Tenants selection policy and criteria
Reviewed May 2011
Kilcreggan Homes accommodation is available to people who are at least 18 years of age and who have been diagnosed as having a learning disability and have a designated Social Worker. Kilcreggan Homes is a Supported Living scheme which does not provide accommodation for those with existing, long term personal care needs. Any personal care which may be provided by Kilcreggan Homes' staff is as a response to the changing needs of an existing tenant and the situation is carefully monitored.
Referrals are made through Social Services, with applications being directed to the NIHE Complex Needs Officer, who holds a waiting list, and also to Kilcreggan.
Applications consist of:
Kilcreggan Homes will assist people in the application process.
PROCEDURE (ALLOCATIONS)
Vacancy arises
A property may need to be allocated because a property is due to be completed or has come into Kilcreggan's ownership, or the previous tenant has vacated the property by termination, abandonment or eviction.
Kilcreggan Homes contacts OCSS & NIHE
Request for supplementary information
Partner agency to obtain any required supplementary information on each waiting list applicant (if not already held – this may have been requested at referral/application stage) and then complete their assessment process.
Admissions Panel convened
Admissions panel convened by Kilcreggan Homes to discuss potential tenants.
This panel may consist of
Each applicant shall be discussed individually at the Admissions Panel.
The applicant may choose to attend or not attend however their Trust representative e.g. Social Worker, Community Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Care Manager shall be invited to discuss the applicant's needs in detail.
Minutes of meeting to be recorded and signed by each panel member.
Allocation decision will be made in agreement with all panel members. The location of the applicant on the Housing ion Scheme waiting list while important will not be the sole deciding factor for ion. Other factors such as the referral criteria for the respective service, the needs of other co-tenants where applicable, the degree and nature of support needs identified and the appropriateness of the accommodation and support provided shall also be taken into account.
Appropriate arrangements can be made, in conjunction with Kilcreggan Homes to facilitate visits by applicants and their health care professional / support staff to view the property prior to or immediately following the Admissions Panel.
Kilcreggan Homes makes formal offer
Kilcreggan Homes shall be the point of contact to manage the transition arrangements associated with the uptake of the tenancy.
Allocations and Terminations are advised in pre set monthly returns to OCSS.
Kilcreggan Homes issues letter of offer to applicant. A copy of the offer letter to be forwarded to
CPN, social worker
Kilcreggan Homes to inform all waiting list applicants of outcome of admissions panel and deal with any subsequent queries.
Tenancy Sign-Up
Kilcreggan Homes administers "sign up" documents
Kilcreggan Homes to arrange tenancy sign-up before or at the point of tenancy commencement.
Appeal
If any applicant is not satisfied with the outcome of the Admissions panel, they can appeal the decision. This appeal will be consist of three members from Kilcreggan Homes Board of Directors. Your appeal will have to be put in writing and it will be responded to within 15 working days.
If the panel agrees with the Admissions panel decision and you are still not satisfied with the outcome, you can make a further appeal to Oaklee Housing Association, our joint partners.
Formal complaint or appeal
If you are not happy with the steps already taken, you can write a letter or send an e-mail or, if you prefer, you can phone the Customer Services Officer who will fill in a complaints form and send you a copy.
The Officer will send you a letter of acknowledgement immediately and pass your complaint to the Chief Executive. The Chief Executive or one of our directors will investigate the problem and get back to you with a response within 14 working days. Most complaints are sorted out at this stage.
If you are still unhappy after the investigation, you can ask the Customer Services Officer to refer your matter to the Chairman of the Board. The Chairman will review the complaint and the decisions made and will reply to you within 28 working days.