Housing Association Guide Part 1 - Appendix 10
Contents
1.01Governance of Associations - due to the level of HAG funding that an Association receives from the NIHE (DPG), a high standard of Corporate Governance is expected from the Association in all of its activities including the control of HAG and other finances. Corporate Governance is defined by Cadbury* as “the system by which companies are directed and controlled.” Effective governance is vital for effective Association performance. Good practice guidance on governance emphasises the important role of the board in considering the nature and extent of risks facing the organisation and the levels of risks that are acceptable, the effectiveness of risk management and the organisations ability to respond to changes in it’s business and external environment. Poor governance can help destroy the reputation of a business and the personal reputations of board members and management. Guidance on effective Governance is provided at Annex A.
* The Cadbury Report (1998)
1.02Guidance on Public Interest Disclosure - all Associations should have policies and procedures about confidential reporting - also known as "whistleblowing". This term is used to describe a situation when someone becomes aware of a serious problem in an organisation and raises the matter so it may be investigated and if necessary corrected. NIAO guidance on Public Interest Disclosure is reproduced at Annex B.
1.03The Report of the Committee in Standards in Public Life (the Nolan Committee) - stressed the positive role that whistleblowing can play, and the need for procedures and practices, which allow people with serious concerns to come forward at an early stage. Following the Nolan Committee's Recommendations, the National Housing Federation produced a Model Statement in Confidential Reporting. A copy of the Model Statement can be obtained from the NHF.
[Note: Associations should note that the NHF Model Statement requires amendment to reflect their individual circumstances and the different regulatory arrangements that apply in Northern Ireland. Associations’ confidential reporting policies and procedures will be subject to scrutiny during the inspection of the Association.]
1.04Payments and Benefits – Article 31 of the Housing (NI) Order 1992 prevents committee members, officers and employees of a Association from receiving any benefits or payments from an association other than expenses or sums due under contracts of employment. Guidance notes on Article 31 are included at Annex C. Article 31 is reproduced and attached at Annex D; Article 31 (6) of the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 Determination 1994 is reproduced and attached at Annex E; Article 31 of the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 Determination 1995 is reproduced and attached at Annex F and Article 30 of the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 Specification 1995 is attached at Annex G.
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