Our specialist role is still unique

Chair's Report

High marks for sound structures

Redmond Lee - Chair

This is the end of my third year as Chair and it continues to be a pleasure to be associated with Innisfree. I would like to thank all my colleagues at Innisfree for their support.

This has been a challenging year for Innisfree (as it has for most social landlords) and for our tenants.

We have continued to see a rise in anti-social behaviour. A small minority is responsible but I know how much the rest of our tenants suffer.
Maintenance costs have soared as a result of vandalism and tenant neglect. This limits our ability to pay for day to day repairs.
Many of our tenants are experiencing real poverty. We urge them to discuss problems with us before they get out of control.

I am glad to say that we also have many happier subjects to report on.

In February we took over a new scheme close to the office. The homes at Aerynn House provide much-needed family accommodation for 12 families with local connections. More recently we have housed six more families in another new scheme in Hemstal Road, West Hampstead

We commissioned our second independent review of governance which once again confirmed that the association is in good shape. It said:

our comprehensive set of governance policies and procedures provide a sound framework for the operation of the board and its sub-committees;
our board and committee structure ensures the association's business is effectively scrutinised and controlled;
our board is firmly directing and controlling the affairs of Innisfree and has adopted practical and sensible measures for managing risks.

We also commissioned our second Stakeholder Survey. The results are a credit to the staff team at Innisfree. Across several key areas it was rated either 'good' or 'excellent' by 100% of respondents. This would be remarkable for any size of association, so it is particularly gratifying for a smaller one, operating in what is now a much tougher and more competitive environment than 2003 when the last survey took place.

We have had excellent reviews during the year on our Supporting People services, achieving A & B grades in an increasingly competitive environment.

Our Friends of Innisfree fund received a boost from another successful golf event in July. Thanks to all who took part and to the organising team. £4,000 was raised for new projects and emergency payments to tenants in need.

Perhaps one of our most significant activities has been the new Job Club which we have been running with the help of the Safestart Foundation. As a result, many of our tenants have found new jobs or embarked on job-related training. We hope to develop the service over the coming year.

And what of the future?

Innisfree remains in rude health, with a strong balance sheet and a committed and energetic staff team ready to rise to all the challenges ahead. And there will be challenges.

The credit crunch has had a huge impact on the housing market and this will mean fewer new homes and more people waiting longer to be housed. It means more poverty and stress for our tenants.

Local authorities as commissioning bodies are being pressured to cut costs and rationalise contracts. We hope that we will continue to be selected to run our Supporting People contracts. We believe fervently in the importance of offering a culturally specific service and we know that this is what our tenants want too.

When the Housing Corporation is replaced by the Homes & Communities Agency and the Tenant Services Authority it will be interesting to see whether the new agencies have any time for small associations. We believe we deserve their support.

Redmond Lee
Chair