The ICSH AHB Collaboration Programme has been established to support collaboration and consolidation projects in the AHB sector. Projects such as mergers between smaller bodies, takeovers involving smaller and larger AHBs, the establishment of group service arrangements for AHBs and any other relevant initiatives leading to the re-organisation and rationalisation of the AHB sector are all eligible for support under the programme which is now entering its fourth year and which has supported over twenty five projects to date. Successful projects have so far taken place across Care & Support, Elderly, Homelessness, Mental Health and General Needs housing providers.
About the AHB Collaboration Programme
The ICSH AHB Collaboration Programme aims to support collaboration and consolidation initiatives in the AHB sector. The programme is administered by the ICSH using funds received under Housing for All from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and it is designed to support projects where two or more AHBs come together to progress a consolidation, restructuring or housing management initiative.
This programme is a coordinated response from the ICSH and has emerged in response to current issues in the sector, such as board renewal and an increasingly complex regulatory environment, as well as encouraging AHBs to work more effectively with each other on housing management and collaboration initiatives.
The 2025 Collaboration Programme will continue to support smaller AHBs that wish to consolidate. It is also available for larger scale projects and collaborative working such as establishing a services company or shared administrative service between AHBs. Exploratory work into collaborative initiatives between AHBs that drive efficiencies in the sector (such as procurement panels) will also be considered.
The main aims of the programme are as follows:
- to provide resources for project-based support to advance collaboration projects that may not otherwise occur due to limited capacity and competing priorities in the sector;
- to expediate consolidation in the sector by providing time-limited financial support to projects where there is board consensus to progress; and
- provide useful case studies for collaboration and consolidation projects that can be replicated in other locations and contexts in the sector.
To make an application for support under the fund, an AHB should complete the accompanying application form. The deadline for receipt of fully completed applications form is 5.00pm on Friday 28th March 2024.
AHB Collaboration Programme 2025 Information Webinar
An information webinar will be held on Tuesday 18th February at 12.00pm to detail previous projects and to answer any questions from those interested in putting in an application for 2025. You can register for the webinar at the link below or by contacting kevin@icsh.ie
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0jGldxtBSgyjfz94WuI0wQ