Established as a charity in 1964, we are the leading provider of independent advice, training and information on housing and homelessness issues in NI. We believe prevention of homelessness is the best cure and work tirelessly to keep people in their homes and help them with their housing problems.
Last year we helped 11,852 households deal with their housing problems.
To help assist as many people as possible we offer the following services:
Helpline – a daily housing advice line, helping people get to grips with their housing problems.
Advocacy and Representation – housing advisers work on complex and strategic cases. They represent members of the public at Court, liaise with statutory bodies/private landlords on behalf of clients, and provide support to people struggling with housing and debt problems.
Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme (HPCDS) – A specialist legal adviser is available in Courts to offer free emergency advice and representation to homeowners and tenants facing possession.
Landlord Advice – a free helpline for registered landlords in NI to promote professional standards in both the management of accommodation and delivery of quality services to tenants.
Mediation Service – to provide an alternative dispute resolution service to those in the private rented sector.
Policy – our policy work is based on the experiences of clients we advise and represent. We work on their behalf to secure positive change to housing policy, practice and legislation.
Research- Undertaking research which will help to inform/influence the policy formulation process in relation to homelessness and housing policy in NI.
Why Housing Rights is supporting Boardroom Apprentice
Housing Rights is committed to building the strength of the organisation and in particular the skills and experience of our Board Directors over recent years. In May 2017 we restructured the governance of the organisation to include both an Executive and an Audit & Risk Committee. This evolving journey has enabled us to grow and develop in key areas such as risk management, financial planning, business continuity, good governance, quality assurance and performance management.
We remain keen to continue to host and share our learning and help develop others who could in turn transfer any learning from their experience via the Boardroom Apprentice journey. Our Board has agreed to become a host once again for the next cohort year, should the programme be running.
Location of Board and Committee Meetings
Housing Rights office, 1st Floor, Skainos Centre, 239 Newtownards Road, BELFAST, BT4 1AF
Frequency and timing of board/committee meetings
Board meet 6 times per annum (January/ March/ May/ July/ September & November) from 12.30pm – 2pm generally and the Executive Committee meet in the months between these at same times. The Audit & Risk Committee meet 11am-12.15pm four time per annum in January, May, July and November. All meetings normally occur on a Tuesday.
Date of Board Meetings (September 2023 – August 2024)
26/09/23; 14/11/23; 24/01/23; January, May & July 2024 meeting dates tbc.
Committee of the Boards and meeting dates (September 2023 – August 2024)
Executive Committee: 17/10/23; February, April, June & Auguts 2024 meeting dates tbc.
Audit & Risk Committee: 26/09/23, 14/11/23; January, May and July 2024 meeting dates tbc.
