Ashton Pioneer Homes

ASHTON PIONEER HOMES

Meeting of the Board of Directors

Held on Thursday 4th July 2013

Commenced: 18.00pmTerminated: 19.30pm

Present:Colin McCordTenant (Chair)

Dee WilsonTenant

Don GartsideIndependent

Guy HeppnerIndependent

David PostlethwaiteCouncil

Joyce BowermanCouncil

Linda FletcherTenant

Stephen GreenwoodIndependent

Sheila TolleyIndependent

In Attendance:Tony Berry, CEO

John Auty, Director of Finance and Administration Julie Ward, Personal Assistant

Peter Marland, Director of Housing

13/035 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Bev McCord and Andrew Leah. Also Nayan Joshi did not attend.
13/036 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
13/037 MINUTES OF MEETING – 16th MAY 2013
It was agreed that the minutes were a true and accurate record of the meeting.
13/038 MATTERS ARISING
One member asked for an update on the coop bank situation. The Director of finance informed the board that money has yet to be moved as documents from board members were still outstanding. The DOF confirmed that APH held no bonds with the bank. The Chair asked that the DOF inform him of which documents were outstanding and he will chase.
13/039 CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT
The CEO went through his report with members.
Render Defect Update
One board member asked the CEO if any further problems were identified from the recent abseil survey. The CEO informed board that nothing further was found and a details report has been sent to our legal team. CEO to forward a copy of the report to the Chair.
Board Attendance
Discussion took place regarding board attendance. One member suggested writing to another board member whose attendance is poor. CEO to look at the memorandum and articles regarding attendance. CEO to draft a letter and send from the Company Secretary.
The CEO report was approved by the Board
13/040 BOARD TRACKER REPORT
The CEO went through the Board Tracker Report.
One board member asked when action number 53 of the tracker report would be completed. The CEO confirmed that the PA’s will have this completed by the next board meeting.
The Board Tracker report was noted/approved by the Board
13/41 BOARD TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND AWAY DAY
The CEO presented his report. Members were asked to speak with PA’s regarding training they wish to undertake.
Chair to speak to DOF regarding finance training.
After discussion, it was agreed that the CEO appraisal and member appraisal take place after this year’s AGM.
The Board noted the board training and development plan.
13/42 WELFARE REFORM (presentation by DOH)
Discussion took place regarding the 60% increase in voids over the past year. The DOH explained that this is a knock on effect from all the welfare changes which are currently taking place.
One board member thought that we should go to the press with evidence of the problems.
The CEO explained that he would prefer to wait until the initial trial period for Universal credit was over, however we can comment on the bedroom tax.
It was agreed to publicise the impact that the bedroom tax is having. CEO/DOH to action.
The board noted the presentation
13/43 PIONEER PANEL UPDATE
The Director of Housing explained that there had been some slippage with this due to the sickness absence of the customer services manager.
One board member thought that the Panel had done an excellent job and the board agreed. DOH to pass this on the Pioneer Panel members.
One board member asked that papers are always printed in black as blue is difficult to read.
One member asked why the Pioneer Panel were doing a review of compliance/procedure when the Resident Auditors had done a review in 2009.
The DOH explained that this is what the Pioneer Panel had chosen to do with is support.
The members noted and approved the report
13/44 PROTECTING THE ASSETS CONSULTATION
The CEO went through the report with Board.
The members noted the consultation and approved the responses made on behalf of APH
13/34 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
None.
DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Board of Directors will take place at 6pm on Thursday 15th August 2013. This will take place in the APH Board Room. / Chair
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