Scheme Signage - DSD Branding Requirements

1.0  Background - This guidance explains the requirements for the use and application of branding for schemes in receipt of funding provided by the NI Housing Executive (NIHE) from the Department for Social Development (DSD). It is applicable for all schemes receiving Housing Association Grant (HAG) or Disposals Proceeds Fund (DPF).

N.B. Associations are responsible for obtaining any necessary statutory approvals or consents

1.1  Signage and Artwork requirements - The provision of signage is mandatory for all new build schemes. Where signage is being erected for schemes in receipt of funding provided by the NIHE from the DSD, Associations must comply with DSD’s signage requirements. Key elements are that:

The wording on the signboard must include ‘With funding provided by the Northern Ireland Executive delivered through the Department for Social Development’. Branding signage should include logos for the Northern Ireland Executive, DSD and Housing Executive. You may also want to include your housing association logo alongside. All should be of a size appropriate to the physical size of the project. The display may also include a brief description of the scheme, for example, ‘30 sheltered flats for older persons’.

Artwork can be obtained in electronic format from the DSD Communications Team (email: marketing@dsdni.gov.uk).

Associations producing signboards by sign writing or other recognised copying techniques must ensure that design grids are accurately followed. There must be no artistic licence. Copies of the grids are available from marketing@dsdni.gov.uk.

1.2  Signboard Display Requirements - Signboards must be displayed in a prominent position on each new build and/ or rehabilitation development if appropriate.

1.3  Audit Requirements - Associations are reminded, for the purposes of any audit, of the need to ensure that there is evidence of compliance with these guidelines and that supporting documentation is retained on the Association’s file(s). A clear photograph showing the compliant signage must be placed on the scheme file for inspection if required.

Compliance with these signboard requirements will be checked as part of the DSD Audit and Inspection function.

Where an Association has exceptional reasons suggesting signage is not appropriate for a particular new build scheme, it should contact NIHE (DPG) in writing to request exemption from this requirement.