Events
Four Federations' meeting
 | Respresentatives of the Four Federations (Community Housing Cymru, National Federation of Housing, NIFHA and theScottish Federation of Housing Associations) met in the Stormont Hotel Belfast, 15 - 16 May 08. They came together to discuss a variety of subjects impacting on the housing association movement in the UK. |
Minister Ritchie accepted an invitation to speak to the group on the Thursday evening giving her perspective on the housing agenda for Northern Ireland. She welcomed this opportunity to exchange ideas and experience with key players in social housing. The GB Federations’ Chief Executives and their Chairpersons shared their experience of procurement. They answered a range of questions on this important issue for our members. Those attending took an opportunity to discuss a report on significant European issues. They also considered the impact of the “credit crunch” and agreed making a joint response about the level of VAT on energy efficiency measures.
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Chris Williamson | Minister Ritchie meeting | Members of the Scottish, |
Home Adaptations and OT recommendations training
 | The training on 29 April 08 was taken by Brid DeOrnellas. She is Chair of Community Occupational Therapy Managers Forum and has worked as the Community Occupational Therapy Service Manager in North and West Belfast since 1980. The training was fully booked. Part of the session was an explanation of why Occupational Therapists do what they do and why they require certain information. The training helped operational staff better understand the home adaptations process and highlight the factors for successful outcomes. It helped to identify recurring or persistent problems and allowed participants to share information and record good practice points. |
Procurement Seminar
NIFHA's members were keen to read and discuss the draft procurement strategy presented by representatives for the Department for Social Development (DSD) at our seminar on 28 April 08. The seminar was attended by representatives from all registered housing associations. The ensuing discussions resulted in written response to DSD. |  |
Members may read the response to the draft procurement strategy made on 29 April 08 in the members' only section of NIFHA's website.
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The seminar was chaired by | Chris Williamson discussing the | Katie Saunders from Trowers Hamlin and Colin Procter from Davis Langdon(who currently operate the National Change Agent role in England) with Heather Cousins, DSD and Frank Dunne of NIFHA |
