Information on Governance and Values

Sarah Teather, Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East, said:

"The Irish community has deep roots within Brent and it is through the work of organisations like Innisfree that it continues to grow and flourish. Innisfree is far more than a housing association and many local people tell me how much they appreciate the whole range of support on offer. I congratulate Innisfree on another successful year."

Governance

Innisfree endorses the spirit and intention of the NHF Code of Governance and complies with its guidance in all major respects. A variety of tenants groups assist the Board in the continuous review of services. The Board carries out an annual appraisal of members' performance. This has three purposes: - to examine attendance, to assess members' contributions and to ensure that, between them, members have the necessary skills to direct the Association. Last year we undertook our second comprehensive review of governance. In our last Housing Corporation Assessment (January 2007) we received the highest possible rating for governance.

Board membership

Board members are expected to act in the best interests of the association and to adopt the highest standards of probity, integrity and good behaviour when representing Innisfree. They are expected to attend meetings and other functions, to read reports and to contribute to the effective control of the association. They have all committed themselves to the shared values of Innisfree. Board members are also expected to have an understanding of the issues facing Irish immigrants and, collectively, to contribute to the wide knowledge and experience necessary to fulfil all our regulators' requirements. We recruit new members on a regular basis to ensure membership remains fresh and active. We have had a 75% turn-over of membership in the last five years, while still maintaining continuity and stability.

Shareholding membership

Our latest scheme in Hemstal Road, W Hampstead is home to six families.

Shareholding membership is open to anyone who shares the aims of the association and meets our membership criteria. We currently have 33 shareholding members.

Values and aims

Our community is based on a common culture rather than narrow, geographical boundaries. That broad sense of community - shared by Irish people working and living in London - gives Innisfree an identity which makes it easier for many of our clients to seek our help and support.

Being emigrants is common to a majority of Innisfree's tenants, staff and board members. A cultural "shorthand" exists which leads to an unspoken but shared understanding of experiences both in Ireland and Britain. This, combined with the professional and effective approach of the staff team, results in a very high quality service. Our service is non-denominational and non-judgemental. Above all, it is friendly and good humoured. Increasingly, in the spirit of integration, we have been able to welcome new tenants from a range of ethnic backgrounds into the warmth of the Irish diaspora.

We are a publicly accountable, independent charity and positively strive to achieve continuing improvement in the quality of services. Our tenants are our guiding light. We welcome the opportunities for partnership with others in the public and private sector and aim to be a reliable and effective partner. Our commitment to equality sits comfortably alongside our commitment to the Irish community.