2011 April Minutes

Published on: 18 August, 2011 - 10:09
  1. Due to other commitments, Board members Charlie Macgregor and Iain McKenzie have stepped down from their roles as Board Members. The Board and staff expressed their thanks for all of Iain and Charlie’s efforts whilst serving on the Board. Terry Loughran will replace Iain as a Local Authority nominee to serve on the RCH board.
  2. Inverclyde Council have agreed to phase the reduction in Housing Support grant over a period of 12 months.
  3. The Board were advised of the establishment on the new independent Scottish Housing Regulator. The Regulator’s main focus will be on the policing of the new Social Housing Charter with a continued emphasis being placed on financial viability and the regulatory Code of Governance.
  4. Delegated authority was granted to the Chief Executive to continue discussions with IHAF in relation to the development of an Inverclyde wide Common Housing Allocation Policy and Choice Based Letting System.
  5. Following the outcomes of the recent Governance Review, a Board development action plan has now been forwarded to the Scottish Housing Regulator.
  6. The Board agreed to support and fund 4 wider role projects for 2011/2012. The 4 projects are:
    • Continuation of Grand Central Savings
    • Inverclyde Green Team – Phase 2
    • Starter Packs Inverclyde
    • Green Doctor – Fuel Poverty and Energy Efficiency Advice
  7. The Board approved the Value for Money policy. Value for Money should be considered in all aspects of the business and as such is included in all job profiles.
  8. The Board were updated on the progress of the green regeneration of the Belville Street demolition site. Belville Community Association have made considerable progress in utilising the pods now situated on the site and the development of a wildlife garden. Further work is ongoing and an update will be brought to the Board prior to September 2011.
  9. The Board agreed help to fund FITRA to a maximum of £8000 for 2011/2012.
  10. The Board agreed to allow the use of the RCH owned site at the James Watt Dock for the Tall Ships event in July. In return, RCH will receive free advertising/event space within the site. There is also the opportunity for a RCH apprentice to sail as crew aboard a tall ship from Waterford, Ireland to Inverclyde.
  11. A training programme will now be undertaken to up-skill a number of trade operatives to carry out minor repair jobs and remove the need for attendance at a number of jobs by 2 trades.
  12. The Scottish Housing Regulator have advised that they will retain a high level of engagement with RCH due to the high level of investment and new build programmes currently being undertaken.