Almshouse Resident Appointment Policy

Lambourn Almshouses: Residents Appointment Policy

This policy outlines the procedure for the application, interview, and appointment of new Almshouse residents in accordance with current UK charity laws and the Charity Commission’s guidelines. The Trustees of Lambourn Almshouses are committed to ensuring a fair, transparent, and legal process for selecting residents.

1. Eligibility Criteria

An applicant must meet the following criteria:

  • Both men and women, as well as couples, are eligible for residency.
  • Applicants must be of limited financial means and may not own property in the UK or abroad.
  • Applicants must be of good character.
  • Applicants must be from, or have a very close connection to, the Parish of Lambourn or surrounding Parishes.
  • Applicants must demonstrate the ability to live independently and engage in a cooperative community environment.

2. Application Process

  • Prospective applicants should initially contact the Clerk, who will explain the workings and operation of the Almshouses as well as the application process.
  • Interested applicants will receive an Application Form from the Clerk. Applicants must complete the form with as much detail as possible and return it to the Clerk for processing.
  • All completed applications will be placed on a waiting list. Names will remain on the list until a suitable vacancy arises.

3. Shortlisting

  • When a vacancy becomes available, a shortlist of applicants will be drawn up from the waiting list, based on the eligibility criteria and any specific needs of the Almshouse community.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with at least one Trustee and the Clerk.

4. Pre-Interview Visit (Optional)

  • Where appropriate, a Trustee may arrange a visit to the applicant’s current residence before the interview. This visit allows the Trustees to assess the applicant’s living conditions and suitability for Almshouse accommodation.

5. Interview Process

The interview will be conducted in a manner that is respectful, transparent, and compliant with the charity’s objectives. The following steps will be covered:

  • Introductions: All Trustees and the Clerk present will introduce themselves to the applicant(s).
  • History and Status: A brief history of the Almshouses and an explanation of their charitable nature will be provided, along with clarification that the Almshouses are privately funded by the charity, not by the local authority or housing associations.
  • Trustees’ Role: The Trustees’ role in managing the Almshouses will be outlined, noting that there are ten Trustees and a Clerk who oversee its operations.
  • Resident Responsibilities: The responsibilities of an Almshouse resident will be explained, including maintaining the accommodation in good order and cooperating with other residents.
  • Accommodation Overview: The accommodation provided at the Almshouses will be described, including details of upkeep, repairs, and any additional services. The Trustees will inform the applicant of restrictions, such as the need for written consent for pets or vehicles.
  • Shared Accommodation: If applicable, the option for shared accommodation will be discussed, noting that only two people may reside in any single Almshouse.
  • Independent Living: It will be emphasised that all residents must be able to live independently, and the importance of contributing to a communal and cooperative environment will be stressed.

6. Financial Contributions

  • Maintenance Charges: Almshouse residents are required to make a financial contribution to the charity to cover the costs of running the Almshouses. The charges will be explained in detail during the interview.
  • Benefits Advice: The Trustees will direct the applicants to claiming benefits from local authorities, where appropriate. The responsibility for paying council tax rests with the resident.
  • UItilities: Residents will be advised that they are responsible for paying for utilities such as electricity, gas, telephone, internet. Water supply is included in the Maintenance charge.

7. Post-Interview

  • If an applicant is unsuccessful, the Trustees will discuss alternative opportunities, including placement on the waiting list for future Almshouses or advising on other housing options within the local area.

8. Decision-Making Process

  • The Trustees will make all decisions about Almshouse residency collectively. They will ensure that their decisions are in the best interest of both the charity and the prospective residents.
  • All decisions will be documented, and feedback will be provided to applicants upon request.

9. Approval

This policy has been approved by the Board of Trustees of The Lambourn Almshouses:

Signature:

Name: Christian Noll
Position: Chair of Trustees
Date: 1 November 2024

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