News Archive

New job vacancy at Habinteg - Senior Research Officer: Click here to find out more about the new Senior Research Officer vacancy at Habinteg.
NEW scheme signage: Please click here for the available scheme signage you can use. If you would like a specific sign created for your scheme please contact Rebecca Burton.
Staff Focus July-August issue now on Hub.: More exciting news from Habinteg. Go to 'Focus' section to download PDF or read online.
Habinteg Disability Housing Service now online
Habinteg publish response to Independent Living Strategy
Housing Corporation publish latest assessment of Habinteg
Let your voice be heard by making a contribution to the next staff Focus: Click here to download the staff Focus production timetable with ideas on what you could contribute to the next issue.

May-June issue of staff Focus now on Hub: Find out the latest news from Habinteg. Go to 'Focus' section to download PDF or read online.
Latest Staff Focus now on Hub: Go to 'Focus' section to download PDF or read online.
Marlon Platt wins folding bike for going green!: Marlon's picture and Go Green pledge can be viewed by clicking on 'most viewed' Greenograms (Clue - you're looking for a picture of Fabian!)Click here for Westminster Council's 'Go Green' campaign.
Mike Donnelly in 24 dash pod cast about Lifetime Homes: Click here for 24 dash site and pod cast
Habinteg delighted by Government's new push for Lifetime Homes
Staff Focus now on Hub: Please Click here to view the latest edition of Staff Focus.
A Home that grows old with you: Article on Lifetime Homes.: This article ran in last Sunday's Observer (Money section). Journalist Huma Qureishi came straight to the source for her information on Lifetime Homes and consulted Habinteg's Mike Donnelly for an explanation of Lifetime Homes as a design concept.
Click here for article
Equal Opportunities for disabled people in Europe (LivingAll)
Staff Focus now on Hub! (It's a miracle!): Click here for the latest edition of Focus. If you're wondering why it is a miracle, the southern staff had their Christmas do last night!
Habinteg gain Gold Award in Employers' Forum Disability Standard: Click here to view our internal press release.
Habinteg gain Gold in Employers' Forum Disability Standard
Staff Focus - October: Click here for the latest edition of Focus.
Habinteg and Papworth Trust publish response to Housing Green Paper
Wheelchair accessible housing Best Practice Guidance
Housing choice for disabled Londoners
Guidance on expenses forms: Click here for Jennifer's guidance on how to fill in your expenses form correctly.
DHS News - September 2007: Click here for Mark Baggley's latest Disability Housing Service Newsletter.
Mark Baggley sets the record straight on Lifetime Homes: Habinteg's Mark Baggley has written to Inside Housing picking up on negative comments made in Inside Housing on 10th August. Click here to read Mark's letter published in this week's edition.
Spotlight - Summer 2007: Click here to download Spotlight. This edition annonces important changes to the Marketing and DEvelopment Department which is now Policy and Practice.
Staff Focus May/June 2007: Click here for the latest edition of Staff Focus featuring photographs and feedback from the Staff Conference.
Habinteg Systems Update from Mark Simmons-Powell: At the Staff Conference, Mark Simmons-Powell updated staff about progress with replacing our current Housing Management system. Click here for more information about the changes and how they will be implemented.
*NEW!* Disability Housing Service Newsletter: Click here to view the first edition of Habinteg's new Disability Housing Service Newsletter. This newsletter will keep staff up-to-date with the latest information and updates on disability issues. Mark Baggley is your contact for this publication should you have questions, queries, or just want to say how much you enjoyed reading it!
March / April Staff Focus now on the Hub - Staff Conference Special!: Click here for the new edition of Staff Focus. With less than a month until Staff Conference, this bi-monthly edition of Focus is a Staff Conference Special which will cover what you need to know in advance of the event.
January / February Staff Focus now on the Hub: Click here for the latest edition of Staff Focus.
Please note that the next edition will be a 'Focus on the North' and I am looking for contributions from Northern staff! I hope you can all help!?
Internal Job Adverts: Job vacancies within Habinteg will now be posted internally so that staff are aware fully aware of the career opportunities open to them. Job adverts can be found in Staff Matters > Internal Job Adverts. Any queries can be directed to the Human Resources Department.
Habinteg commissioned by Housing Corporation to produce a Guide on Disability Equality Schemes
Habinteg on European Stage - Livingall Project
Habinteg Awarded a Charter Mark
Habinteg's Inclusive Design Showcase at Westwood Park
New JNC Minutes now on Hub!: Click here to view the new JNC minutes. Please note that it has been decided that Habinteg's offices will be closed on Wednesday 27th December this year.
Investors in People: Click here to view the briefing for the Investors in People inspection. Please note that a new section has been created in the 'Staff Matters' section of the Hub entitled 'Investors in People'. Future updates will be posted here.
New Staff Newsletter on the Hub: Click here for the latest issue of FOCUS.
Baroness Chapman of Leeds appointed Habinteg's Chairperson
"I'd just like more control over my life": The government say they are committed to giving disabled people their independence, but needs are not yet being met. As Lord Ashley's Disabled Persons (Independent Living) Bill aims to build on the principles of the Disability Discrimination Act, how can services meet the individual needs of disabled people?
Click here to read more on the Society Guardian website
Open House London Event: 16th-17th Sept 2006: Buildings of architectural and historical interest open their doors to visitors for one weekend every year in London. Entry is free (though booking is advised in some cases) and the event really does give access to some amazing sights, such as the fascinating and beautiful disused Victorian Gothic Midland Grand Hotel at St. Pancras built by Sir George Gilbert Scott (1868-76). Click here for full event info. Regional Open House Events also take place throughout the year.
FOCUS July / Aug 2006 is now on the Hub!: Click here to view / download the first FOCUS in rather a while! Thank you to all contributors, feedback and comments are welcome - this is my first issue... There is a hard copy in the London staff room.
Updated Circulars and Guidance Info on the Hub: Click here for an updated version of the Finance and Governance Circulars and Guidance information. Please could everyone have a look at this new document as much of the information has been revised and updated.
Habinteg's Business Plan 2007 - 2010: Click here to view / download Habinteg's Business Plan 2007 -2010.
What is the difference between the Big Brother House and a Residential Care Home? Asks Liz Carr.: Mike spotted this article on BBC's 'Ouch!' website and thought to share it with us all. Click here for an amusing story highlighting a few home truths about adaptations and independent living for disabled people.
A.G.M. Speech and Presentation now on the HUB: Please click here to view/download the speech made by Mike Donnelly at Habinteg's recent A.G.M, and a copy of David Bonnett's presentation: 'Moving on from Special Needs Housing' - a great bite-sized introduction to housing policy and design through the ages and his ideas about Habinteg's role in future policy.
Habinteg's A.G.M. a resounding success!: The combined difficulties of the heat-wave and a burst water main at Hammersmith did not deter guests from this year's A.G.M. which took place on Wednesday night. Habinteg's Board Members, Leadership Team and special guests including Roy Irwin, Chief Executive of the Audit Commission, Baroness Chapman, Lady Barbara Bossom and Bryan Dutton, Chief Executive of Leonard Cheshire, assembled to review Habinteg's progress throughout the last year and the continuing mission ahead. Mike Donnelly?s message: ?We?re still here to change the world?.

Guest speaker Dr. David Bonnett RIBA joined Michael Holyer and Mike Donnelly at the podium to present 'Moving on from Special Needs Housing', a short history of inclusive housing policy and design in which he defines Habinteg's future role within the sector (plus hints towards world domination).

Both Mike?s speech and David Bonnett?s presentation will be available for download very soon, so watch this space. In the meantime, they can be requested from Sam Longbottom. Thanks to everyone who attended, and everyone who helped to organise the event.
Habinteg commissioned by the DRC: Habinteg were commissioned by the Disability Rights Commission in 2005 to write the guidance for the social housing sector on the Disability Equality Duty and Part 3 of the Disability Discrimination Act. Following extensive consultation work, the guidance for the sector is now complete - for more information click here
HoDis publications now available from Habinteg.
11/05/06 - Updated Finance and Governance Circular: This document lists all relevant housing circulars, reports and guidance produced in 2006 by The Housing Corporation, Audit Commission, National Housing Federation, ODPM and the CIPFA RSL Panel.

It can be found in the Finance and Governance Circular section.
Habinteg Commissioned by the Disability Rights Commission
Spotlight on The Hub: April's issue of Spotlight is now on The Hub in the Marketing & Development section.
Financial forms on 'The Hub': These forms are being made available and can be found in the 'Finance & Governance' section.
Second Edition of the Wheelchair Housing Design Guide: The second edition of the Wheelchair Housing Design Guide is now available.

The purpose of the guide is to explain how to design and detail a home that is fully manageable by wheelchair users and maximises their independence.

For more information about the second edition of the Wheelchair Housing Design Guide please check the Habinteg Website.
Second Edition of the Wheelchair Housing Design Guide
Staff Organisational Charts now on 'The Hub': These charts are now available and can be found in the Staff Matters section.
Christmas issue of FOCUS is on 'The Hub': The November/December 2005 issue of FOCUS is now on 'The Hub' and can be found in the Focus section.
Business Review Interim Reports: These reports now available on 'The Hub' and can be found in the Staff Matters section.
Habinteg commissioned by the DRC: Habinteg have been commissioned by the Disability Rights Commission to write the guidance for the social housing sector on the Disability Equality Duty and Part 3 of the Disability Discrimination Act. We will be carrying out the work over the next few months and it will be published in April 2006.
Pat Eyres and the College of Occupational Therapists: The College of Occupational Therapists have been restructuring their boards and will be splitting their current Education and Practise board into two seperate entities next year.

Our very own Occupational Therapist, Pat Eyres, has been appointed onto the new Practise Board with effect from May 2006.
Habinteg and the College of Occupational Therapists
Documents, circulars and guidance: Kate Sparrow has produced a document which lists all relevant housing circulars, reports and guidance produced in 2005 by The Housing Corporation, Audit Commission, National Housing Federation, ODPM and the CIPFA RSL Panel. It is hoped that this document will be updated on a monthly basis.

The document includes titles, publisher, date of publication and a hyperlink to take you straight to the relevant webpage or PDF file. It is available on the Hub (under Finance & Governance/Circulars).
New 'Criminal Records' check: A new key requirement of all tenant-focused staff at Habinteg is that they are now required to have a Criminal Records check carried out. This affects not only new staff joining the front line Operations team but also all existing staff. So when we contact you please don?t panic!

When you receive your CR Application Form please complete it in full and return it to Maureen Lapwood as soon as possible together with your Passport (photocopies are not acceptable). Note: you should send your Passport via Registered Post - you can claim the cost of postage back through Petty Cash.

Please ensure that you include a stamped addressed envelope with your Application and Passport. Your Passport can be returned to either your home or work address, whichever you prefer.
Board members get access to 'The Hub': As of today all of Habinteg's Board members will have access to 'The Hub'. This will enable them to keep abreast of the work of the organisation and its internal communication.

The Board section will contain updates from the Chairman, as well as the minutes from the Board meetings and all the minutes from Habinteg's committees.
Version II of the Staff Directory: One of the main features of the reconstruction of 'The Hub' is the updated Staff Directory!

As well as searching for staff members, you can now search by location. This was a much requested feature and will provide you with office opening hours, the staff located at that office, addresses and all telephone numbers (including Direct Dial numbers).

This information will be as accurate as possible and updated regularly. If you do happen to find an inaccuracy please contact Denise Mitchell on 01274 853171 or e-mail itsupport@habinteg.org.uk
Corporate Style Guide on 'The Hub': The style guide is now available on 'The Hub' and can be found in the communications section of the 'Marketing & Development' menu.

To support the style guide, you will also find useful files such as the Habinteg and Habinteg Direct logos, location maps and brief sheets in the communications section. This files will increase over the coming months, so that the organisation has a complete set of communication tools.
Reconstruction work on 'The Hub': To make sure that 'The Hub' is the best tool for you, we have started some major reconstruction to improve its functionality and ease of use. 'The Hub' is still working, so please use it as you would have before. However, if you do encounter any problems please contact me on 020 7822 8729 or shiscock@habinteg.org.uk
New 'Staff Matters' section: We have added the staff matters section so that we can continually provide relevant and up-to-date information for all staff. You will find copies of the Director's Team (DT) and Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) minutes in this section. This is also where internal job adverts will be displayed when they are released. Hopefully we will soon be posting Union information here as well. So keep your eyes peeled...
'Different Paths' Honoured at BME Spark Awards
NEW! Habinteg Scheme Location Map: A re-designed map showing the locations of all of Habinteg's schemes has been added to the 'communication tools' section.
NEW! Useful Communication Tools: New to 'The Hub' are the Communication tools found in the communications section of 'Policies and Procedures'. These include useful things such as the Habinteg logo and location maps for both our London and Bradford offices.
NEW! Governance & Finance Policies and Procedures: The Governance and Finance Policies and Procedures have now been uploaded onto 'The Hub'. You can access them in the 'Policies and Procedures' section.
NEW!! The ITT notice board: New to 'The Hub' is the ITT notice board. This will be updated at least one a week on a Monday afternoon. It will be used to indicate potential problems and any other IT and T issues that staff need to be aware of. It will also include the IT and T staffing duty roster (this will no longer be emailed out). It is strongly recommended that staff get into the habit of checking it weekly, especially if there is critical work that needs to be done.
ODPM Review Part M: Habinteg Chief Executive Mike Donnelly has joined the committee of the Building Regulations Advisory Council in their review of Part M of the Building Regulations.
Disability Viewpoints in London: Habinteg Research Manager Reyhana Malek has been invited to join the Disability Viewpoints advisory group run by the Greater London Authority (GLA).
Ensuring Equality in the London Housing Strategy: To determine the probable effects of the 2005 London Housing Strategy on its diverse population, the Greater London Authority (GLA) has formed the Equalities Impact Assessment Panel (EQIA).
Habinteg Housing Association has decided not to join the Places for People Group.: The decision was taken after careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits to both associations. Habinteg?s Board of Management concluded that there was an insufficient business case to join the PfP Group.
Habinteg acts on Anti-Social Behaviour: In accordance with the 'Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003' Habinteg Housing Association has agreed a strategy and comprehensive policies and procedures for dealing with harassment and anti-social behaviour.
NEW! The Habinteg Library: New to the Hub is the Habinteg Library, this is a database of all the publications and books that we hold in the library at the London office. Click on the Library section and you will be taken to the library search box, where you can search for a specific publication title, author or subject heading. If you are not sure what you are looking for, simply leave the search box blank and click search, which will give you an alphabetical list of all the titles we hold. Once you have found the item you want to have a look at, click the 'request' box and it will send be sent to you to borrow. If you have any questions or need help in finding a publication then please contact Andrew Young in the London office on 020 7822 8753.
And theres more...: Yet another warm welcome for Genieve Garnett will be starting on 13th December 2004 as CA Cornwall.
Whereabouts now online: We have added a new function to the Staff Directory. You now have the ability to find people?s whereabouts by accessing their Outlook Calendar through ?The Hub?!

If you search for the person who you are looking for, you will find a new field called ?Whereabouts?. By clicking on ?view? you will be taken to that person?s calendar and will be able to search as normal.

If you wish to find out more about usage of our electronic diary system please go to the ?IT & Telecommunication? Policies and Procedures folder and click on ?Administrative Circular No. 3?. Also, if you need any help using Outlook Calendar please contact Roger or Denise.
What is the Hub?: To be perfectly honest, we chose the name ?Hub? because it?s short, snappy and begins with an ?H?. However, delving a little deeper, calling it the Hub really does describe exactly what it?s for. The Oxford English Dictionary defines ?hub? as:
? The effective centre of activity;
? A network device that allows the sharing of information; or
? The central part of a wheel from which spokes radiate.

Your Hub will enable you to find out exactly what?s going on inside Habinteg. Our aim is to make it the main internal communication channel. So please, take part. The more you use it, the better it will be.

Happy Hubbing!
Great improvements to our tenant involvement programme: Following a tenant-lead Best Value Review Habinteg launches its Tenant Compact, national tenants forum and refreshes its tenant newsletters.
Jon Rouse praises Habinteg at Nat Fed Conference: In his first NHF conference speech as Chief Executive of the Housing Corporation, Jon Rouse personally and directly praised the work of Habinteg.
Appropriate routes into accessible housing for BME disabled people.: As this highly topical research project draws to a close, initial analysis indicates interesting new findings.