Act now for April – a bumper update for you on all things ASB…
ASB Support For You
Working With Witnesses – Free Webinar Opportunity
Join us for an interactive webinar on working with witnesses, where Kirsty Varley, Forbes’ Housing Expert and Partner, has invited Janine to share her expert insights from an ASB perspective. Together, they will explore proactive and productive measures that ASB professionals can employ when working with witnesses during a case. They’ll emphasise the importance of managing expectations effectively and offer practical tips to alleviate the trial process. This webinar is a must-attend for all ASB professionals and it is completely free to join.
The April Line Up Of Training Events Is Live – Limited Availability Remaining On Some Programmes
The full schedule of live events has been launched on our website – with sessions taking place this April aimed at equipping professionals with the latest tools and knowledge for the evolving world of ASB. This April our live sessions line up includes:
18th April – Drafting A Notice Of Seeking Possession Order – LIMITED SPACES REMAINING
23rd April – Customer Satisfaction
24th April – Harm Centred Approaches
Register for you and your team members to attend – we have an invoice gateway solution available at the checkout to make the registration process as streamlined as possible. Act today as there are limited spaces remaining on some programmes.
Work With Me Masterclasses
Are you in need of additional guidance on key aspects of ASB service provision? Maybe your budget constraints make it difficult to afford direct consultancy, or you possess the necessary expertise but are looking for a chance to compare notes with peers? Our “Work With Me” masterclasses could be the solution you’re looking for. These sessions are not typical training; they offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with our expert team at Green & Burton ASB Associates. You’ll be able to ask questions, receive support, and brainstorm ideas without the financial burden of pursuing this kind of assistance on your own. Our next two masterclasses are:
- 23rd April with Darren Burton leading the Customer Satisfaction Session.
- 30th April with Katy Anderson leading the Chairing An ASB Case Review Session.
ASB Policy News & Case Outcomes
Ombudsman Report Highlights Challenges in Resolving Noise Nuisance Complaints for Housing Association
The Housing Ombudsman has recently issued a report on the outcome of a complaint concerning a housing association’s handling of noise nuisance from a neighbour, submitted by a tenant experiencing mental health issues. The tenant reported ongoing disturbances, including a television being on at all hours. Despite the landlord’s efforts, including involving Environmental Health and offering temporary accommodation, the issue persisted. The investigation focused on the landlord’s actions throughout the year, and while the landlord’s approach aligned with its ASB policy, the resident remains dissatisfied. The Ombudsman found no maladministration but recommended the landlord revisit noise complaint procedures and address recent reports from the tenant.
Darren’s thoughts: It is evident from this outcome that addressing noise nuisance reports, especially in cases involving tenants with mental health challenges, presents intricate challenges for housing associations. The report underscores the efforts made by the housing association within the confines of their anti-social behaviour policy and collaboration with external bodies like Environmental Health. However, it also illuminates the ongoing hurdles both tenants and landlords face in effectively mitigating such disturbances, particularly when legal thresholds for intervention aren’t met. The need for tailored strategies, clear policy and an approach that centres on continuous dialogue between landlords and tenants to find mutually satisfactory resolutions remains paramount in addressing such complex disputes effectively. Our upcoming course on Effectively Managing Non-ASB Noise Reports could be of interest to those who are interested in developing their knowledge and skills in this area. Find out more about it here.
Updated Guidance On Fly Tipping Published
In response to the persistent issue of fly-tipping, the government has this March published a revised policy guidance aimed at strengthening enforcement and improving responses to illegal waste dumping since the original 2016 publication. This updated guidance reflects efforts to enhance regulatory frameworks, streamline investigation procedures, and bolster measures to prevent and address fly-tipping incidents effectively. Here is a really useful summary from Consilium Training & Support on the changes – visit their website for more on this and how they can support you:
Check out the full post on LinkedIn
Janine’s thoughts: The revised policy guidance on fly-tipping should be regarded as a significant step forward in addressing this persistent issue. The updated regulations, enhanced investigative tools, and nuanced enforcement measures should empower professionals to hold perpetrators accountable and deter future offences effectively. However, caution should be exercised in ensuring that these measures are implemented consistently and fairly. Overall, this approach should be embraced with a commitment to ongoing evaluation and adaptation to ensure its effectiveness. You can read the new guidance in full here. Do check out the training and services available from Consilium Training & Support if you need assistance with this as they are brilliant on this subject and will give you expert advice.
Calls for Feedback: Housing Ombudsman's Good Practice Consultation for Social Housing Landlords
An important consultation has been launched by the Housing Ombudsman regarding their proposed approach for issuing Good Practice guidance to social housing landlords. The Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 grants the Ombudsman the authority to provide guidance to scheme members on good practices related to housing activities covered by the Scheme. The primary objective of Good Practice is to enhance housing provision by learning from complaints. The proposed approach by the Ombudsman encourages all landlords to conduct self-assessments proactively, rather than waiting for complaints to arise in specific areas.
They have stressed that that good practice does not equate to best practice, and there may be valid reasons why a landlord may find it challenging to implement certain practices. The self-assessment process aims to document these reasons for scrutiny by the governing body. The consultation seeks input on the Ombudsman’s principles of good practice and their proposed approach to implementation. Additionally, feedback is solicited on potential topics for the first Good Practice, which include:
- Making an effective apology
- Deciding on appropriate levels of compensation
- Effective complaint handling during mergers or stock transfers
- Effective root cause analysis of complaints
- Knowledge and information management
The consultation period will run from 26 March 2024 until 21 May 2024. We encourage all landlords to participate and provide feedback via the survey provided by the Ombudsman.
Darren’s Thoughts: This consultation presents an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute their insights and shape the future direction of housing regulation. By engaging with the process and providing constructive feedback, landlords can help ensure that the Good Practice guidance reflects the realities of their work on the ground and ultimately benefits both landlords and residents alike.
New Insight
Stress Awareness Month
In honour of Stress Awareness Month, we’re shedding light on the challenges ASB professionals face and the solutions that could be employed to help with this increasing issue in our latest article. We take a closer look at the complexity of roles, offering insights, solutions, and a deeper understanding of the stresses they navigate daily. Check it out and let us know your thoughts on how you manage stress in your organisation…
Don’t forget to follow our LinkedIn company page for daily updates and insights on the latest news in ASB. Have a great (short!) week!
Janine & Darren