The Committee of Management of WGHC is its board of directors. Unlike most social landlords, all WGHC’s committee members are tenants.
There are normally ten Committee meetings a year. This does not include sub-Committee meetings (like the Staffing Sub-Committee) which are held as and when required.
WGHC’s new financial year started on 1st April 2018.
A summary of what has happened at Committee Meetings
An update on the Committee’s work over this first quarter so far is published below, along with a summary of what has happened at Committee Meetings since February 2017
On May 30th Committee approved the annual energy efficiency report. Members discussed a report on the option appraisal from consultants allanpark and approved the proposed approach.
On May 16th Committee approved the audit plan having received a report from our auditors, Alexander Sloan. They also agreed to carry out a strategic options appraisal prior to the retirement of the CEO. Finance and performance reports and returns were reviewed. Some small donations to local causes were agreed.
On April 11th 2018 Committee revised our Health & Safety Policy. There were also reports on progress with replacing the CEO and on tenancy management. Various aspects of planned maintenance were discussed and a budget and tender list for external painting and associated works at West Pilton Bank was approved.
In February 2018 Committee reviewed a report from the staffing working group and agreed to make the Tenant Outreach Officer post redundant, and to engage Prospect Community Housing to provide financial services. Members also discussed financial performance, the recent kitchen replacement contract, the grass cutting service, and future window replacement.
In December 2017 Committee approved a Business Plan including projects, budgets and performance benchmarks for 2018-19. It also reviewed office hours and the Complaints and Rent policies.
Members also looked at banking arrangements and set up a working group to review staffing and prepare for the retirement of the CEO.
In November 2017 Scotland’s Housing Network presented an analysis of WGHC performance in 2016-17. WGHC was one of the top performing social landlords. The tenant consultation on the proposed rent increase was reviewed, responses were overwhelmingly positive. Committee agreed a rent increase of 2.6% and a budget for 2018-19.
In October 2017 members received updates on staffing, treasury management, discussions with other RSLs and maintenance projects. Members considered WGHC performance and agreed priorities and financial assumptions for the coming year. A new Tenancy Management Policy was approved. Changes to the annual children’s’ Christmas painting competition were agreed.
In September 2017 Lorna Brown was re-elected as Chair, Jim Hemphill as Vice Chair and Marilyn Dickson as Treasurer. Committee training dates were agreed. Other business included treasury management; current building contracts; and the Scottish Housing Regulator’s latest landlord report. WGHC scores very highly across all indicators, especially tenant satisfaction.
In July 2017 Committee approved a draft budget and agreed to consult tenants about a proposed 2.6% rent increase. Members discussed a performance report, training priorities, maintenance projects and estate management. The CEO was authorised to fill a permanent Administration Assistant post and to replace the retiring finance assistant.
In June 2017 the Auditor reported to Committee. She said that no problems were found and WGHC is in a strong financial position. Committee agreed to work with Edinburgh RSLs to look at options for joint working. Members discussed staff and committee training needs and possible staff changes.
In May 2017 Committee reviewed the tenant consultation on changes to anti-social behaviour procedures. The response was in favour and the changes will go into a new draft policy later in the year. Members also looked at upcoming risks. These include staff retirals, welfare reform and inflation.
In April 2017, the Auditor presented the audit plan and Committee reviewed the annual “letter of engagement” from the Scottish Housing Regulator. Once again WGHC will be “low engagement” which means the Regulator is happy that we are well managed and financially stable.
On 28th March Committee the CEO reported on long term financial planning to allow us to maintain and improve our houses. They also reviewed the IndigoHouse report and recommendations from the staffing working group. Committee agreed to continue as an independent RSL and appoint EVH to recruit a new CEO.
Committee agreed that Menco be re-appointed to carry out both landscape maintenance and our grass cutting aid scheme. Committee also decided that, from April, stair cleaning will be carried out by Quay Community Improvements. This new community benefit company is a subsidiary of Port of Leith Housing Association.
Committee Members receive Long Service Awards
WGHC’s new financial year started on 1st April 2018. An update on the Committee’s work over the first quarter of the new year is published above. The article below celebrates the awarding of the Employers in Voluntary Housing (EVH) Long Service Awards presented to 4 of our longest standing Committee Members in May 2017.
Joe Moir, 27 years
Marilyn Dickson (Treasurer), 27 years
George Thomson,
26 years
Lorna Brown (Chairperson)
27 years
West Granton Housing Co-op would not exist without the Committee of Management. Their dedication, conviction to making decisions in the best interests of tenants and the invaluable contribution of their own time are all critical to the success of WGHC.
In honour of their achievements, on 10th May 2017, Employers in Voluntary Housing (EVH) bestowed upon 4 Committee Members “Long Service Recognition Awards.” From left to right, the photographs above picture Joe Moir, Marilyn Dickson, George Thomson and Lorna Brown. Together they clock up an amazing 107 years of service.