This document summarizes a roadshow event held in Bristol on improving the delivery of Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs). It discusses findings that many local authorities do not use recommended repair and renovation (RRO) policies or customized application forms for adaptations. The event addressed barriers to change, different types of activists, and training on becoming a "trusted assessor." It also included a question and answer session on funding breakdowns for common adaptations. Finally, attendees participated in a workshop on 10 proposed quality statements for DFG services, covering areas like public information, co-production, staffing, and commissioning.
In October 2016 Foundations ran a series of DFG-focussed events to highlight some of the difficulties of the DFG process and to share best practice on how this can be improved to deliver better outcomes.
In October 2016 Foundations ran a series of DFG-focussed events to highlight some of the difficulties of the DFG process and to share best practice on how this can be improved to deliver better outcomes.
Integration (Joint (Public Bodies) Bill presentation slides - oct 2013 - tr...scottread
Scottish Governments presentation around the integration agenda and the Joint (Public Bodies) Bill and who it may possibly impact on transitions in Scotland.
Disabled Facilities Grant and Other Adaptations: External Review 2018Foundations
Sheila Mackintosh from the University of West England presents some of the key recommendations from the DFG Review at the DFG Champions Roadshows 2018.
Much like the construction of broadband networks across municipality borders, community development efforts often rely upon collaborations between multiple local governments and other organizations to produce the best outcomes. This session will focus on best practices for regional collaboration around broadband and community development. This session will also highlight a success story about reaching universal broadband coverage in Grayson County, Virginia.
Integration (Joint (Public Bodies) Bill presentation slides - oct 2013 - tr...scottread
Scottish Governments presentation around the integration agenda and the Joint (Public Bodies) Bill and who it may possibly impact on transitions in Scotland.
Disabled Facilities Grant and Other Adaptations: External Review 2018Foundations
Sheila Mackintosh from the University of West England presents some of the key recommendations from the DFG Review at the DFG Champions Roadshows 2018.
Much like the construction of broadband networks across municipality borders, community development efforts often rely upon collaborations between multiple local governments and other organizations to produce the best outcomes. This session will focus on best practices for regional collaboration around broadband and community development. This session will also highlight a success story about reaching universal broadband coverage in Grayson County, Virginia.
The Our Place programme is ready to support at least 100 areas as they work towards making local services in their neighbourhoods, such as adult social care, health or employment, better for all.
See more at: http://locality.org.uk/news/place-opens-today/#sthash.Nj2PTJ6X.dpuf
More presentations from the NCVO Annual conference: http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/networking-discussions/blogs/20591 will help you innovate in your work.
Fiona Sheil, Public Service Delivery Officer, NCVO
This expert-led workshop explores the future of contract design, what it means for funding public services and th e legal and cultural implications for organisations like yours. Public service contracting is becoming more diverse in both size and structure. With large contracts being broken up and work being passed down supply chains in sub-contracts, you see a number of challenges arising.
If you are involved in contracting , our panel of senior national charity finance directors and civil servants will help you navigate some of the key difficulties, including modelling cash-flows in supply chains and managing the sharing of risk between providers.
Cheryl Davenport, Director of Health and Care Integration at Leicestershire County Council, talks about how simulation is helping to evaluate how emergency hospital admissions can be reduced.
The BATH-OUT study is a feasibility randomised controlled trial with nested qualitative interview study. It involves adults aged 65 or over, and their carers, who have been assessed by a social care occupational therapist and referred for an accessible showering facility. We want to investigate the impact of the accessible showering facility on disabled older adults and their carers.
The researchers' long term aim is to evaluate the effect of these adaptations on quality of life, health and wellbeing and functional ability.
This DFG Benchmarking offer will allow local authorities to compare their performance across a range of metrics, receive detailed analysis and support to improve their delivery
How can housing associations support independent livingFoundations HIA
Explore innovative ways to integrate health, housing and care
Discover how housing associations can achieve value for money whilst helping residents retain independence
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
Canadian Immigration Tracker March 2024 - Key SlidesAndrew Griffith
Highlights
Permanent Residents decrease along with percentage of TR2PR decline to 52 percent of all Permanent Residents.
March asylum claim data not issued as of May 27 (unusually late). Irregular arrivals remain very small.
Study permit applications experiencing sharp decrease as a result of announced caps over 50 percent compared to February.
Citizenship numbers remain stable.
Slide 3 has the overall numbers and change.
ZGB - The Role of Generative AI in Government transformation.pdfSaeed Al Dhaheri
This keynote was presented during the the 7th edition of the UAE Hackathon 2024. It highlights the role of AI and Generative AI in addressing government transformation to achieve zero government bureaucracy
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
Up the Ratios Bylaws - a Comprehensive Process of Our Organizationuptheratios
Up the Ratios is a non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the gap in STEM education for underprivileged students by providing free, high-quality learning opportunities in robotics and other STEM fields. Our mission is to empower the next generation of innovators, thinkers, and problem-solvers by offering a range of educational programs that foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
At Up the Ratios, we believe that every student, regardless of their socio-economic background, should have access to the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in today's technology-driven world. To achieve this, we host a variety of free classes, workshops, summer camps, and live lectures tailored to students from underserved communities. Our programs are designed to be engaging and hands-on, allowing students to explore the exciting world of robotics and STEM through practical, real-world applications.
Our free classes cover fundamental concepts in robotics, coding, and engineering, providing students with a strong foundation in these critical areas. Through our interactive workshops, students can dive deeper into specific topics, working on projects that challenge them to apply what they've learned and think creatively. Our summer camps offer an immersive experience where students can collaborate on larger projects, develop their teamwork skills, and gain confidence in their abilities.
In addition to our local programs, Up the Ratios is committed to making a global impact. We take donations of new and gently used robotics parts, which we then distribute to students and educational institutions in other countries. These donations help ensure that young learners worldwide have the resources they need to explore and excel in STEM fields. By supporting education in this way, we aim to nurture a global community of future leaders and innovators.
Our live lectures feature guest speakers from various STEM disciplines, including engineers, scientists, and industry professionals who share their knowledge and experiences with our students. These lectures provide valuable insights into potential career paths and inspire students to pursue their passions in STEM.
Up the Ratios relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to continue our work. Contributions of time, expertise, and financial support are crucial to sustaining our programs and expanding our reach. Whether you're an individual passionate about education, a professional in the STEM field, or a company looking to give back to the community, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference.
We are proud of the positive impact we've had on the lives of countless students, many of whom have gone on to pursue higher education and careers in STEM. By providing these young minds with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, we are not only changing their futures but also contributing to the advancement of technology and innovation on a broader scale.
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the latest updates to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (commonly known as the Uniform Guidance) outlined in the 2 CFR 200.
With a focus on the 2024 revisions issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), participants will gain insight into the key changes affecting federal grant recipients. The session will delve into critical regulatory updates, providing attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate and comply with the evolving landscape of federal grant management.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the rationale behind the 2024 updates to the Uniform Guidance outlined in 2 CFR 200, and their implications for federal grant recipients.
- Identify the key changes and revisions introduced by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the 2024 edition of 2 CFR 200.
- Gain proficiency in applying the updated regulations to ensure compliance with federal grant requirements and avoid potential audit findings.
- Develop strategies for effectively implementing the new guidelines within the grant management processes of their respective organizations, fostering efficiency and accountability in federal grant administration.
Presentation by Jared Jageler, David Adler, Noelia Duchovny, and Evan Herrnstadt, analysts in CBO’s Microeconomic Studies and Health Analysis Divisions, at the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists Summer Conference.
7. Use of RRO Policies
No Policy Has Policy
• Since 2008 LAs have been
able to develop their own
policy to improve the delivery
of DFG
• 47% of Local authorities do
NOT use a RRO policy for
adaptations
8. Use of ‘Prescribed Form’
Prescribed Form Bespoke Form
• Since 2008 LAs have been
able to develop their own
more ‘user-friendly’ and less
bureaucratic forms
• 45% of Local authorities still
use the ‘prescribed form’
11. Lone Wolves
Build change by expertise and information – through
advocacy, oversight, contributing to committees,
public comments and other forms of consultation
Organisers
Build change by growing leaders – identifying, recruiting
and supporting future leaders in a distributed network:
building a community and protecting its strength
Mobilisers
Build change by mobilising people – being able to
call on large numbers of people to contribute,
engage in and take action
16. • We're seeking partners (HIAs, Local
Authorities or Suppliers) to be at the
forefront of a new approach –
making change happen by working
together
• Working with the Social Change
Agency to take a fresh look at DFG
delivery
• Moving on from “systems thinking”
• Max cost would be £1,200 plus VAT
Social
Change
Agency
• DFG Transformation
Proposal
18. Works v Staffing Costs
Work Type Average
Staffing
Average
Works
% Staff Costs
Level Access Shower £857 £4,782 17.93%
Stairlift (straight) £506 £1,927 26.30%
Stairlift (more complex) £814 £4,693 17.36%
Convert room for downstairs WC/washroom £1,431 £10,134 14.12%
Build downstairs extension for WC washroom £2,290 £23,199 9.87%
Build downstairs extension for bedroom and en-
suite facilities
£2,512 £34,578 7.27%
22. How it works
• Schedule of standard works items for a shower adaptation
• Local builders submit their prices for each item
• Technical officer inputs quantities for each job
• System generates instant quote from every contractor
• Choose successful quote – instant email to contractor
25. 10. Value for money
• Local Authorities provide value for money home adaptations
• Regular review of specifications
• Efficient procurement through frameworks / tender portals
• Engagement with the supply chain
• Management of contractors
• Aspirational design / client choice
• Recycling
26. 9. Housing Options
• Disabled people will be supported to move home if they want
to.
• Housing options advice
• Register of adapted properties (across tenures)
• Support to move home available
27. 8. Tenure neutral approach
• Disabled people can access assistance with adaptations
regardless of their tenure
• Protocols in place with housing associations
• Equivalent procedures for retained council housing
• Awareness raising with private landlords
28. 7. Assistance Policy
• Local Authorities have a policy in place that allows DFG
funding to meet local needs
• Current Housing Assistance / RRO policy that addresses:
• Works costing more than £30k
• Use of the test of resources
• Appeals process (not fettering discretion)
• Appropriate (minimal) bureaucracy
• Review process
29. 6. Timescales
• Disabled people know from the outset how long an adaptation
is likely to take to complete
• Timescales are published as part of service standards
• Timescales are monitored and reported
• Prioritisation is used where appropriate
• NHS Number is logged against all cases
• Benchmarking with other areas
30. 5. Staffing
• Local Authorities deploy staff to deliver efficiently and
effectively
• Single person responsible for customer journey
• Co-location of staff (OT, caseworkers, technical officers)
• Trusted assessors
• Disabled staff
31. 4. Combined services
• Disabled people do not have to search out other services
• Single holistic assessment
• Home adaptations are delivered collaboratively with other
complementary services including:
• Equipment and minor adaptations
• Handyperson services
• Repairs and affordable warmth
• Home from hospital
• Telecare and assistive technology, etc…
• Includes support for ‘self-funders’
32. 3. Public information
• Disabled people know where to go for help and support with
home adaptations
• Availability of assistance and support is publicised
• Good quality public information is designed in consultation with
disabled people
• GPs and community health workers are trained
• Initial point(s) of contact are well known, and include triage and
signposting
33. 2. Co-production
• Disabled people are involved in the design of adaptation
services
• Service users are involved in reviewing and improving delivery of
services
• Could be as part of an advisory group / user board
• Satisfaction surveys and feedback are monitored and used to
improve delivery
34. 1. Commissioning
• Local Authorities understand the needs in their area and hold
a joint commitment to meeting them.
• JSNA or other needs analysis
• Representation at Health & Wellbeing Board or a subcommittee
• Senior officer commitment
• Concordat between Districts and Counties
• Funding allocated in accordance with need
• Memorandum of Understanding on housing and health
35. Workshop
•Working in table groups:
•Anything we’ve missed?
•Anything we should omit?
•Is this useful?
•How would you rate now?
