We are working on new Vision and Objectives for DSHG. The first step was to ask the delegates at our first Housing Forum on 19 July what they thought as part of some group work carried out on the day. We are looking at their ideas which will be debated in full at our next full partnership meeting on 12 October 2007. Examples of what the delegates thought include:

Vision

'To inform, influence and support the delivery of affordable housing in Devon'

and

'Right Homes, Right Places, Right Communities'

Objectives

One view from the Groups was that DSHG was about:

Joint working to give added value thorugh:

-lobbying, training and capacity building, marketing and publicity, sharing good and best practice, promoting cross boundary woking, being the voice of housing in Devon, promoting effective partnership working, improving mulit disciplinary working  and all this to ensure:

- Increased delivery (of affordable housing)

- Better quality (services and housing)

- Happier Customers!

- Sustainable communities

If you would like to see what delegates said you can see the summary in the report to DSHG on 10 August 2007 or make your own comments please contact mary.ridgway@southhams.gov.uk or sue@devonrcc.org.uk.

Meanwhile the four key challenges continue to provide the framwework for our work.

Securing an Effective Voice for Devon

This challenge is about the DSHG lobbying for resources and information effectively. It is also about raising the profile of Devon as a county which develops and practices good housing services.

Developing Streamlined and Consistent Strategic and Operational Processes

We want to ensure that whichever Local Authority customers or colleagues approach for help or information about housing the same high level of service is delivered. We recognise that there are some fundamental differences between Local Authorities in Devon, but as much as possible we would like to make our services consistent.

Innovation and Good Practice in Delivery

There are lots of examples of good practice across Devon and we are keen to share that practice and try to make it common place. We are also keen to learn from other areas, outside of Devon, about what is working for them.

Monitoring Housing Needs in Devon

When planning services it is crucial that we understand what is needed. If we can collect the same types of information in the same across the county we will be more informed about what and how services should be developed.