One Vision Housing

Background to the Association

One Vision Housing was formed in October 2006 to take over the ownership and management of all the housing stock that belonged to Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council. Transfer of the housing stock followed in depth consultation with the tenants and their overwhelming vote in favour of the proposal.

One Vision is a non-profit-making, charitable organisation, registered both under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 and with the Housing Corporation.

Registration requires One Vision Housing to follow strict rules in terms of its operation and involves it being regularly monitored to ensure it is following best practice in terms of the management of its housing and in the building of new homes for future generations.

The main work of the Association involves:

• Property repairs and improvements
• New developments / refurbishments
• Rent collection and income advice
• Property lettings
• General estate management

One Vision Housing is managed by a Board of Management consisting of 15 volunteers who are elected as follows:

• 6 tenant representatives elected by the tenants of the Association
• 1 leaseholder elected by the tenants of the Association
• 5 independent members elected by the members of the Association
• 3 Councillors elected by Sefton Council

The members of the Board receive no payment other than out of pocket expenses.

The Association is charitable and may not trade for profit. The Annual General Meeting may determine where any surpluses are invested.

Vision and Values

Our vision is to provide high quality  affordable homes in thriving communities, where people have a sense of pride and place. Our mission is to be the landlord of choice in Sefton.

We wish to develop effective and productive relationships with all of our customers and stakeholders and we are guided by 8 core values:

• Honesty, openness and transparency in our business
• Respect  for the rights of individuals
• Clarity and simplicity
• Valuing and respecting differences
• Helping people to achieve their potential
• Support for those that need it
• Interdependence, mutual responsibility and a sense of belonging
• Being there for the customer

• Homes that people want to live in
• Viable, sustainable and inclusive communities, supporting and empowering those who are vulnerable and / or disadvantaged.
• Services that offer value for money and make efficient, effective and economic use of resources.
• Clear, decisive, dynamic and informed decision - making and leadership.

To support the aims of the organisation and to ensure that OVH achieves its mission in the most effective manner, the Board has agreed a number of  "principles" which underpin all that we do. These are:-

Partnership Working -  OVH is committed to working in partnership with contractors, suppliers, strategic bodies and other service providers and stakeholders to create a more efficient and responsive service.

Fostering Equality and Diversity - OVH will promote equality and encourage diversity both in the workplace and in our communities to improve quality of life and to make us more able to meet the needs of our customers.

Engaging Customers in Participation and Consultation - OVH recognises the importance of involving tenants, leaseholders, residents and other stakeholders in the decision making process to ensure that we can respond to customer expectations and preferences.

Continually Improving Services and Performance - OVH encourages customers to have increasingly higher expectations on the standards of services they receive, and we aim to use our resources to deliver those higher standards.

Adopting a Fair but Firm Approach - OVH fosters a culture of mutual respect across our business objectives and has adopted a "fair but firm" approach as a guiding principle treating everyone equitably and fairly but where necessary taking firm and decisive action.

Improving the Environment - OVH recognises that the physical and social environments are key to determining the quality of life for residents and commits to making a positive impact, keeping our neighbourhoods safe and clean.