Resources and publications
Private Sector Conference September 2023: A view from Scotland’s Care and Repair Services
Robert Thomson, CO Care and Repair Scotland discusses the role of local authorities and housing association in delivering effective adapataions and support for vulnerbale people. Ruairidh MacKinnon from Care and Repair Lochalsh and Skye shares what an effective local adaptations strategy would look like.
Private Sector Conference September 2023: How can Scotland’s PRS help reduce homelessness?
Ashley Campbell, CIH Policy Manager provides an update on their new research addressing the role of the private rented sector in reducing homelessness.
Private Sector Conference September 2023: Dealing with Scotland’s empty homes
Andy Mosely from Scotland's Empty Homes Partnership provides an overview of their new framework for developing local strategies to bring back empty homes into use.
Private Sector Conference September 2023: Getting key messages across at the front line
Mike Heffron and Anny Bush from Under one roof provide an overview on how they engage with owners, landlords and tenants in the private sector.
Private Sector Conference Septeber 2023: Decarbonising private sector housing
Elizabeth Leighton from Existing Homes Alliance provides an overview of what mimimum energy efficieincy standards should lool like, and what must be done to deliver them.
Private Sector Conference September 2023: Scotland’s private secotr housing priorities
Shaun Cassidy and Yvette Sheppard from the Scottish Government provide an overview of the Scottish Governments priorities and progress to date.
Private Sector Conference September 2023: Reflections on Scotland’s private sector housing policy agenda
Professor Ken Gibb from CACHE provides his reflection on Scotland's private sector housing policy agenda and assessing competing proorities in a context of limited resources
Member Query – Average Voids Costs – September 2023
Responses received to a recent member query relating to average voids costs, September 2023
Mid Market Rent New Build, August 2023
Paul McGregor at Kingdom Housing Association will also be joining us to provide an overview of their handover process from newbuild developments, what is different to social housing lettings and lessons learnt.
Mid-Market Rent Market Trends and Changes, August 2022
This presentation from Dr John Boyle of Rettie and Co provides an overview of the mid-market rent market trends and changes.
Working with young people and schools, RSL Forum August 2023
This presentation from Maureen Dickson and Lynne Dunn from Kingdom Housing Association presentation provides an overview of their work with young people and school.
Community Investment Team, RSL Forum August 2023
This presentation from Bryan Dando at Barrhead Housing Association provides an overivew of their first year of their new community investment team.
Member Query – Unacceptable Actions/Customer Behaviours Policies – August 2023
Responses received to a recent member query to both LA's and RSL's about Unacceptable Actions Policies/Customer Behaviour Policies. 24 August 2023.
Member Query – Housing Management Process Audits (Local Authorities) – August 2023
Responses received to a recent member query relating to Housing Management process audits. August 2023
Barrhead Housing Community Investment Team, August 2023
This presentation from Bryan Dando at Barrhead Housing Association provides an overview of the first year of the associations community investment team.
Working with young people and schools, August 2023
This presentation from Lynne Dunn and Maureen Dickson at Kingdom Housing Association provides an overview of the work that Kingdom Housing Association are doing with their tenants and local communities.
Member Query – Data Retention and Storage – August 2023
Responses received to a recent member query on data retention and storage policies and practices, 21 August 2023
Member Query – Void Standards (Kitchens) – August 2023
Responses received to a recent member query on void standards, particularly in relation to kitchens. August 2023
SHN data and benchmarking services, SISF 17th August 2023
This presentation provides an overview of the Networks data and benchmarking services.
Learning from Complaints, SISF 17th August 2023
This presentation from Paragon provides an overview of their complaints process.
Quarterly Benchmarking 2023-24 Q1 RSL report
This is the report on the Registered Social Landlords who submitted quarterly data for Q1 of 2023-24.
Data Protection and Freedom of Information, SISF 17th August 2023
This presentation provides a refresher in Data Protection and the legal frameowrk in the Brexit era.
Annual Assurance Statement, SISF 17th August 2023
This presentation provides an overview of Shire's process of preparing for the Annual Assurance Statement.
Quarterly Benchmarking 2023-24 Q1 LA report
This is the report on the Local Authorities who submitted quarterly data for Q1 of 2023-24.
Governance Self-Assesment Toolkit, SISF 17th August 2023
This presentation provides an overview of the toolkits that the network has produced to support housing providers in Good Governance.
Homelessness Forum Report, August 2023
Brief report of the proceedings of the August 2023 meeting of the Homelessness Forum which was held online.
The New TA Standards Framework
Presentation given to the August 2023 meeting of the Homelessness Forum about the new temporary accommodation standards and their implementation.
Inverclyde’s Improvement Journey
Presentation given to August 2023 meeting of the Homelessness Forum about the improvement journey Inverclyde homelessness services are on.
Development Value for Money – Annual Report 2022/23
Details of the first Annual Report of SHN's Development Value for Money (DVfM) tool, analysing data relating to new build development projects completed during 2022/23.
Development Value for Money Data Collection 2023
This is the most up-to-date version of the Data Collection Spreadsheet, v1.3. Please use this version to complete your return.
Scottish Housing Regulator – Regulatory Framework Review Presentation – August 2023
Presentation by Nicola Harcus, Assistant Director of Regulation on the current review of the Regulatory Framework, from an SHN Consultation Session held on 8 August 2023.
Development Value for Money – Tenant Satisfaction data collection tool
Data collection tool for the Development Value for Money Tenant Satisfaction (Quality) element. To be completed for each project. v1.0, updated 9 August 2023
Development Value for Money Tenant Satisfaction Guidance
Development Value for Money - Tenant Satisfaction (Quality) Guidance Note v4 - updated 9 August 2023.
RSL Link Officers Practice Exchange Forum Report July 2023
Brief report of the meeting of RSL Link Officers held online in July 2023
The Impacts of the Outing of Offenders in the Community
The main findings of an academic study into the prevalence of the outing of offenders in the community on social media, and the impacts these have on the parties involved.
Member Query – Allocations Priority and Poor Property Condition – July 2023
Responses received to a recent member query on allocations priority for poor property condition - July 2023
SHN Value for Money Data Collection Spreadsheet 2023
Data collection spreadsheet for 2023's cost Value for Money tool, v1.0. Completed returns should be sent to data@scotlandshousingnetwork.org by Friday 29th September.
SHN Value for Money Tool Guidance 2023
Guidance relating to SHN's cost Value for Money (VFM) Tool for 2023, v1.1 - updated 18 August 2023. Completed Returns should be submitted to data@scotlandshousingnetwork.org by no later than Friday 29th September 2023.
The House Project presentation – Housing Management Forum – June 2023
Presentation by East Dunbartonshire Council for June 2023 Housing Management forum on accommodation for young people leaving care/Care Experienced Young People.
Member Query – Affordable Housing Account policies – July 2023
Member responses received to a recent member query on affordable housing account policies for local authorities - July 2023
Member Query – Upper Income Levels in MMR
Income levels are largely used during the application and assessment processes when letting an MMR property. These form part of the eligibility criteria and allow precedence to be given to applicants on low to moderate inocmes. The network received a query regarding the upper income levels for MMR housing application forms. Seven responses were received allowing colleagues to copare and contrast the different upper income levels that MMR housing providers are curently implementing across Scotland.
Member Query – Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The network received a query from a member regarding KPIs that organisations routinely report to Governing Bodies. Five responses were received, including some examples.
Member Query – Housing for Particular Needs
The network received a query regarding the maintenance of goods fitted as part of the new build contract. Two local authorities and three housing associations responded.
Solace Housing Pressures Report, June 2023
This report lays out the major housing and humanitarian challenges facing Scotland and the chronic housing shortages afflicting many area of the country. It provides an anlysis of data that has been collected nad details the wider strategic housing challenges facing Scotland, the barriers that local authorities are facing when it comes to the supply of new homes, as well as the opportuntiies and missed opportunities by not rapidly increasing the supply of new homes in Scotland.
Member Query – Voids Issues – July 2023
Summary report on responses to a recent member query on voids issues for local authorities, as at July 2023.
Delivering The Promise in Local Government presentation (Improvement Service) – Housing Management forum – June 2023
Presentation by the Improvement Service's David Barr on their recent co-authored report with COSLA on "Delivering the Promise in Local Government" - 26 June 2023
Housing for Care Leavers Presentation (Moray Council) – Housing Management Forum – June 2023
Presentation on the housing needs of young care leavers and how these are being addressed in Moray, by Carol Chambers - Operations Manager, Moray Council - 26 June 2023
Practice Bite – Housing Management Forum – June 2023
Notes from the June 2023 Housing Management forum focusing on the housing and support needs of young people leaving care
SHN Temporary Accommodation Return 2022/23 (Weekly Rents) Guidance
Guidance on completing the SHN Temporary Accommodation Return 2022/23 (Weekly Rents) v1.0
SHN Temporary Accommodation Return 2022/23 (Weekly Rents)
Local authority Temporary Accommodation Return (Weekly Rents) Return 2022/23 v1.0.
ARC Performance Overview 2023
The networks benchmarking data for 2022/23 is based on results form 116 landlords across Scotland and provides the most
comprehensive dataset available at the present time. This represents about 70% of the social landlords in Scotland, relating to
88% of social housing stock in Scotland and provides landlors with the insight and context to understand their own
performance. The results are based on the the networks annual return, which is open to all members.
Member Query – Upper income levels MMR, June 2023
The network received a query regarding the upper income levels for MMR housing application forms. Seven responses were received allowing colleagues to compare and contrast the different upper income levels that MMR housing providers are currently implementing across Scotland. Many thanks to all those who took the time to respond.
Member Query – Parking Policy for MMR developments, June 2023
The network received a query regarding parking allocation policies for MMR. The responses from four landlords are summarised below
Member Query – SSE/OVO Partnerships, June 2023
During this time of increasing energy costs and a lack of available fixed price deals the network received a query specifically to partnerships between social landlords and SSE/OVO. The responses from eighteen landlords are summarised below. Many thanks to all those who took the time to respond.
Member Query – Housing for Particular Needs, June 2023
The network received a query regarding the maintenance of goods fitted as part of the new build contract. The member was interested to find out from colleagues after the initial one-year warranty period do landlords have to maintain them or is it the tenant’s responsibility or the responsibility of HSCPs.Two local authorities and three housing associations responded. Many thanks to all those who took the time to respond.
Member Query – Fire Evacuation Procedure, June 2023
The network received a query from a member about fire evacuation procedures and how these are
implemented. In particular, we would just like clarity on all of the above, to ensure that landlords are
adhering to what is legally required of an RSL in regard to tenemental buildings and Fire evacuation
procedures. Three full responses were received. Many thanks to all those who took the time to respond.
Member Query – New Build Rent Levels – June 2023
Responses to a recent member query on new build rent premiums. 16 June 2023
Charter Performance 2022/23 – A Sector Overview – Presentation – June 2023
Presentation by Ross Morris and Boris Mingay on Sector trends for 2022/23, delivered to LA's and RSL's on 15 June 2023.
Report of the Homelessness Forum February 2023 Meeting
Report of the quarterly meeting of the Homelessness Forum which was held online on February 16th 2023
Briefing paper – Modelling mortgage market impacts in HNDA Tool – June 2023
Briefing paper by Centre for Housing Market Analysis on modelling mortgage market impacts in the HNDA tool. June 2023
Affordable Rural Homes for Key Workers Initiative – LHS Forum – June 2023
Presentation by Lisa Bullen, Scottish Government on the Affordable Rural Homes for Key Workers Initiative - June 2023
Presentation on National Planning Framework (NPF4) – LHS Forum – June 2023
Update from Carrie Thomson, Planning Lead, Scottish Government - 12 June 2023
RRTP at North Ayrshire Council
This was a presentation by Donna McIlwraith and Liz Brown of North Ayrshire Council delivered to the February 2023 meeting of the Homelessness Forum
Role of Supported Housing in Ending Homelessness
Presentation given by Eileen McMullan of SFHA to the February 2023 Homelessness Forum meeting
Homelessness Prevention Pathways Practice Bite
Brief summary of five member local authorities' experience of having homelessness prevention pathways in place.
Member Query – Young People Leaving Care – May 2023
Responses received to a recent member query on support provision and education for young people leaving care. Updated 17/5/23 with additional return
PRS Homelessness Forum Report March 2023
Report of the meeting of the Private Rented Sector Homelessness Forum of March 2023
Energy Market Update: Heat Network Implications, May 2023
David Lewis from ista Energy UK provides guidance on how to stay compliant with the regulation and gain better understanding of the requirement under the recent government energy discount schemes (EBRS & EBDS).
Asset Management Forum Mary 2023, Scottish Government policy update
Ciara O'Connor, Social Housing Heat Decarbonisation Team Leader of the Energy and CLimate Change Directorate policy update.
Sustainability Strategy and ESG statement
Brian Gannon, Chief Executive Officer at West of Scotland Housing Association. Brian will be sharing their Sustainability Strategy, including their ESG statement.
Rent consultation best practice
This presentation from Lorna Shaw at Research Resource provides the background into why rent consultation should be undertaken and some best practice examples in how to undertake rent consultation well and improve engagment and responses.
Maryhill Rent Setting Consultation best practice
This presentation from our Service Improvement and Scrutiny Forum on 9th May 2023 provides an overview of the experiences at Maryhill Housing Assocaition in improving engagement with their tenants in the rent consultation process. An example of Maryhills rent consultation pamphlet can be found below.
Governance self-assessment framework
This framework contains the lists of sources of possible evidence and possible measures are provided merely as examples to assist the process of self-assessment.
Member Query – Resetting power at void stage, May 2023
The network received a query from a member about resetting power at void stage. Fourteen housing providers responded, this briefing paper provides an overview of their repsonses.
Member Query – Alarm Systems in Amenity Housing
Responses to a member query around alarm systems used within Amenity Housing. 11 responses were received from 10 local authorities and 1 housing association
Member Query – Self-Build Register/Housing Needs of Key Workers – May 2023
Responses received to a recent member query relating to local authorities' approach to self-build and the housing needs of key workers.
Member Query – Self Disconnection of Electricity – April 2023
Responses received to a recent member query on tenants' self-disconnection of electicity.
Keeping the world big: Viewpoint Housing Association
Heather Jeffrie of Viewpoint Housing Association provides an overview of recent projects provided to their tenants and changes introduced as a result of changing practices during the pandemic
Member Query – Prison sentences and homelessness applicants, May 2023
This briefing note provides an overview of local authorities proceudres regarding the status of a homeless application and the corresponding housing application when a homeless application enters prison. Eleven local authorities responded.
Briefing note: Electric Vehicle Charging Points (EVCP)
This briefing note provides an overview of electric vehicle charging approaches. The network asked members how they are dealing with requests from tenants who want to install electric car charging points. We also asked members to share their experiences in supplying these at new build developments recently and when installed how is usage paid for. Four local authorities and six housing associations responded.
SHN Presentation on Data and Benchmarking Services, 2023/24
Presentation on SHN's Data and Benchmarking Services for 2023/24, delivered by Ross Morris at recent Charter Preparation Sessions.
Practice Bite – Charter Preparation Sessions – March/April 2023
Notes from our recent Charter Preparation session with Christine Dugan, taking place on 27th and 28th March 2023, and 3rd April 2023
SHN Network Indicators Annual Guidance for reporting year 2022/23 (April 2023)
Updated Guidance on SHN's Annual Network Indicators. For return due 9th June 2023. (Updated June 2023 - improved layout, minor changes to N15 and N35, clarification of rent arrears question)
SHN Network Indicators template for 2022/23 data (April 2023)
Annual Network Indicators data collection template for 2022/23 reporting year. To be completed as soon as possible and returned to data@scotlandshousingnetwork.org
Aberdeen City Council Matchmake to Rent
Presentation given to March 2023 PRS Homelessness Forum about Aberdeen City Council's Matchmake to Rent scheme.
ARC 2023 – Tips on Reporting
SHN Hints and Tips, A Guide to Reporting ARC 2022/23. Guidance is produced exclusively for SHN members by CD Consultancy.
2023 Charter Preparation Sessions with CD Consultancy (PPT slides)
PowerPoint slides from the Charter Preparation sessions delivered in March and April 2023 by Christine Dugan of CD Consultancy.
Wheelchair Accessible Housing Targets SHN Report – March 2023
A report by SHN's Service Improvement Manager Ross Morris on how Wheelchair Accessible Housing Targets are reflected in local authorities' Strategic Housing Investment Plans (SHIPs)
Member Query – Adaptations Processes for Council Tenancies – March 2023
Responses received to a recent member query about adaptations processes for Council tenants.
Member Query – Specific Housing Management Policies – March 2023
Responses received in relation to member queries on specific housing management policies, relating to fly tipping as a breach of tenancy, infestation in properties and tree management. Updated 4 May 2023
Member Query – Sheds and Fences – March 2023
Responses received from local authority members about policies in relation to sheds and fences
Scottish Social Housing Charter – Updated Technical Guidance – March 2023
Updated Technical Guidance from the Scottish Housing Regulator, March 2023
Citizens’ Advice Scotland – Welfare Reform Forums – March 2023
Presentation by Anna Holman, Citizens' Advice Scotland
DWP Presentation – Welfare Reform Forums – March 2023
Presentation by Lynn McAteer (DWP) to Welfare Reform Forums, March 2023
Scottish Government presentation – Welfare Reform Forums – March 2023
Presentation by Nicole Pettigrew and Leigh Sneddon, Scottish Government to Welfare Reform Forums, March 2023.
SHN Presentation – Welfare Reform Forums – March 2023
Presentation by SHN Service Improvement Manager Ross Morris to Welfare Reform forum, March 2023.
SHN Practice Bite – Welfare Reform Forums – March 2023
Notes from the Spring 2023 Welfare Reform forums
Charter Indicators template, 2022/23
A basic template to support you in collecting the required data for the ARC 2022/23.
EESSH Voluntary Collection Template – 2022/23 Return
Voluntary collection of EESSH data for 2022/23, to be returned by 1 June 2023 to data@scotlandshousingnetwork.org.
The impact of housing on public health, March 2023
This presentation from Michael Tornow, Senior Health Improvement Officer in Public Health Scotland's Housing and Homelessness Team provides an overivew of findings of recent researc studies on the impact of tenure on access to private outdoor space and the use of public greenspace.
Sustainable development, March 2023
This presentation from Martin McKay the Chief Executive at Clyde Gateway provides a fresh look at the role of regenearion in achieving sustainable developments.
Sustainable development and Passivhaus, March 2023
This presentation from Karen Shaw of West of Scotland Housing Association shares their experiences of Passivhaus development, what works and the key challenges in delivering this type of development project.
Creating sustainable tenancies, March 2023
Homes for Good own and manage properties all over Glasgow as far as Ayrshire. They are passionate about the impact homes have on people’s lives, and this social aspect to Homes for Good is a central aim of the business. This presentation shares how their unique approach to lettings can improve sustainability.
The role of social value in ESG and Retrofit Credits, March 2023
This presentation from Michael McLaughlin from HACT, outlines the role of social value in ESG and Retrofit Credits
SHN Presentation on Cost Value for Money (VFM) Tool
SHN Service Improvement Manager Ross Morris provides an overview of the existing cost VFM Tool
SHN Presentation on the Development Value for Money tool – Housing Finance and Value for Money – March 2023
Presentation by SHN Chief Executive Officer, Andrea Finkel-Gates
Paul McNeill Presentation – Housing and Value for Money forum – March 2023
Presentation by Paul McNeill on the year ahead in social housing finances
Woodlands and Garnethill Residents Association Presentation by West of Scotland Housing Association
Presentation to the Tenant Participation Community of Practice from Alistair Reid of West of Scotland Housing Association. An overview of their experience of establishing a Residents Association following a transfer of housing stock
Tenant Participation Always Changing…. Viewpoint Housing Association March 2023
Heather Jeffrie of Viewpoint Housing Association provides an overview of recent changes to Tenant Participation within the organisation
Practice Bite SATs and rent increases, February 2023
As Short Assured Tenancies (SATs) are not subject to the rent controls that have been put in place through the latest cost of living legislation and can therefore be increased as long as the SAT contains the contractual clause to allow you to do so. We asked members of our mid-market rent forum what they are doing regarding
rents specifically for their SATs this year.
Retrofit of 25 Holmhead Place, Asset Management Forum 14th March 2023
This presentation from Andy Woodburn, Development and Regeneration Consultant for Cathcart and District Housing Association provides an overview of the retrofit of 25 Holmhead Place, Cathcart.
Review of EESSH2, Asset Management Forum 14th March 2023
This presentation provides an update on the review of EESSH2, realigning the standard with the tearget for net zero heat in homes.
Member Query – Medical Application Assessments – March 2023
Responses received to a recent query relating to how medical applications are assessed by local authorities.
Member Query – Armed Forces Covenant and Allocations Policies – February 2023
Responses received to a member query relating to how the Armed Forces covenant has been reflected in LA allocations policies.
Member Query – Consultation with LGBTQIA+ Communities – February 2023
Responses received to a member query on consulation with LGBTQIA+ Communities in housing policy and strategy development.
Member Query – Relet Times Targets – February 2023
Responses received to a member query on relet times targets, circulated to members in February 2023.
20 minute neighbourhoods in a rural and island context
This presentation from Nick Wright discusses what a 20 minute neighbourhood looks like in a rural and island context; and what would need to happen for a rural settlment to become a 20 minute community.
20 minute Neighbourhoods – Rural Forum, February 2023
Briefing note from the latest meeting of the rural housing group on 9th February 2023. In this meeting we were joined by Derek Rankine, Policy Manager at Surf and Nick Wright for a discussion around what could a 20-minute neighbourhood look like in a rural and island context.
SHN Presentation on Wheelchair Accessible Housing Targets, 2023-2028 – LHS Forum – February 2023
Presentation by Ross Morris (Scotland's Housing Network) on local authorities' most recent round of SHIPs 2023-2028.
CHMA Specialist Provision Evidence Finder v5.0 – LHS Forum – February 2023
Specialist Provision Evidence Finder produced by CHMA. Version 5.0.
City of Edinburgh Council Presentation on Accessible Housing Study – LHS Forum – February 2023
Presentation by Gillian Donohoe (City of Edinburgh Council) on the methodology used and findings from their recent Accessible Housing Study.
NRS Presentation on Census 2022 – LHS Forum – February 2023
Presentation by National Records for Scotland (Peter Whitehouse and Ryan Scott) on the data needs of Housing Policy & Strategy Teams.
Report of Meeting of Stock Transfer Homelessness Authorities, September 2022
Brief report of meeting of stock transfer homelessness authorities held on 1 September 2022.
Bield Housing and Care’s Rainbow Network
Zhan McIntyre's presentation to the August 2022 meeting of the Older People's Housing Forum about their Rainbow Network which seeks to support their LGBT+ customers.
LSVT Authorities Benchmarked Homelessness Performance, 2021-2
Presentation slides of a benchmarked analysis of performance by the six stock transfer authorities and their transfer associations
National Care Service, presentation to the Older People’s Housing Forum, August 2022
Anna Kynaston and Colin McKnight of the Scottish Government delivered this presentation on the principles of the National Care Service proposals and their implementation.
Older Persons Housing Forum, August 2022, Meeting Report
Brief report of meeting of Older Persons Housing Forum held on 29 August 2022, at which a support network for LGBT+ older residents was discussed and also the Scottish Government's National Care Service plans.
SBHA’s Croft Street Area Regeneration Consultation
Presentation by Scottish Borders HA to the August 2022 meeting of the Tenant Participation Forum about their Croft Street area regeneration consultation.
North Ayrshire Council’s Gold-Accredited Tenant Participation Services
North Ayrshire Council's Tracey Wilson presented to the August 2022 meeting of the Tenant Participation Forum about their TP services which had been gold-accredited by TIS.
Tenant Participation Forum, August 2022, Meeting Report
At this meeting of the Tenant Participation Forum, members heard about North Ayrshire Council's gold-accredited tenant participation services and how Scottish Borders HA had consulted on area regeneration priorities in Galashiels.
Using the PRS to Meet Homelessness Demand
A good practice study into six local authorities' record of using private rented sector tenancies to rehouse homeless households.
Member Query – Adaptations and Allocations Priority – January 2023
Report on responses to a Member Query about how allocations policies prioritise people whose property does not meet their health needs. Includes discussion of management transfers and adaptations.
Housing Management Forum – December 2022
All notes and resources used during the Housing Management forum for Local Authorities held in December 2022. This includes presentations from Aberdeenshire Council, Caledonia Housing Association and SHN, as well as a "Practice Bite" summary of the event.
SOLO’s and RSL Link Officers Forum Report, November 2022
Report of the meeting of the SOLO's and RSL Link Officers Forum at which the relationship between the police and social landlords in managing offenders in the community and the implications of the Bail and Release from Custody Bill were discussed.
Scottish Social Housing Charter 2022 – Summary of changes
The Scottish Government published a revised version of the Scottish Social Housing Charter in November 2022. This is a summary of the changes. Following it's publication the Scottish Housing Regulator confirmed that there would be no changes to the Annual Return of the Charter.
Cost of Living Crisis Best Practice Report, 2022
This best practice report sets out the issues facing social housing providers and their tenants, along with a review of the specific measures that housing providershave introduced to support tenants or residents in their communities.
Climate Change and Your Home Report, 2022
In order to better understand tenants’ views and attitudes towards social housing and the climate emergency in Scotland, Scotland’s Housing Network and the Tenants Information Service (TIS) have undertaken a consultation with social housing tenants across Scotland consisting of a survey and a series of focus groups. This report is a starting point to better understand tenant's views and attitudes towards climate change.
Temporary Accommodation Self-assessment Worksheet
Self-assessment framework: Temporary Accommodation
Homelessness Assessment and Investigation Self-assessment Worksheet
Self-assessment framework: Homelessness Assessment and Investigation
SHN Guidance to ARC Indicators 2022
SHN Guide to the Charter - March 2022 version (Updated version to follow)
Scottish Social Housing Charter – Technical Guidance December 2017 – for reference only
ARC Technical Guidance published December 2017 - for reference only - relevant to completion of Annual Network Indicators, which collates information on older indicators
Overview of charter data July 2022
An overview for members by Ross Morris on charter data received to July 2022. Presented to Service Improvement and Scrutiny Forum July 2022.
Collecting equality data and the national guidance February 2022
Presentation by Doctor Stewart Montgomery to the February 2022 Service Improvement and Scrutiny Forum. The subject was collecting equalities data and an overview of the national guidance.
Report from Welfare Reform Forums Spring 2021
Detailed report from Tony Donohue of presentations made to the three area based Welfare Reform Forums in Spring 2022. Includes presentations from Scottish Government (Pauline Torley) and DWP (Cathy McPhail).
Report from Welfare Reform Forums Autumn 2022
Detailed information from Tony Donohue of presentations made to the three area based Welfare Reform Forums in Autumn 2022. Includes presentations from Scottish Government (Lynn McAteer and Andrew Weir) and Scottish Government (Leigh Sneddon).
Scottish Government Housing and Welfare Update February 2022
Presentation by Scottish Government to the three area based Welfare Reform Forums in February 2022. Included an update on Discretionary Housing Payments, Tenant Grant Fund and Universal Credit in Scotland.
DWP presentation to Welfare Forum February 2022
Presentation from DWP to three area based Welfare Reform Forums in February 2022. Including updates on: Temporary Job Centres; Advanced Customer Support Senior Leaders; Move to UC by end of 2024 and general UC awareness.
DWP Update to Welfare Reform Network June 2022
Presentation by Lynn McAteer of DWP updating Members on Universal Credit changes.
Scottish Government update on Housing and Welfare June 2022
Presentation by Nicole Pettigrew of the Scottish Government to the three area based Welfare Reform Forums in June 2022. General update from the Government on Housing and Welfare issues including Discretionary Housing Payments.
Help to Claim – Citizens Advice Scotland June 2022
Presentation by Anna Lisouska of Citizens Advice Scotland on their "Help to Claim" project. Presented to 3 area based Welfare Reform Forums in June 2022.
Welfare Reform Forum June 2022 – Summary Report
Summary report from Scotland's Housing Network of the 3 area based Welfare Reform Forums held in June 2022.
Welfare Reform Forum Summer 2022 SHN Presentation
Scotland's Housing Network's presentation to the three area based Welfare Reform networks in June 2022.
Shire Housing Association 25th Anniversary Report
Report developed to mark the 25th anniversary of Shire Housing Association. Outlines the role of the organisation within the communities served and provides examples of their achievements: Great Homes; Great People and Vibrant Communities.
Cost of Living and Fuel Poverty Member Survey Results
Presentation from Ross Morris of Scotland's Housing Network to a joint Housing Management Forum in July 2022. Provides a summary of Members feedback to a survey on Cost of Living and Fuel Poverty
Digital, Food & Fuel Poverty – A Housing Response from Aberdeenshire Council
A presentation from Tracy Noles of Aberdeenshire Council around the Council's response to digital, food and fuel poverty. Presented to a joint Housing Management Forum July 2022
Fuel Poverty Engagement Initiative – Bield Housing & Care
A presentation from Dr Ron Mould of Bield Housing on an Air Fryer/Slow Cooker initiative as part of their Fuel & Poverty Engagement work
Easing the Cost of Living Initiative – Citizens Advice Scotland September 2022
A presentation from Citizens Advice Scotland outlining their initiative on "Easing the Cost of Living"
Fire Safety in Specialised Housing
Presentation by Scottish Government on fire safety in specialist housing to Older People's Housing Forum February 2022.
Well designed housing – preventing isolation and loneliness
Presentation by Abbeyfield Scotland to Older People's Housing Forum February 2022. Prevention of isolation and loneliness through well designed housing.
ADAM Partnership – Alzheimer Scotland
Presentation by Katie Taylor of Alzheimer Scotland on assisting older people to engage with technology.
St Stephen’s Development, Port Glasgow
Presentation by Elaine Cannon and Carinne Strain of River Clyde Homes. Overview of new development in Port Glasgow to include dementia friendly and accessible homes.
Extra Care Housing in Midlothian – Building for the future
Presentation on Extra Care Housing in Midlothian by Gillian Chapman of Midlothian Health & Social Care Partnership
Ageing Well Strategy SBHA
Ageing Well Strategy 2021-2026 presentation by Henry Coyle from Scottish Borders Housing Association.
Housing & Dementia Framework Presentation January 2021
Presentation from Gillian Harkins, Wellbeing Manager, at Queens Cross Housing Association. Housing & Dementia Framework, the journey so far.
Older People’s Housing Forum Report January 2021
Report from Older Peoples Housing Forum held January 2021
Older People’s Housing Forum Report September 2021
Report from Older Peoples Housing Forum held September 2021
Older Peoples Housing Forum Report February 2022
Report from Older Peoples Housing Forum held February 2022
Assurance Statements 2022 review
This report is an overview of assurance statments for LAs for the reporting year 2022
Developing Value for Money
This report analyses the costs, quality and satisfaction for 78 development projects carried out by councils and RSLs. Expenditure on the AHSP is measured in £billions, but current reporting is very limited. This research has shown that projects can be assessed for costs, quality, and satisfaction, but that there are issues with availability of consistent data.
Developing Value for Money: New build affordable housing developments
This presentation provides an overview of value for money for new build affordable housing developments.
Governance self-assessment guidance
This guide explains in detail how to use our self-assessment toolkit.
Governance self-assessment framework
SHN governance self-assessment tool to provide evidence for Assurance Statement.
Homelessness 2020/1
This presentation provides an overview of homelessness for the reporting year 2020/1.
Well-designed housing: preventing isolation and loneliness
This presentation from Abbeyfield Scotland provides an overview of their approach to tackling isolation and loneliness.
Annual assurance statements 2021
This presentation provides an overview of themes from local authority submissions for 2021.
Best practice rural roundtable
This best practice report provides an overview of the themes from the best practice rural roundtable.
Tenant participation forum, City of Edinburgh Council
This presentation provides an overview of Edinburgh City Councils tenant participation forum.
Overview of charter data, 2021/22
This presentation provides an overview of the charter data from the reporting year 2021/22.
RRTP and the Pandemic
This presentation provides an overview of Argyll and Bute Councils approach to RRTP during the Pandemic.
Improving the way we work within housing
This presentation from Fife Council provides an overview of the improvements that they have made to housing services.
Fire Safety in specialised housing
This presentation provides an overview of fire safety in specialised housing.
Gypsy Traveller Accommodation Fund
This presentation from the Scottish Government provides an overview of the gypsy traveller accommodation fund and planned research on accommodation needs.
Health and Social Care Strategy for Older People
This presentation from the Scottish Government provides an overview of the Health and Social Care Strategy for older people.
Covid Impact on Homelessness
This presentation from East Renfrewshire Council provides an overview of the Covid impact on homelessness.
Y2K project
This presentation provides an overview of the Y2K project which supports young people to realise their potential.
Integrated Impact Assessment
This presentation from Aberdeen City Council provides an overview of their approach to intgrated impact assessments.
Our journey into tenant scrutiny
This presentation from Kingdom Housing Association provides an overview of their approach to tenant scrutiny.
Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies
This presentation from the Scottish Government provides an overview of LHEES.
Livingwell
This presentation from the Wheatley Group provides an overview of their Livingwell service.
National Care Service
This presentation from the Scottish Government provides an overview on the National Care Service.
NPF4 and Housing
This presentation from the Scottish Government provides an overview of NP4 and housing.
75 ways to prevent homelessness
This presentation from Crisis provides an overview of their new report on 75 ways to prevent homelessness.
Tenant Participation
This presentation provides an overview of North Ayrshire Councils approach to tenant participation.
Healthy housing for Scotland
This briefing paper sets out the fundamental link between housing and public health.
Tenancy Sustainment Framework
This presentation provides an overview of Home Groups tenancy sustainment framework.
Prevention of Homelessness Duties
This presentation from the Scottish Government provides an overview of the prevention of homeless duties.
Prevention Services
This presentation from West Dunbartonshire Council provides an overview of their homelessness prevention services.
Healthy Housing for Scotland
This presentation from Public Health Scotland provides an overview of Healthy Housing for Scotland briefing paper June 2021.
RSL’s Operating in Multiple LA’s, 2021
This presentation provides an overview of the homelessness performance of RSL's operating in multiple LA's.
Affordable Housing Supply Programme Report 2019/20
This report provides an overview of the AHSP for 2019/20.
Bield Rainbow Network
This presentation provides an overview of Bield's approach to promote and embed diversity across Bield Housing and Care.
Croft Street Area Consultation
This presentation provides an overview of SBHA approach to community engagement and area regeneration.
Collecting equality data and the National Guidance
This briefing provides an overview of best practice in collecting equality data and the national guidance.
Priority Homelessness
This presentation from Link Group provides an overview of their approach to preventing homelessness.
Working out of homelessness
This presentation from Kingdom provides an overview of their housing first model of supporting homeless people into secure and permanent accommodation.
Wheelchair Accessible Housing Targets
This presentation provides an overview of wheelchair accessible housing targets, 2022.
Digital by design
This presentation from Blackwood provides an overview of their digital initiatives.
Considerations for Domestic Ventilation Strategies in Scotland
This presentation provides an overview of considerations for Domestic Ventilation Strategies in Scotland.
Housing and Retrofit – emerging lessons from a demonstration project
This presentation from Dr Kenneth Gibb of the University of Glasgow provides an overview of the lessons learnt from a demonstration project at 107 Niddrie Road, Strathbungo.
HACT Retrofit credits
This presentation from HACT provides an overview of Retrofit credits and how housing providers can harness the carbon markets and social value to decarbonise social housing
Scottish Government Update LLREG Forum, 8th March 2022
Scottish Government Update LLREG Forum 8th March 2022 from Paul McGillivray
Registers of Scotland Update to LLREG/HMO Forum, 8th March 2022
Registers of Scotland Update to LLREG/HMO Forum 8th March 2022 from Scott Clarke
Note Online Property Factoring Forum 29th March 2022
Note of Online Property Factoring Forum 29th March 2022
Simon Roberts SG Update for SHN Property Condition Forum 15th Feb 2022
Simon Roberts written update for SHNs Property Condition Forum 15 Feb 2022
Simon Roberts SG Update to SHN Property Condition Forum 15 Feb 2022
A PowerPoint presentation from Simon Roberts Scottish Government on current private sector housing policy on 15th February 2022
SG Update on rented sector strategy 15Feb 2022
SG Update on whole rented sector strategy 15 Feb 2022 by Stephen O'Connor Scottish Government
Note of SHN Online Property Condition Forum 15th February 2022
Note of SHN Online Property Condition Forum 15th February 2022
Note of SHN Online Adaptations Forum 25th January 2022
This the Note of SHN's Online Adaptations Forum held on 25th January 2022
Novoville Shared Repairs App
presentation from Novoville consultants on shared repairs App Edinburgh
Equipment and Adaptations Guidance, Jan 2022
This presentation provides an overview of the consultation on the Scottish Government Equipment and Adaptations from Alison Docherty
Rent Management Practices
This presentation from Fife Council provides an overview of their rent collection practices.
Our tenant participation journey
This presentation from Kingdom Housing Association provides an overview of their tenant participation journey, the challenges and best practice.
Tenant Participation in Social Housing
This presentation from Dr Jenny Preece of the University of Sheffield provides an overview of their research into Understanding organisational perceptions and practices of tenant participation across the UK.
Tenant Participation in Rural Settings
This presentation from Hebridean Housing Partnership provides an overview of best practice in undertaking tenant participation in a rural setting, the challenges and how these have been overcome.
IoT and Asset Management
This presentation provides an overview of how IoT can be used to improve asset management.
Improving your customer’s experience with smart homes
This presentation from Rowley Maggs provides an overview of how smart homes can improve the customer experience.
Mid-Market Rent Market Trends and Changes, March 2021
This presentation from Dr John Boyle of Rettie and Co provides an overview of the mid-market rent market trends and changes.
Better Lives, Intelligent Homes
This presentation from Switchee and Dudley Metropolitan Council provides an overview of how technology and data can be used to reduce and prevent fuel poverty.
Tackling Fuel Poverty
This presentation from Changeworks provides an overview of best practice in tackling fuel poverty.
Untangling Evictions, March 2021
This note provides an overview the discussion of the rent arrears roundtable of March 2021 which was attended by 48 participants from housing associations and local authorities across Scotland, Public Health and Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG).
Harm Centred Approaches to ASB
This presentation from Janine Green provides an overview of best practice in taking a harm centred approach to ASB.
Tackling ASB
This presentation from Fife Council provides an overview of their approach to tackling ASB.
ASB Management
This presentation from the Wheatley Group provides an overview of their approach to ASB management.
Technologies and approaches to support EESSH2
This presentation from Changeworks provides an overview of the technologies and approaches to support EESSH2.
Stock condition surveys and beyond: a surveyors perspective
This presentation from Graeme Reid of HUB Asset Management provides an overview of best practice in stock condition surveys and asset management.
Our Rent and Income Approach
This presentation from the Wheatley Group provides an overview of their rent and income approach.
Rent Management Approach
This presentation from Link Housing Association provides an overview of their rent management approach.
Arrears Best Practice Bite
The payment of rent is an essential part of the agreement between landlords and tenants. However, poverty, challenging circumstances and low financial skills are some of the factors that lead tenants to accrue arrears. This paper describes good practice in helping people who have rent arrears continue to sustain their social housing.
Developing a digital housing strategy
This presentation from Glasgow City Council provides insight into how they have developed a digital strategy from the perspective of a local authority.
IT/Digital Strategy
This presentation from DTL Creative provides an overview of the do's and don't of developing an IT/Digital strategy.
Tenant insight: a toolkit for landlords
This toolkit and its accompanying research summary help to explode some of the myths of profiling. It aims to raise awareness beyond a discussion of process and explains what can be achieved. The toolkit takes a step-by-step approach and includes numerous examples of how providers have used profiling and insight to make a difference.
Service Re-design and customer engagement
This presentation is from Berwickshire Housing Association.
Customer Engagement goes Digital
This presentation from Kingdom Housing Association provides an overview of their experiences of undertaking digital customer engagement, their best practice and lessons learnt.
Building a digital customer experience
This presentation from Kingdom Housing Association provides an overview of the development of their digital customer experience, best practice and learning points.
Elective Vehicle Charging
This presentation from EVC Group provides an overview of how they are helping Scotland’s residential and commercial premises get ready for the electric future by installing EV chargers for business owners, visitors, customers and members of the public. They have been on the energy saving trusts approved installers list since the beginning when there was single digit installers in Scotland.
Net Zero Carbon in Social Housing
This presentation from Collective Architecture provides an overview of best practice in net zero social housing.
Creative Scotland Youth Arts Fund
This presentation from the Wheatley Group provides an overview of their Creative Scotland Youth Arts Project.
Getting to know you: developing and delivering research on equalities data
This presentation from Research Resource provides an overview of best practice in developing and delivering research on equalities data.
Getting to know you: how we use the results
This presentation from Queens Cross Housing Association provides an overview of how they use their equalities data to build evidence to support their strategic decision making and tack progress over time.
Collecting equality information: National guidance for Scottish social landlords
This Guide is intended to support social landlords in Scotland, both local authorities and registered social landlords, to implement legal and regulatory requirements relating to equality data collection.
Getting your Equalities Impact Assessment right
This presentation provides an overview of how to undertake equalities impact assessments
Rent Review 2021 best practice
This presentation from Kingdom Housing Association provides an overview of their rent consultation process.
Best practice in self-assessment
This presentation provides an overview of how Hawthorn Housing Co-operative are using the networks self-assessment tools to improve their services.
Ruchazie Housing Association experiences of regulatory intervention
This presentation provides an overview of Ruchazies experiences of regulatory intervention and their lessons learnt.
Pandemic Impacts Evidence Review, May 2022
This presentation provides an overview of data from the Regulator's COVID-19 Quarterly Dashboard Report 2021-22
Getting the most out of social media
This presentation provides ideas and tactics to help you get the most out of social media.
Cost of Living Survey Summary
The current cost of living crisis will affect us all, but the impact will be disproportionately felt by those who are already struggling to make ends meet. We carried out this quick `flash` of our members survey as a starting point to understand what our members were doing to support tenants with the cost of living crisis. This report is a summary of the 24
anonymous responses that were received.
Cost of Living Best Practice Bite
The current cost of living crisis will affect us all, but the impact will be disproportionately felt by those who are already struggling to make ends meet. Social housing makes an important contribution to tackling poverty and supporting good health and wellbeing in Scotland. This best practice not provides a summary of different initiatives being undertaken by local authorities and housing associations to support tenants with the cost of living.
Improving Feedback and Engagement in the Scottish Social Housing Sector
This presentation provides an in-depth exploration of best practice in tenants surveys, feebdack and engagement with Grampian Housing Association in collaboration with CX-Feedback.
LAR Housing Trust Experiences of Mid-Market Rent
This presentation from LAR Housing Trust provides an overview of their experiences in developing mid-market rent housing. LAR were established in September 2015, tasked to build 400 homes to provides mid-market rental housing and generate an additional £55m of private finance with which to build more affordable homes.
Mid-Market Rent trends and changes, July 2022
This presentation from Dr John Boyle of Rettie and Co provides an overview of the latest trends and changes in the mid-market rent sector.
Co-Housing at Earlsgate
This presentation from Kingdom Housing Association provides an overview of their co-housing development at Earlsgate.
Preventing Homelessness – Averting Evictions, A Section 11 Process Guide
Section 11 of the Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003 requires landlords to give notice
to the local authority of its intention to seek repossession of a home, in order to give
the authority warning of the need to provide information and support to the tenant at
risk of homelessness. This guidance considers how this process can be better used to
enable the tenancy to be sustained thereby, preventing homelessness occurring.
Development Value for Money Practice Bite
The purpose of this briefing is to provide developing landlords with an overview of the Development Value for Money Tool
Charter Customer Report Guidance
This guidance is designed to provide the key tips for producing the Charter customer report with customer involvement throughout.
Analysis of rehousing of homeless households by RSLs in Multiple LAs 2021
RSL members of Scotland’s Housing Network that operate across multiple local authority areas have for a second year provided data related to their homelessness performance, percentage of lets made to homeless households and percentage of lets made to homeless households that are sustained, broken down by the local authority areas in which they operate. Effective performance against these two indicators is at least in part related to the relationship between the local authority, being the statutory homelessness authority, and the housing association. This study enables an analysis of the data at the level of the individual housing association working with the individual local authority.
Development Value for Money Overview
This presentation provides an overview of the Development Value for Money tool
Mid-Market Rent Housing in Scotland: A Practice Guide 2021
MMR is aimed at providing affordable housing within the private rented sector and is an affordable alternative to the wider private rented sector. It is designed to help households on low or modest incomes, who have difficulty accessing social rented housing but also struggle to buy their own home or rent privately.
MMR tenants usually transit from within the wider private rented sector; typically, having required more affordable private rented accommodation or of a different size or location. Social tenants may also move to MMR if they are looking for a property of a different size or location.
The MMR Practice Guide (the Guide) is aimed primarily at the local authorities and Registered Social Landlords (RSLS) who manage homes in the MMR sector.
It will also be useful for tenants, governing body members, agencies advising others on their rights and responsibilities in relation to MMR housing and anyone with an interest in MMR housing in Scotland.
Understanding Digital Engagement in the Social Housing Sector in Scotland
The digital agenda has become one of the priority areas for large numbers of housing providers. Covid-19 restrictions have significantly changed the way that housing organisations, and tenant, resident and community groups operate. Housing providers have adapted to the challenges posed by the pandemic using social media to communicate with tenants, and in some cases we have also seen an acceleration in their move to digital working. However, there is no holistic view as to how the sector is approaching digital engagement.
The purpose of this report is to provide some insight into the current perceptions of digital engagement across the housing sector in Scotland and to understand the current and future scope of providers’ digital initiatives. We address this through an online survey to social housing providers which received 80 responses, and a workshop with housing professionals from across the social housing sector.
Domestic CCTV Best Practice
The use of CCTV in both public and private areas is becoming increasingly important due to the fact of how much data gets processed by these cameras. CCTV can be considered essential in protecting the community certainly in public spaces. It can also be seen as a deterrent to Anti-Social Behaviour as CCTV is key in many crime prevention cases, as well as helping solve already committed crimes. CCTV is important in the right context. There essentially must be a well worked out balance that justifies the use of CCTV as well as taking privacy rights, also known as individual rights into account.
This briefing provides some insight and practical advice on how both individuals and organisations can benefit from the use of smart and modern technology whilst ensuring compliance to the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) tailored by the Data Protection Act 2018. This training resource will go over the key points of the use of domestic CCTV and doorbells and link them to data protection laws and how they can be applied in practical situations.
SHN Housing Governance Survey 2022: Summary of findings
Social housing generates important economic and social impacts for its residents, communities and for Scotland. Increasing the supply of affordable housing helps to tackle inequalities by reducing child poverty and homelessness and by providing inclusive, sustainable housing options. Social housing providers support the delivery of affordable and good quality homes which can improve health and wellbeing, contribute to successful placemaking and strengthen community resilience.
Social housing providers are important community anchors which are well placed to support anti-poverty strategies and lead economic and social cohesion at a community level. Strong governance is pivotal in housing association and co-operatives, providing the strategic direction and leadership necessary to create a successful organisations.
We created this survey as a starting point to understand the views of those involved in governance in the social housing sector and to use those to inform our approach to the governance support and services we provide.
Charter Customer Reporting
SHN ran a pilot project with 19 landlords to test the production of the new Charter report to customers.
Practice Bite – LHS Forum – May 2022
• Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (LHEES)
• The Housing Needs of Gypsy/Traveller households
• Scottish Government Update
Centre for Housing Market Analysis Update