Edited by Tracey Copeland
Debate Vital for Future of Adult Social Care
1st August 2012
In this months' edition of Thinking Aloud we focus on the thoughts of David Orr, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation on why 'debate is vital for the future of adult social care'.
In his blog published in July, David Orr sets out the reasons why we, and crucially our politicians, must engage in a cross sector, cross political party debate about how adult social care can be funded and sustained from both a consumer and provider perspective.
Looking at the Government's White Paper on adult social care, he explores the reasons why it is imperative we are willing to explore a range of new options for funding mechanisms which are both 'fair and sustainable' and which do not ultimately rely solely on local authorities trying to achieve more value for money in commissioning services nor putting the bill for their own care onto service users.
But who pays? And could there be other key players who could have a greater role in funding care in future? Who are they? Read David Orr's blog in full here to find out.
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What Have You Done Today to Make You Feel Proud?
2nd August 2012
Steve Douglas, partner at Altair, asks the bold question 'what have you done today to make you feel proud?', as he takes a look at the potential of the social housing sector to establish itself as a key delivery agent in supporting troubled communities through the stormy waters ahead.
He explores the dichotomy between the way politicians fail to appreciate the sector's often admirable efforts whilst simultaneously imparting ever growing responsibility for facilitating social cohesion onto their shoulders with ambitious development plans and over £109 billion of investment in the pipeline in coming years.
Read the full article, published in Altaire's July newsletter here, to find out how Steve calls on the housing sector to 'stand up and be counted' to ensure its' voice is heard in shaping delivery models and solutions which, if they go wrong, it is likely to have to clear up.
Paul Hackett to Replace Steve Walker as Chief Executive of Amicus Horizon
7th August 2012
Paul Hackett will step up and take over as Chief Executive at Amicus Horizon on 1st December, after Steve Walker stands down.
Steve Walker took over as CE of the 28,000-homes Amicus Horizon in October 2008, a year after the association was placed under supervision by the Housing Corporation, which was in place until the following year.
Paul Hackett was one of Steve Walker's first appointments. He joined Amicus Horizon from Moat Housing Association in March 2009.
Lord Charles Falconer, Chair of Amicus Horizon, said:
"It gives continuity at senior level to our ongoing success. Paul will work closely with the board and residents to implement the next phase of our journey, our 2013/16 strategic plan."
