Craigforth has been appointed by Govanhill Housing Association to undertake a comprehensive review of its current Allocations Policy. Working closely with Govanhill staff and board members, we are updating the Policy to ensure it is consistent with current legislation. This work will also inform scoping of Govanhill's new ICT system to be introduced in 2016.
Craigforth has recently completed an evaluation of the new Retirement Housing Model for Bield Housing and Care. The change programme was still ongoing at the time of the study, with the new model to be rolled out to 78 developments across 21 local authority areas. As such, the study sought to assess the operation of the new Model but also Bield's management of the change process. A mixed methods approach was taken but with a clear focus on primary qualitative research. The research approach was designed to capture the full range of issues, but critically then allow those issues to be explored in greater depth. The research included visits to 36 Retirement or Sheltered Developments and interviews with a range of tenants, staff and stakeholders.
Craigforth have recently been appointed to undertake a housing allocation policy review for the Council and eight RSL partners across Renfrewshire, with a view to developing a shared Single Allocation Policy. The study involves a systematic review of each landlords' current allocation policy to identify key policy issues to be addressed, close working with landlords to appraise potential policy options including scenario modelling, and drafting of final policy materials.
Craigforth have recently completed an evaluation of the Borders Choice Homes (BCH) Common Housing Register, on behalf of the BCH Partners; Berwickshire Housing Association, Eildon Housing Association and Waverley Housing. The evaluation sought to improve partners' understanding of the applicant and landlord experience, provide an assessment of the value for money being achieved, and consider ways forward. The study took a mixed methods approach including a desk-based analysis of key information and data, in-depth interviews with key players, and survey and follow-up interviews with BCH applicants.
Craigforth has been appointed by the Scottish Housing Regulator to analyse responses to the SHR's consultation on an suite of updated Regulatory Guidance documents. The consultatiuon sought views on eight separate but inter-connected documents covering a range of regulatory policy areas. The analysis report and other study outputs will be used by the Scottish Housing Regulator to finalise the guidance documents prior to publication.
Craigforth were appointed by North Ayrshire Council to undertake an assessment of trends in demand for larger social rented properties across North Ayrshire, in the context of ongoing changes to the housing policy context (most notably introduction of the Bedroom Tax) and the potential for these to impact on the profile of social housing demand. In addition to detailed analysis of recent trends in soc ial housing supply and demand in North Ayrshire, the study involved engagement with housing service staff and applicants to identify key drivers of recent trends, and scenario modelling to inform the Council's forward planning to ensure larger stock remains sustainable.
Craigforth recently completed two parallel studies to provide a detailed assessment of current sheltered, very sheltered and extra care housing provision in Renfrewshire. Working with a broad range of partner agencies delivering services, the primary aim for the studies was to provide an assessment of sheltered, very sheltered and extra care housing services against current and likely future needs, taking into account service user access and experience, and including detailed financial appraisal.
Craigforth was appointed by the Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) to undertake an independent evaluation of the SHR's Tenant Assessors’ Initiative. The evaluation considered the role and work of Tenant Assessors, and considered options for the future of the Tenant Assessor Initiative in the context of a changed regulatory context. A multi-strand evaluation methodology involved in-depth qualitative engagement with Tenant Assessors and SHR Regulation Managers, an e-survey and telephone interviews with landlords, and discussions with a range of other stakeholders.
Craigforth, working with Newhaven Research and University of Stirling, was commissioned by the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority (LLTNPA) to undertake a local housing market assessment for the National Park area. The study provided LLTNPA with an up to date and detailed understanding of housing market dynamics and affordability pressures across the National Park, to inform the preparation of the Main Issues Report and supporting documentation as part of the process of preparing the National Park Local Development Plan.
Craigforth has been appointed by the Housing Support Enabling Unit to undertake a study to assess the impact of charging on housing support services and those using housing support services. The study is using a multi-strand approach to provide a detailed picture of current charging practice, engaging with commissioners and providers of services to consider the impact of differing policies on services and service users. Study findings willhelp to inform future policy making around charging policy at local and national level.
Craigforth was commissioned by East Lothian Council to undertake an assessment of housing and housing support needs across eight particular needs groups in East Lothian. The study provided a comprehensive assessment of the scale and nature of particular housing and housing support needs, informing the Local Housing Strategy update, and identifying gaps and potential future pressures on services. Our approach involved a detailed desk-based review, engagement with stakeholders including service providers and current or prospective service users, and modelling of current and likely future need (including scenario planning). An options appraisal was undertaken to develop a set of policy and service recommendations.
Craigforth have been appointed by the Scottish Government to analyse responses to the second consultation on a new private tenancy regime. This second consultation takes forward findings from Craigforth's analysis of responses to the first consultation, and sets out proposals for a new tenancy system to improve security of tenure for tenants, while giving suitable safeguards for landlords, lenders and investors. Outputs from the second consultation will form part of the eviodence base for development of the final new tenancy regime.
Craigforth was commissioned to undertake a full Policy Review on behalf of the HOME Argyll CHR partners. The study involved a comprehensive review of the existing policy against current legislation and good practice requirements, and close working with the partners through the development of a new policy and associated materials. The revised policy went live in October 2014.
Craigforth and Ali Jarvis were commissioned to undertake an independent review of Trust, Bield & Hanover’s Joint Equalities Programme (JEP), and equal opportunities policies and practices across the three organisations. The study considered progress to date through the existing ethnic minorities focused programme of activity, and assessed how current arrangements allow for all equality and diversity strands and challenges to be addressed. Study outputs included recommendations and a clear action plan to shape the Associations' future equalities work.
Craigforth has recently completed the second year of engagement with the Scottish Housing Regulator's National Panel of Tenants and Service Users, having established the Panel in 2013. The multi-strand engagement programme included a full Panel survey and in-depth qualitative research with 90+ Panel members and around 50 Gypsies/Travellers living on social rented sites. This work considered a wide range of themes including rents and affordability, value for money, prioritiesw for landlords' service delivery and understanding of the Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR). Results are feeding into SHR's other work strands, including the current Thematic Inquiry Programme.
The report is available at the Scottish Housing Regulator's website.
Craigforth has been appointed by Highland Council to undertake research to improve understanding of the accommodation needs of Gypsies/Travellers in the Highland area. The study built on earlier work including a desk-based needs assessment undertaken by the Council in 2010, and consultation with Council site tenants undertaken by Craigforth in 2012. Outputs will inform development of the Council's next Local Housing Strategy and underpin investment decisions in relation to Council site provision.
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