Our Groups
These working groups facilitate the priorities set out by BSHP
Housing Options Meeting
This meeting is run by BSHP and BCC, looking at presentation of people at the Housing options centre in Newtown the driving factors around this and the number of people presenting. The group looks at the allocations and nominations process. It is where the quarterly returns can be scrutinised. We have experts and guest speakers who join us. This group looks at different pathways into housing and what needs to be improved or changed as well as what is working well.
ASB and Community Safety
BSHP recognise the negative impact harm crime and anti-social behaviour can have on tenants’ lives and the communities in which they live. This working group comes together bimonthly to share issues and best practice. It has speakers and focuses on a range of community safety issues including domestic abuse, anti-social behaviour, statutory processes such as ASB Case Reviews, section 115s and referrals into safeguarding services. The group has a dedicated community safety coordinator to deliver the work. The coordinator and group work with a range of partners. For example, Birmingham Community Safety Partnership Board; Birmingham Community Safety Partnership Place Subgroup(s); Contextual Safeguarding Board, Reducing Offending Board, Violence Reduction Board and Local Partnership Delivery Groups
Housing Benefit and Cost of Living
This group meets to discuss housing benefit
and any operational issues and changes within the system. We work together to find ways on how to improve this e.g. rent collection, sustaining tenancies, as well as maintaining a relationship with the Department of Work and Pensions in terms of universal credit, and with BCC regarding housing benefit. We have representatives from housing associations, BCC’s housing benefit team and DWP’s universal credit team.
Older People Housing Meeting
This meeting’s focus is on older persons housing and includes all types of housing built specifically for older people (usually those over 55) for example extra care, sheltered housing, bungalows, and flats. The meeting seeks to ensure the older person housing offer across Birmingham is clearly defined so access to these properties through lettings and allocations processes are promoted and easy to use, enabling the best use of these properties.
The group discuss prevention of social isolation, how to support with digital inclusion, support with fuel poverty and health and social care and how we can showcase our expertise to influence housing strategy.
Asset Management Group (BAM Group)
The BSHP Asset Management Group (BAM) is led by BSHP members and established to oversee the strategic management, maintenance, and investment in the housing stock across Birmingham. The aim is to provide a platform for BSHP members to work collaboratively on Estate regeneration and asset improvements, and share and align asset management strategies that support the growth of affordable housing in Birmingham.
The group will work in collaboration to achieve housing assets that are well-maintained, compliant with regulations, and aligned with each organisation and the City’s long-term objectives.
Youth Housing Meeting
This meeting is chaired by St Basils who are the specialist Under 25 provision within Birmingham they support with their staffs’ skills and knowledge they run a support providers meeting where all the commissioned providers come together. We want to develop an offer and realistic pathways for young people.
Employment and Training
The employment and training board has been running for many years and is well attended by housing associations and partners looking at opportunities across the city and region for tenants. Its focus is on getting people in training and learning programmes and into employment.
Court User Group BSHP
The courts have a monthly Court User Group meeting Court meeting. BSHP have an additional group which meets quarterly where housing associations and a Court manager come together to problem solve and progress any concerns.
