NIFHA conference 2011 – how it went

Kate and Mike went to the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) Annual Conference and Exhibition on 13^th and 14^th October (as reported on 10^th October).

Over 100 delegates and a sold out exhibition had an early start at La Mon Hotel in open countryside near Belfast. There was a full programme and delegates took every opportunity to view the exhibition and talk to those of us waiting patiently on our stands for each refreshment break when we could promote our products, in our case ReACT 4.We are very hopeful of adding new customers to our existing user base of three housing associations in NI.

It was most helpful to have Sharon and Nick Mackley from Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group, also on their first foray to Northern Ireland, alongside us especially as they very kindly transported our exhibition material thus allowing us to take the easy option of flying.

Over the two days interesting speakers joined the conference to offer their influences, of those including the Minister for Social Development, Nelson McCausland and the Chair of NI Housing Executive, Brian Rowntree, who both helped in giving us a greater understanding of the current housing activity in NI; with uncertainty of merges with neighbouring associations, directors and staff look to each other for guidance. The NI Executive are also waiting patiently to hear what the minister will decide for its future; suggestions of a split to include a strategic outlet and an operational landlords division seem to be at the forefront. David Orr Chief Executive from the National Housing Federation also joined the conference on the second day to share his experiences of change in England and the ways to adapt and deal with changing needs, demography in a challenging financial climate.

Strong feelings of uncertainty suggest that the associations are looking for support from the Department of Social Development to deliver a ‘Guidance Document’ to help whilst preparing the DSD inspections. It is clear that NI will be working hard to gather their thoughts and actions to create a more cohesive approach in dealing with the housing needs in NI through partnership and collaborative working.

We hope that ReACT will be able to play a part in supporting the associations by encouraging joint working when it comes to tackling ASB across NI. It was a thoroughly informative and successful conference that NIFHA had organised and made a success. We will be keeping a close eye on the activity and outcomes from the two days in Belfast. 

By Mike Blomer

Housing Minister to speak at SLCNG Conference

In what I consider to be quite a coup for the Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group, The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, Minister of State for Housing and Local Government, is confirmed to speak at their Annual Conference on 1st November being held in Solihull.

The Minister will deliver the keynote address on the afternoon of the first day of the two-day conference. We can only hope that he has something worthwhile to tell delegates and also be prepared to answer questions from the floor.

There are still delegate places available –  simply visit the http://www.slcngconference.com/ to find out more about the event and book a place.  ReACT is a major sponsor of SLCNG, will be exhibiting and showcasing the all new version 4. Do come along and see us.

By Mike Blomer

SLCNG Annual Conference – reminder

Yet another reminder from me about this important conference being held on 1^st and 2^nd November at St. Johns Hotel, Solihull. Go to www.slcng.org.uk for details and a booking form.

The Conference Dinner on the evening of 1^st November includes the Annual Awards. I met with fellow judges on 21^st September to decide the shortlist of three for each of the award categories, the best practice, residents and team awards and the prestigious Tim Winter Award. A grand total of 57 nominations were submitted by the closing date. As in previous years, the judges, Tokunbo Okunlola from DCLG, Gez Kinsella HouseMark, Eamon Lynch Managing Director SLCNG, Roger Griffiths Chairman SLCNG and myself were faced with a difficult task in all of the categories but we got there eventually. The winners will be announced at the Conference Dinner.

Naturally ReACT will be exhibiting and showing off the new version 4 – please come along for a chat.

by Mike Blomer

ReACT User Group Meetings 2011

This year’s User Group meetings were held, as planned, on 13^th September at Twickenham Rugby Stadium and at Derby Conference Centre on 15^th September.

Whilst the eventual numbers attending both events was a little disappointing for the ReACT team we believe that delegates had an informative day and took advantage of the opportunity to network with fellow users of the system.

A full report on the User Group meetings was emailed to all known ReACT users on 22^nd September. The email includes, as downloads, the presentations made, the ReACT specific latest HouseMark ASB Benchmarking report and, importantly, an on-line survey for opinions on the these latest meetings and also to elicit views on future meetings.

As the organiser of the User Group meetings I agonise every year over the format and location recommendations I make to my Director. Always conscious of the fact that we have busy customers in virtually every part of the UK I am very aware of the convenience of venues and the travel time involved but I am equally keen to make the events worthwhile and a meeting which users want to attend. Like you I also have a budget! There is the opportunity to express your opinions in the survey mentioned above and there are, in my view, three options:-

1. One large meeting in a central location – inevitably Birmingham with its very good transport links both by road, rail and air.
2. Two meetings – north/central and south-east.
3. Regional meetings – probably five in total.

I have pontificated on the merits or otherwise of each on a number of occasions and would really appreciate your views as planning for next year’s meetings will begin early in the new year. Please let me know via the comment box below.

By Mike Blomer

CIH Harrogate – A personal perspective

Delegates and exhibitors duly assembled for the CIH Annual Conference and Exhibition for the last event to be held in Harrogate after 25 years. The move to Manchester Central Convention Complex (formerly GMEX) in 2012 has been rumoured for some time and the formal announcement by CIH and Ocean Media eventually came in a press release on 7^th June that next year’s conference and exhibition will be in Manchester from 12 to 14 June.

There have been many opinions expressed about the move to Manchester. After so many years many felt at home in Harrogate, knew their way around, had favourite bars and restaurants but complained loudly about the cost of accommodation and for some the inconvenience of being forced to stay in Leeds and York and being bussed to Harrogate. Others grumbled about travel difficulties especially the train service from Leeds.

However, with the decision made, and with the expectation of easier travel and plentiful hotel rooms at competitive prices the social housing world moves on. I share the opinion of some that, in recent years the conference has, to an extent, lost its way and moving to Manchester will revitalise the event – we shall see.

As last year ReACT shared the SLCNG stand. It is very convenient to be with friends and to have the opportunity to chat with the many SLCNG members who call in. We also had a number of potential customers drop in for a demonstration of ReACT. Kate will be quite busy following up new leads during July.

In ASB terms the big event at conference was the launch of the “Respect Charter” which was sponsored by ReACT. The launch was well attended with the  announcement carried out by CIH Chief Executive Sarah Webb and a presentation by Sam McGrady, Deputy Chief Executive of HouseMark. I expect that everyone involved in ASB is well aware that the responsibility for the former Respect Standard for Housing Management has been handed to the housing sector and its makeover has been the responsibility of CIH, ably assisted by SLCNG and HouseMark. If you would like more information about “Respect – ASB Charter for Housing” go to http://www.cih.org/respectstandard/

In terms of delegates, exhibitors and visitors my take is that numbers were down on last year. There were approximately 80 exhibitor stands less than 2010 with one hall closed and there were certainly a fair amount of empty space in the remaining four halls. Delegate and visitor numbers also appeared to be well down. This may, of course, have much to do with the economic situation which was cited so many times, I lost count. My hope is that the “buzz” around conference which existed until the last couple of years returns in Manchester.

For a very interesting article “Harrogate Memories” go to http://www.insidehousing.co.uk/regulation/harrogate-memories/6516245.article it’s worth the read.

By Mike Blomer MBE

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Event Reminders

Some important dates for your diary:

12 July – HouseMark ASB Benchmarking Conference

Now in its 4th year, and sponsored by ReACT, this normally well attended event is again being held at Warwick University, Coventry. The ReACT team will be at the conference and holding a workshop session with Wolverhampton Homes. For more information go to Housemark ASB Benchmarking Conference or email julie.morton@housemark.co.uk

13 July – SLCNG Wales ASB Conference

Following the success of last year’s conference this one day conference will again be held at the Village Hotel, Coryton, Cardiff. The ReACT team will be at this conference. For more information go to SLCNG Wales ASB Conference or email nick@slcng.org.uk

13 September – ReACT User Group Meeting, London

For London, the south, south east and south west, Scotland and Wales. A must for ReACT end users and IT support teams, this free-to-attend meeting will be the launch of the new ReACT version 4 and feature other useful sessions. The venue is Twickenham Rugby Stadium. For more information email: reactusergroup@react-asb.co.uk

 15 September – ReACT User Group Meeting, Derby

For Wales, Scotland, the midlands, east, north east and north west. Programme as above with the venue at the Derby Conference Centre. For more information email: reactusergroup@react-asb.co.uk

 1 – 2 November – SLCNG Annual Conference and Awards

The prestigious SLCNG Awards, sponsored by ReACT, will be made at the conference dinner on 1st November. For information about the awards go to the SLCNG Awards page.

 The two day SLCNG Annual Conference is the largest event of its type with leaders in the field attending as both speakers and delegates. Don’t miss your chance to ensure you are up to date with Anti- Social Behaviour, crime and nuisance issues. The venue is St. Johns Hotel, Solihull close to Birmingham. The conference includes a small exhibition and the ReACT team will be there. For more information email nick@slcng.org.uk

Mike Blomer MBE

SLCNG Annual Conference 2011

Many followers of this blog will know that ReACT is a major sponsor of the Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group and, as such, we all look forward to their annual conference which, this year, will be at the St Johns Hotel, Solihull on Tuesday 1^st and Wednesday 2^nd November. This conference is a must for anyone involved with ASB and the annual awards, now in their third year, are fast becoming accepted as “the” awards for nationally recognising best practice.

Last year’s conference was, in my opinion, a very successful event and you should not be put off attending this year’s conference either by the cost or by the location. I understand that the conference fees have been held at last year’s level and the venue is very convenient being only 2 miles from M42 junction 5 with plenty of on-site free parking, just half mile from Solihull rail station and 15 minutes from Birmingham Airport and Birmingham International rail station. Birmingham city centre is 8 miles.

The conference is again being organised by CIH Events and, for many, an important point is that bar prices will be cheaper than last year!

More on the awards which fall into four categories as follows:-

The Tim Winter Award

This award is open to any employee of a SLCNG member organisation who has gone above and beyond their remit and has tackled anti-social behaviour effectively. This could be someone who has been innovative, someone who has been creative or someone that’s been simply determined and inspirational.

The Best Practice Award – sponsored by HouseMark

This award is open to any project or initiative demonstrating measurable improvement in reducing anti-social behaviour and increasing community confidence.

The project or initiative may be specific to a particular neighbourhood or may be targeted on a particular client group or issue. For example, teams working with vulnerable witnesses, young people or ex-offenders; or teams that focus on local priorities such as burglary, arson and hate crime, would all be eligible.

The Residents Award – sponsored by Glasgow Housing Association

Standing up against anti – social behaviour requires exceptional courage. This award recognises the bravery and courage of an person or a group of local residents who have taken a personal stand against antisocial behaviour.

The Team Award – sponsored by ReACT

This award is for a group or a team that has provided an exceptional service in resolving anti-social behaviour in a specific neighbourhood. The team could be located within a single organisation or be drawn from across a range of local agencies and the community and will have worked together to achieve shared goals and be able to demonstrate measurable results.

Eligibility and making nominations

Applications must be submitted by a member of the SLCNG and members can nominate to as many categories as they wish.

The Tim Winter award is restricted to ASB Practitioners from a SLCNG Member organisation.

Persons nominated for the residents, team and best practice awards may be residents, housing officers, ASB practitioners or employees of another organisation involved in tackling anti-social behaviour and building confidence in communities.

More information and nomination forms are available at www.slcng.org.uk The closing date for nominations is 2^nd September 2011.

Judging is carried out by an awards panel which makes the awards based on the information provided in each of the nominations received. I am pleased to say that I will again be a member of the judging panel.

By Mike Blomer, MBE

Advance notice of the ReACT User Group Meetings 2011

Please keep one of the following dates in your diary free for the 2011 ReACT User Group Meeting. Choose from either:-

Tuesday 13^th September – in the Presidents Suite and Council Room at Twickenham Rugby Stadium, London. (The meeting rooms overlook the pitch and stadium tours are available at a cost – if you have time. For more information about the venue go to www.rfu.com/twickenhamstadium).

or

Thursday 15^th September – at The Derby Conference Centre. (A good venue and a change from Birmingham. Easily accessible by car and train and with on-site reasonably priced overnight accommodation if required. For more information about the venue go to www.thederbyconferencecentre.com).

The programme has yet to be finalised but expect Version 4 to feature highly and we also intend to have a specialist workshop for IT and systems specialists. As in previous years delegate places will be restricted to two per organisation, but may be extended subject to availability.

Invitations with on-line registration will be emailed in early July. If you have any further questions, please contact  the ReACT team on 0121 3842513.

By Mike Blomer

Crime & ASB Conference & Exhibition

ReACT exhibited at this annual event, organised by Northern Housing Consortium (NHC), which was held at York Racecourse on 1st December. As you might expect the conference was seriously affected by bad weather.

Heavy snow the day before and on the day itself reduced delegate numbers to around 60 and a couple of speakers and exhibitors did not make it. Also some fairly essential items sent by courier and parcel delivery companies failed to arrive in time. Full marks to NHC staff who quickly rearranged the agenda which also enabled those present to get away an hour earlier than the scheduled end time of 4.15.

Having catered for far more than the 60 or so actually attending there was certainly plenty to eat at lunchtime.

By Mike Blomer

ReACT User Group Meetings 2010 – findings

At the NEC, Birmingham event there were 35 delegates from 23 users and for Stamford Bridge, London 26 delegates from 15 users – a total of 61 delegates from 38 user organisations. Evaluation forms have been sent by email to all delegates and by the closing date of 24th November 17 responses or 28% had been received, with the following results:

• The survey is non-attributable, and taking all subjects covered, an average of 78% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that the meetings had been useful for them.
• The users-only open forum, without EBS staff present and ably chaired by Liz Ellis from Stockport Homes proved to be the most popular session.
• A substantial majority said that the venues were appropriate for them.

From the ReACT Team Steve, Amanda, Kate, Paul and Mike attended both meetings. Natalie, Chris and Craig attended only Birmingham, Fred and Phil attended only London. Everyone on the Team agreed that the meetings had gone well, had been useful and appreciated by those who attended. Again there was agreement on the popularity of the users-only sessions noting that not everyone is on the same version and this could have caused some confusion.

We are already thinking about next year’s meetings and hope to considerably increase the number of delegates. ReACT version 4 will feature strongly and we will again try to come up with a solution to the issue of location and number of meetings. Just to remind readers about this – we have now tried three formats, national meetings held centrally at the National Motor Cycle Museum close to Birmingham and in the following year by 5 regional meetings held at hotels in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Warrington and Taunton. This year just the 2 meetings.

The advantage of just one national meeting is the opportunity for networking which is not as effective with multiple meetings and most certainly when we had 5. One possibility which we are looking at is to again have 2 meetings supplemented by a few “mini” user group meetings preferably hosted by a willing customer.  We do have one offer – any more volunteers?

In many ways we regard the User Group as your AGM, and as users you are invited to influence the agenda, and location of venues. In my opinion we have demonstrated that having a number of meetings dilute its effect to the detriment of all. Your opinions will be very welcome and you may wish to post your views on the ReACT Forum which is to be relaunched shortly – we will let you know when.

By Mike Blomer