An ERoSH regional network has succeeded in gaining a voice and insight into the allocations of older people to housing services.
Our Waltham Forest regional network campaigned for more than a year to get a local provider to be present on the local authority sheltered panel.
Consultation with our members told us that providers were not being given enough information from the local authority so applicants were being nominated to inappropriate accommodation.
Providers were given little information which consisted of a name, address, date of birth and a grade only, which was linked to an internal process at the local authority.
Now, thanks to the participation on the panel nomination forms have been changed to include simpler language and not internal jargon and bullet points of the applicants needs.
Members told the Waltham Forest network that from their experiences of allocations, information received from the borough, quality of referrals and communication, it was evident that providers were not given the information at the start of the nomination process. If done properly this would allow the provider to conduct a risk and needs assessment with the applicant that would be relevant to their specific needs and make sure that the correct allocation for the applicant right from the start of the process.
The group approached the local authority with the initiative of a representative attending the sheltered allocation panel for the borough to allow providers an insight into the decision making process for allocations, understanding the priority system and to advise on the difficulties local providers were having with the information shared at the point of nomination.
Two members of ERoSH have attended the panel for six months to feedback any ideas and comments to the local authority. They have taken part in the decision making process and fed back to inform other ERoSH members of the processes.
Through out involvement in the panel we have identified that the issue is not within the sheltered panel or the process they do within the panel, it is in the admin of the form which is passed to the allocations team at the council.
The head of allocations at the borough agreed to attend one of our regional meetings where he agreed to change the language and include bullet points of the applicants’ needs on the nomination form.
Support services manager at Waltham Forest Housing Association, Cheryl Whittle, said: “The members feel that a provider on the panel is a step in the right direction as this allows us to have insight into the local authority but also allows excellent joint working and also for the local authority to understand from a provider’s perspective the issues that we face.”
We are always keen for members to join our local networks and make a difference to housing and support for older people. Find out if there is a regional network near you or contact us to start a new one.
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