Chairman's Report

Trinity is a new Housing Association established in April 2007 and I am pleased to be able to report that looking back over the past year, this venture has been a resounding success on many fronts. We had set ambitious targets, both in terms of our activities and timescale, and this report gives evidence of our strong position and the increased delivery of a significant housing service in Northern Ireland.

This has taken place against a rapidly changing housing market. We began the year in an unprecedented and buoyant property market which came to a rapid halt as 2007 drew to a close. This change was also met by revised financial climate, ‘the credit crunch’ adding significant burdens to many who sought to take a first step on to the housing ladder. This has resulted in further pressure on waiting lists and an increase in housing stress. As a result, the need to deliver on the housing agenda recognised by the NI Executive concluded with significant investment being announced by the Minister for Social Development.

During the year, the Board of Trinity met on 9 occasions and I would like to acknowledge my sincere gratitude, not only to all the current Board Members, but also all those who gave of their time and expertise on our Committees, ensuring the activities of Trinity deliver the maximum in terms of value for money and service delivery.

Being part of the voluntary housing movement, we do not operate in isolation. As a result, we are subject to many external checks and audits. Of some concern, was the extent of time staff had to devote to such processes during the year, including two visits from the Northern Ireland Audit Office and visits from the DSD Inspection and Regulation Team, Supporting People Inspection in addition to the normal audit processes.

Nevertheless, all the reports recorded very positive outcomes and place Trinity in a very strong position, underpinning its purpose and vision for the future. There were many notable events during the year however, a number of achievements warrant particular mention. In February 2008, the Association again achieved ‘Client’s Charter’ status. The Association also has Executive status awarded by the Centre for Sheltered Housing Studies as the Association works towards the new raised standard for the management of its sheltered housing and in July of 2007, Trinity Housing was awarded Investors in People standard.

The independent assessor stated:-

“Trinity Housing Ltd is undoubtedly committed to using the Investors in People framework as a business improvement tool and was able to provide strong evidence that the organisation is meeting all aspects and requirements of the current version of the Investors in People standard.”

There is no better fitting tribute to the work of any organisation than the high standards and professionalism recognised externally.

Further in October 2007, our Chief Executive attended the Northern Ireland Housing Council Awards in Enniskillen, where the recently completed supported housing scheme in Lurgan, ‘Castle Lane Court’, achieved highly commended status in the Jim Speers Award. This followed on from the previous year when our Scheme Co-Ordinator, Caroline Overend achieved the Jack Bailie Award for services to residents at Ashley Lodge.

Two dates in particular during the year were cause for great celebration and I was privileged to join with the Major Family in Dunmurry and the Campbell Family in Lurgan to celebrate the 100th birthday of Margaret Major and the 104th birthday of Mary Campbell respectively. Most remarkable landmarks.

Launching Trinity

We had a number of significant public events during the year and I want to express my appreciation to Mr Barney McGahan, who on behalf of Margaret Ritchie, the Minister for Social Development, officially opened our supported housing scheme at Dunmisk Park, Belfast and also officially launched Trinity Housing.

I also wish to thank the Chairman of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Mr Brian Rowntree, for officiating at the opening of Laurel Lodge, in Larne.

Both of these projects were undertaken in partnership with Health & Social Care Trusts following years of planning and reflect the commitment of everyone at Trinity to deliver good housing and services to the more vulnerable members of our society.

Working with the Strategic Housing Authority in its new role as managers of the Social Housing Development Programme Team, we completed another busy year of development activity. The following projects were completed:-

And in addition, 4 further project starts were made:-

Numerous other projects are at various stages of investigation and planning.

The major challenge as we look towards the future is represented in the DSD Procurement Strategy. This will bring about the most significant change within the Housing Association sector since the introduction of the Housing Order in 1976.

All future development will take place within the context of 4 Procurement Groups. Working with colleagues from other selected housing associations, Trinity is working to establish one such group ‘Apex Procurement’.

Maintaining our properties remains a key priority and as housing projects developed in earlier years begin to age, key components have to be upgraded. During the last year, Trinity spent over £400,000 upgrading kitchens in a number of developments. This work will continue with further upgrades planned for 08/09 and beyond. This is in addition to the work of day to day maintenance and cyclical repairs.

A Measured Term Contract, which commenced in April 2007, for day to day repairs was extended to include work on adaptations, a very important service which helps our tenants maintain safe and independent living.

It was with much sadness that I record the death of Dr George Anderson during the year. George was a Board member up until last year when ill health prevented him from attending our meetings and making his unique and much valued contribution to our work.

In addition, we were saddened to hear of the death of Mr William Barnett, Chair of our Tenant’s Forum.

We live in a global world where the needs of others are increasingly brought to our attention. I am pleased that Trinity is playing its part in recognising and responding to wider needs. One example of assistance was the sponsorship of a well to bring fresh water to people in Burkina Faso. Furthermore, I know many of our tenants come together to offer help in many ways and some of our staff raised money during Lent to feed 70 children in Cambodia through a World Vision Drop In Centre.

Together, I welcome this very generous spirit of corporate social responsibility.

In concluding, I am pleased to record that this has been an outstanding year of progress and I would like to record my thanks to all our staff for their dedication and enthusiasm during the year.

Finally, I would like, on behalf of all at Trinity, to thank the Department for Social Development Housing Division, the NIHE and particularly our colleagues at the newly created DPG for their help and assistance.

Together we are making a difference.

Robert T Moore

Chairman