behaviour
The Association has a wide range
of estates across its area of
operation which it continues to
monitor. Like many other social
landlords, we have noticed an
increase in complaints, with issues
ranging on a daily basis from
garden inspections to serious anti
social problems. Although these
issues can be challenging they
are an important part of the
service we deliver.
agencies to tackle many estate
management and anti-social
behaviour issues and over the
past year the Association has
dealt with 399 complaints, most of
which were resolved at an early
stage. However, the Association
received 11 serious anti-social
behaviour complaints which
have
been
dealt
with
accordingly.
Tenant Participation
The Association continues to
consult with tenants on a number
of issues and the Tenants Forum
has been involved in reviewing a
number of the Association’s
Housing Management Policies
including
Child
Protection,
Tenancy Succession and CCTV.
Tenants were also consulted on
the
Association’s
Tenants
Handbook/ Calendar for 2012,
the Scottish Social Housing
Charter, the New Independent
Scottish Housing Regulator and
the
Scottish
Government’s
Affordable Housing Consultation.
The Association understands the
importance of good tenant
participation and we will continue
to involve and improve our
consultation process with tenants
to ensure tenants are involved in
all aspects of the Association’s
service delivery.
Linlay Anderson
Housing Manager
The Association continues to work
on a partnership basis with other
P04
ANGUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION
HOW WE PERFORMED
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF HOUSING APPLICATION FORMS
Average Number of Days to Process Applications - For the Year 1 April 2011 - 31 March 2012
Category
1 April 2011 - 31 March 2012
Number
Percentage
1325
97.8%
Number outwith Target 7 - 13 Days:-
27
2.0%
Number outwith Target Over 14 Days:-
3
0.2%
1355
100%
Number within Target 6 Days:-
Total Application forms processed:Average Acknowledgement Time:-
2 days
NEW TENANTS FEEDBACK - ANNUAL RESULTS
Once
Application
was submitted
how was
information on
the progress
How was the
communication
between you
and Angus H.A.
regarding your
application?
When viewing
the house, how
would you rate
the information
given by the
Housing Officer?
Very Good
60%
75%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
Poor/No Response
How happy
were you with
the condition of
your house?
How would you
rate the overall
quality of the
service?
How would you
rate your rent
as value for
money?
63%
63%
40%
19%
19%
35%
50%
6%
2%
10%
2%
10%
1%
4%
8%
0%
0%
160 Questionnairs were posted
52 Questionnaires were returned
32.5% Return
BREAKDOWN OF LETS
TIME TAKEN TO RE-LET VOID PROPERTIES
Breakdown of Lets
Waiting List ......................75
Nominations ....................27
Homeless Applicants .......26
Section 5 Referral .............19
Transfers.............................6
Management Transfers .....5
Statutory Homeless ............1
Total ...............................159
Categories
Let <2 weeks
2-4 weeks
5-8 weeks
9-16 weeks
More than 16 weeks
17-32 weeks (low demand)
33-52 weeks (low demand)
More than 52 weeks
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
%
58%
25%
10%
5%
2%
1%
0%
0%
P05
ANNUAL REPORT : 2011-12
ASSET MANAGEMENT
2011/12 has been a year of changes within the Property Maintenance Department. During the year, the
Development and Property Maintenance functions were amalgamated into one Asset Management
Department, covering all the Repairs and Maintenance Service, Improvement and Development
Programmes.
It has therefore been a very busy period for the Department with a total
of £1,887,682 spent on Maintenance or Improvements.
The Annual Maintenance Programme falls into various different
categories.
1. Reactive Maintenance which deals with repairs etc. as they occur.
2. Relet Repairs – repairs to houses before they can be relet to new tenants.
3. Gas Servicing and Repairs – servicing of and repairs to gas central
heating systems and gas supplies.
4. Planned Maintenance covers work which is planned in advance
e.g. property improvements and external repaints.
1. REACTIVE MAINTENANCE
Breakdown of Costs
Day to Day Repairs
Budget
£348,916
Actual Spend
£353,913
Overspend
£4,997 (14%)
Cavity Wall Insulation
atWhitfield
Repair and Maintenance Jobs – Response Times
Category
Target
Number of repairs Number of repairs
response time completed in this competed within the
category
target response time
Percentage of repairs
completed within the
target response time (%)
(i) Emergency
Hours 3 or 24
460
420
91.3%
(ii) Non Emergency
Days 3 or 20
5,298
5,042
95%
Gas Servicing of Boilers
Target (servicing
within 12 months of
last certificate)
% of services
completed within
anniversary date
% of services completed
within 1 month of
anniversary date
100%
95.2%
2.9%
Relets – cost of re-letting properties
Re-lets
Budget per house
Actual spend per house
£1,080
£1,016
P06
ANGUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION
2. PLANNED MAINTENANCE
FINALLY ... HOW WE PERFORMED
The Association spent £1,370,226 on Planned
Improvements and Cyclical Maintenance Works
during 2011-12. The main areas of investment last
year were:-
The Association issues a receipt to tenants who have
requested a repair and as part of this procedure each
tenant has been invited to provide feedback in the
form of a return on the performance of both the
contractor and ourselves in respect of the repair.
An analysis of the returns is as follows :-
Improvements
• Forfar, Gallowshade and Pitreuchie – Completion
of kitchen and bathroom upgrades to 60 houses.
• Arbroath, Leonard Street – New kitchens,
bathrooms and controlled entry systems to 10 flats.
• Brechin, Pitforthie – New kitchens, bathrooms,
central heating and electrical upgrading works to
31 houses.
When arranging the repair
were the staff helpful?
Very Helpful............74%
Helpful ....................25%
Not Helpful ...............1%
•
•
•
• Arbroath, Westnewgate – New kitchens,
bathrooms and central heating to 6 flats.
• Dundee, Ormiston and Kirkton Road – New
kitchens, bathrooms and central heating to 55
flats.
• Dykehead, Tulloch Wynd – New central heating
to 8 houses.
• Various Locations – Improvements to individual
addresses throughout Dundee and Angus, to
comply with the Scottish Housing Quality
Standard. Works include controlled entry, external
lighting, replacement boilers and kitchens.
Cyclical Repairs and Painterwork
External repaints and associated repairs were carried
out to various addresses as follows:• Arbroath – Westnewgate, Hamilton Green, 50 High
Street, Cliffburn and Lordburn.
• Dundee – Ormiston Phase 1 and Kirkton Road
• Brechin – Valley Works
• Montrose – Central Area
Was the repair
completed on time
Yes ..........................53%
No ...........................47%
•
•
Were you satisfied with
the repair
Very Satisfied ..........76%
Satisfied...................21%
Not Satisfied..............3%
•
•
•
Overall were you satisfied
Very Satisfied ..........75%
Satisfied...................22%
Not Satisfied..............3%
•
•
•
Ron McArthur
Asset Manager
Where your money went...
Improvements ........58%
Reactive Repairs.....19%
Cyclical ..................14%
Relets ........................9%
•
•
•
•
Kitchen Improvement,
Brechin
P07
ANNUAL REPORT : 2011-12
FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES
MANAGER’S REPORT
Like other Departments within the Association, our Department has undergone changes during the year. The
most significant being the formation of the Customer Service Team. The new team is fully trained in areas such
as rent/housing benefit, neighbour complaints, applications and transfers. They are able to resolve many
queries straightaway which should result in a more efficient service for tenants and applicants.
The Department consists of twelve members of staff.
In addition to providing the front line staff, the
Department is also responsible for the following tasks:-
• Preparing an Annual Budget.
• Providing information and advice regarding
rent/housing benefit, neighbour complaints,
applications and transfers, setting up direct
debits and taking rent and recharge payments
over the phone.
• Producing budget monitoring information,
Quarterly Management Accounts and Annual
Accounts.
• Initial assessment and input of application forms.
• Development and maintenance of the Website.
• Administering the factoring service to Owner/
Occupiers.
• Support and development of I.T. Systems.
• Processing all the income and expenditure
transactions.
• Sourcing private finance
Development Programme.
to
fund
the
• Cleaning of the offices.
• Providing secretarial support to the Committee,
Director and Management Team.
Suzanne Cargill
Finance & Corporate Services Manager
• Co-ordination of personnel policies and procedures.
SUMMARY FINANCIAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2012
Income and Expenditure Account
Balance Sheet
Turnover
Operating Costs
£000s
6,393
(4,780)
Operating Surplus
Profit on Sale of Fixed Assets
Interest Received & Other Income
Interest Payments & Similar Charges
1,613
21
33
(1,417)
Surplus for Year
250
£000s
87,700
(56,340)
31,360
445
31,805
2,445
(1,489)
32,761
(27,817)
4,944
Fixed Assets Housing Properties
Housing Grants
Other Fixed Assets
Current Assets
Current Liabilities
Long Term Liabilities
Capital and Reserves:
Revenue Reserve
4,944
4,944
HOW YOUR RENT MONEY WAS SPENT
• Mgt & Admin .....................33%
• Loan Repayments..............25%
• Improvements....................20%
• Day to Day Repairs ............10%
• Cyclical Repairs ...................7%
• Other Services ......................5%
P08
ANGUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION
NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN 2011-12
With
the
continuing
drastic
reductions in Government Funding
for the provision of new housing,
2011-12 was the quietest year ever
in terms of new build development. We did manage to complete
six houses at Lord Lyell Drive in
Kirriemuir, built by Guild Homes.
In February we completed our last
major
new
development
in
Westfield, Carnoustie in association
with
our
long
established
development partner, DJ Laing.
This boasts twelve high quality
two bedroom flats as well as two
family houses. This development
links well with the previous mixed
tenure development with DJ
Laing. The houses and flats have
as usual very high standards of
energy efficiency and internal
finishes.
of Works, Dave Smart left after 10
years with the Association. Both
made huge contributions towards
the success of the Association,
particularly in terms of our stock
expansion across Angus and
Dundee.
During the year we said a fond
farewell to the last of the
Association’s
long
standing
Development Staff Members.
Development Manager, Mike
McManus, left us in December
after 15 years’ service and at the
end of March this year, our Clerk
Whilst there is a dearth of
available development money
from the Scottish Government, we
are currently exploring other
forms of funding that may allow
us to carry on building new
homes from time to time over the
next few years.
Westfield Development, Carnou
stie
P09
ANNUAL REPORT : 2011-12
TENANTS FORUM:
The Tenants Forum is designed to give tenants of the Association a real insight into the running of Angus
Housing Association and to have their views and opinions aired at the highest level and to be informed in
advance of any changes to Policies, Rent increases and allocation polices are all part of the remit of the
Tenants Forum.
Meeting once a month in Arbroath, this is an ideal
opportunity open to all AHA tenants to air their
views to management. A senior member of
management is in attendance at every meeting
taking on board what is being discussed and
reporting back. At recent meetings we have had
the opportunity to hear from departmental heads
on such subjects as repairs and maintenance,
proposed rent increases, anti-social behaviour and
how to deal with it and a host of other subjects of
interest to the tenants. We have had an input into
the design of the Association’s Calendar, Newsletter
and such matters as office hours and access. The
Forum is the place for real “tenant participation”.
most interesting and rewarding and like my fellow
members would like to see our numbers increase.
It’s your Forum, an opportunity to have your voice
heard and listened to.
We know from experience that our views are taken
seriously by the Committee of Management and we
can often influence policies.
Meetings are held on the last Thursday of every
month, usually in Russell Square Sheltered Lounge
commencing at 6.30p.m. and transport can be
arranged if required. Oh! and yes, there is always
time for a relaxed chat with fellow members over a
nice cup of coffee or tea.
As a Founder Member of the Forum, I have found it
Allan Collins
Tenants Forum Member
Tenant Forum Members at th
eir Monthly Meeting
P10
ANGUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION
Committee of Management
Asset Development Department
Chair:
Hazel Farquhar
Vice Chair:
Sheena Welsh
Senior Maintenance Officer:
Maintenance Officers:
Brian Cuthbert
Colin Gibson
Treasurer:
Jim Scott
Gordon Hamilton
Secretary:
Liz Whitson
Rod Ferrier
Alex Gibson
Steve Carnegie
Committee Members:
Fred Jack
Maintenance Assistants:
Colin MacDougall
Jack Nicoll
Jim Ogg
Maintenance Clerical Assistant:
Denise Bell
Pam Giblin
Richard Cargill
Hazel Fraser
Ronnie Young M.B.E.
Bob Fraser
Bob Wright
Finance Officer:
Director:
Bruce Forbes
Kathy Tate
Office/HR Administrator:
Lee Kubicki
Customer Service Team:
Linlay Anderson
Asset Manager:
Ron McArthur
Finance & Corporate
Services Manager:
Suzanne Cargill
Grant Miller
Finance Assistant:
Customer Service Team Leader:
Management Team
Housing Manager:
Finance & Corporate Services Department
Auxiliary Arbroath:
Auxiliary Dundee:
Caroline McLeod
Emma Turner
Jennifer Reilly
Leanne Archer
Nicola Forrest
Nicola McFarlane
Linda Cosans
Elaina McLeod
Housing Management Department
Senior Housing Officer:
Housing Officers:
Gillian Meldrum
Sheltered Housing
Alison Geoghans
Scheme Managers:
Cath Whitelaw
Dorothy McGuigan
Pat Barraclough
Scheme Auxiliaries:
Billie Law
Dorothy Fletcher
Fiona McFarlane
Sandie Fitzpatrick
Sharon Tkaczyk
Debt Recovery Officer:
Financial Inclusion Officer:
Housing Assistants:
Tracey Waterston
Julie Rain
Heather Malloch
Gemma Wyllie
Caretaker:
Dennis McRitchie
P11
ANNUAL REPORT : 2011-12
Angus Housing Association Limited
93 High Street • Arbroath • Angus • DD11 1DP •
The Square • Ormiston Crescent • Dundee • DD4 0UD
Tel: 0845 177 2244
Registration Nos: FSA 1665R(S)
SHR HAL65
Scottish Charity SC020981
www.angusha.org.uk