Annual Report &

Summary Accounts

2018

Our Mission, Vision and Values

Vision....

Is for RHD Housing to be a leader in providing high quality housing in a secure environment in which people

can remain independent. RHD Housing is dedicated to providing services and supports to meet identified

needs of the older person and people with physical disabilities which enable them to live in their own homes

for as long as they can. By providing purpose designed accommodation we are enabling the majority of our

residents to remain in their homes longer than is the case in traditional housing.

Mission......

Is to meet the needs of the community, by providing and maintaining good quality, affordable and well

managed housing at the lowest possible economic rent to individuals who are in need of the service

Values......

Like other charities and housing associations we face the challenge of ensuring that our services and

organisational values work together in an environment that is competitive, business-focused within limited

resources and meet regulatory requirements.

Accountability: We will continue to be accountable to our tenants and stakeholders.

Transparency: We will ensure that all aspects of our business are transparent.

Integrity: We will treat tenants and partners with trust and respect.

Commitment: We will maintain our commitment to providing a high-quality service.

Professionalism: We will act professionally at all times in our business dealings.

Compliance: We will maintain the high standards of governance applicable in our sector.

Contents

About RHD Housing

Foreword from the Chairman

Governance

Our Tenants – Who they are

What we do

Future Plans

Board of Management

Summary Accounts

About RHD Housing

The Royal Hospital Donnybrook Voluntary Housing Association (trading as RHD Housing) was established in

1993 as a social housing provider for frail older adults and people with disabilities. It was founded by The

Royal Hospital Donnybrook which has been providing care for disadvantaged and disabled people for 270

years. RHD Housing has a proven track record in the delivery of high-quality homes, comprehensive housing

management services and tenant supports.

It is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee which is governed by its Constitution and is run by a

Voluntary Board of Management with a skill set covering care of the elderly, property development,

construction, finance and corporate governance.

RHD Housing is approved by the Department of Housing, Planning & Local Government as a voluntary housing

body. The Board believes in strong and transparent governance and is signed up to the ‘Voluntary Regulation

Code for Approved Housing Bodies, the company is a registered charity and is also a member of the Irish

Council for Social Housing.

Foreword from the Chairman

RHD Housing is a very worthy charity that serves a vital need in our society. With an increasing ageing

population, the demand for specialist housing that meets the needs of older people continues to rise. Our goal

is to provide suitable high-quality housing that allows our tenants to live independently as part of the

community. By providing the necessary supports and services, we enable our tenants to remain independent

for as long as possible. In turn, this helps to reduce the demands on nursing home care and facilitates

discharge from acute hospital beds for patients able to live independently with the aid of support services. As

an alternative to long term institutional care, our tenants are enabled to live out their lives with dignity,

comfort and security.

It is pleasing to record the successful completion of our development project at Beech Hill, Donnybrook that

adds 19 accommodation units and a community room to our housing capacity. The units were completed in

December with occupation commencing in the run up to Christmas. We are grateful to Dublin City Council for

funding the project and we look forward to working with them on further social housing development

opportunities in the future. The successful completion of Beech Hill is testament to the unceasing efforts of

former Chairman, Robin Simpson and the Board over many years and, in particular, of our General Manager,

Oonagh Ryan who brought the project to fruition on time and on budget.

I was very pleased to welcome Peter Lynch to the Board during the year. Our Association faces many

challenges in the years ahead and Peter’s counsel will be of great benefit. I am also very appreciative of the

continuing commitment and valuable contributions from our employees and from our Board members

without which little would be achieved.

Derek Scally

Governance

RHD Housing is a company limited by guarantee without a share capital registered in Ireland (CRO No.

180825). The company is registered as a charity (CHY No. 10441) and with the Irish Charity Regulator Authority

(CRA No. 20026486).

Its purpose and objectives and how it conducts its business are set out in its Constitution which is available

from the Companies Registration Office or from The Charity Regulatory Authority website.

The Board is responsible for providing leadership, setting strategy, financial and risk management, monitoring

performance and good governance. It comprises of seven non-executive Directors. Directors are drawn from

diverse backgrounds in business, finance, construction and professions.

The Board met five times in 2018. There is clear division of responsibility within the organisation with the

Board retaining control of major decisions under a formal schedule of Reserved Powers of the Board. All

elected members of the Board are volunteers and do not receive any fees or expenses for attending Board

meetings or undertaking other work on behalf of RHD Housing. There is also an Audit and Risk Committee

with Terms of Reference. The attendance at Board meetings and committee meetings during 2018 is shown in

the chart below.

There was one new Board member appointed in 2018.

Risk Management is a standing item on the agenda at every Board meeting. The organisation operates a risk

management process culminating in a corporate risk register that identifies the main risks, their likelihood and

impact, and the actions necessary to manage them effectively.

There is a ‘Conflict of Interest & Loyalty’ policy in place and observed by the Board and is used at every Board

and Committee meeting as a matter of course. From time to time agreement is reached to cooperate formally

with other organisations on specific projects or areas. In these cases a Service Level Agreement or

Memorandum of Understanding is approved by the Board.

The organisation has a comprehensive process for reporting management information to the Board. The

Board is provided with regular information including key performance indicators for the organisation.

If the Board identifies a need for a new member, it commences a recruitment process. All new Board

members receive induction so that they can familiarise themselves with their statutory responsibilities, their

role as Board members, the organisations governance framework and risk environment. There are clear

distinctions between the role of the Board and the executive team to which day to day management is

delegated. Day to day running of the organisation is the responsibility of the General Manager who reports

directly to the Board.

RHD Housing is compliant with the Governance Code for Community, Voluntary and Charitable Organisations

(since September 2017) and is signed up to the Voluntary Regulation Code (VRC) for housing associations.

Board Members’ Attendance

For period 01/01/18 to 31/12/18

Derek

Scally

Miriam

Hillery

Margaret

Cagney

Dermot

Lacey

Jim Kelly Conor

Kenny

Peter

Lynch

Board of Management

08.03.2018

25.04.2018

04.07.2018

26.09.2018

x

28.11.2018

Audit & Risk Committee

08.03.2018

x

x

04.07.2018

28.11.2018

x

x

Our Tenants

The older population is increasing and preferences changing, clearly, a key consideration is the growing size

of the over-65 population; a segment in Ireland which has been increasing at a faster rate than those of our

EU neighbours. Demographic projections indicate that the number of older people in Ireland is growing. The

numbers aged over 65 grew by 100,000 between 2010 and 2015 and more people are now living longer into

what could be termed old-old age. The percentage of the population aged over 65 is projected to double,

from 12.4% to 24.9%, by 2050. In addition, the number of people aged 80 and over in Ireland is projected to

rise from 130,600 to 458,000 – an increase of 250%.

Client Profile

In 2018 we provided 49 units of accommodation and we completed a new project in December 2018 with an

additional 19 units. All our schemes cater for individuals who for a number of reasons are no longer able to

manage in traditional accommodation. In 2018 we provided accommodation to 56 individuals, with ages

ranging from 32 years to 94 years of age.

20% of our tenants were in receipt of a Home Care Package, with a further 12% receiving either a home help

or local PCT carer input, 11% receiving meals on wheels service and 30% availing of a pharmacy delivery

service.

Residents by Age

Under 60

60-70

70-80

80-90

Above 90

We had a 98% occupancy rate with the average length of time residents had been with us at 8.5 years (ranging

from 6 months to 24 years). We had four new tenants in 2018. 22% of our tenants in 2018 were wheelchair

users with an additional 19% using mobility aids. We have had no complaints in 2018, no rent arrears and no

notices to quit.

RHD Housing has undertaken a Tenant Satisfaction Survey every two years since 2013. We have undertaken

this survey to learn how tenants rate the quality of the housing and services that are provided. The results of

the survey are used for performance monitoring, service improvement and benchmarking purposes. Repeat

survey due in 2019.

We have an ongoing refurbishment programme in place in our Cullenswood Scheme as we believe by

providing the right design of accommodation we are enabling the majority of our residents to remain in their

homes longer with a better lifestyle than in a nursing home or institutional care. 90% of all units have been

fully upgraded (wet rooms, level access, new heating etc.) as part of this refurbishment programme to make

units fully accessible for all.

RHD Housing has a long history of providing accommodation for our specific client group and will continue to

explore opportunities. By virtue of the expertise that arises due to our close relationship with The Royal

Hospital Donnybrook, we are confident that we keep our tenants living at home for longer than would

otherwise be the case. This enhances the quality of life for older adults and people with physical disabilities.

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

Meals OnWheels

HCP HH or PCT Carer Pharmacydelivery

Community Services

Community Services

RHD Housing has a strong focus on our tenants and we engage with them regularly through coffee mornings,

social groups, our residents association, visiting housing manager, pre-tenancy meetings, tenant handbooks

and other communications. We ran 99 group activities in 2018 with over 700 attendances.

We review our housing services provided against the sector as a whole to ensure best practice as part of

Housing Association Performance Management framework.

All tenancies were registered with the Residential Tenancies Board in 2018.

What we do

Provision of Housing

The principal activity of the company is the provision of affordable housing that enables our tenants to live

independent lives with varying degrees of support. We provide safe and supported homes for older adults and

people with physical disabilities, offering a range of accommodation. We have responsibility for ongoing

maintenance of all our properties, servicing of all boilers, motion sensors /pendants and fire equipment etc.

Support Services

All residents receive housing management, facilities management and emergency response services. In

addition if required they receive a number of other supports. The objectives of our support services are:

Repairs Maintenance 2018

Routine- 283

Urgent-29

Emergency-4

100% Responded to on Time

To support our residents to live well and to age as long as possible, and as independently as possible

at home

To provide case management and key worker if required

To reduce the trauma of hospital admission, to support residents who have been discharged from

hospital to return home and to avoid premature nursing home admissions

To provide a link between residents and local Primary Care Team community services – day care,

rehabilitation, respite, Public Health Nurse, General Practitioner, Occupational Therapist, and

Physiotherapist - to ensure optimal service is received

Regular contact with residents to assess any changing needs and identify factors in a timely manner

that may prevent someone from living at home and identify the practical resources and supports that

would address these factors.

Advocacy and liaison with statutory organisations and support services linking with healthcare,

welfare and wellbeing and coordination of supports across all agencies, state, community and private

Assistance with applying for grants and aid with housing adaptations and help with practical home

modifications

Running and facilitating groups for educational, well-being and social interaction purposes

Our personalised support services assist tenants to remain in their homes, manage their tenancies and live

independently in their communities in a safe and secure environment. We continuously innovate in housing

design and technology. We also upgrade our units because we believe in providing the right design of

accommodation. We review services provided against the sector as a whole to ensure best practice as part of

Resident & Family

Grants, Finance

HSE - HH & HCP, PCT,

Geriatrician, Hospitals

Community Services -

Befriending, Meals on Wheels

Technology, information, sign posting,

point of contact

the Housing Association Performance Management framework. These findings are supported by a very high

satisfaction rating amongst our tenants.

SMART Technologies

The appropriate technologies can enhance an individual’s feeling of security and can also help people to

remain living independently for longer. At RHD Housing we provide a basic package of technology to all our

tenants.

24 hour monitored social alarm, passive movement detector, smoke alarm and intruder alarm

monitoring.

In addition, technologies used for individual requirements include:

intelligent telecare sensors including falls, floods, temperature and gas

Environmental controls - accessible remote controls (e.g. switch or voice-controlled) for turning on

and off lights, opening and closing doors, windows, curtains, and operating household devices.

Door entry systems, automated doors for wheelchair users.

Key safes so health professional / carers/ family will always be able to access the unit.

Adjustable height kitchen units for wheelchair users

Alternative control of powered wheelchairs, seat-raising devices, posture changing devices.

Augmentative and alternative communication - devices for people who have communication

difficulties which include linking of fire alarm to strobe lighting.

The Royal Hospital Donnybrook has a state of the art demonstration area of smart technologies that can be

viewed and tested by individuals. This helps our tenants to get to know and test simple technologies which

can assist them to remain independent.

We believe that our close associate with The Royal Hospital Donnybrook and its facilities greatly enhances our

ability to provide housing with support.

Why is RHD Housing different?

We support our residents through active engagement to remain independent for longer thus

remaining in their own homes and communities.

Adapting our support services to meet the changing needs of individual residents and to be

proactive in preventing issues arising.

Good relationships with our housing manager and having a one point of contact for any services

required leading to improved quality of life.

Staff work with each resident to ensure they have the relevant services they need to live

independently by utilising available services in the local community. The level of support an

individual needs is based on their needs and changes over time.

RHD Housing has a long history of providing accommodation for our specific client group and will

continue to explore opportunities. By virtue of the expertise that arises due to our close relationship

with the Royal Hospital Donnybrook who are a key provider of rehabilitation services in conjunction

with the HSE, St Vincent’s University Hospital, University College Dublin, other specialist providers and

community partners we are confident that we keep our tenants living at home for longer than would

otherwise be the case. This enhances the quality of life for older adults and people with physical

disabilities.

Future Plans

RHD Housing’s strategic objectives are:

To continue our commitment to current and future tenants, and to ensure that the standards of

housing and support services provided are maintained at the highest level.

To influence policymakers in the area of housing in relation to the provision of services to allow

people remain living in their own homes and communities with supports required.

To actively seek out, evaluate, and pursue opportunities for partnership and collaboration with other

organisations to further the capacity of RHD Housing to meet the needs of its tenants.

To acquire additional housing in the area of County Dublin.

To continue and expand the provision of a personalised support service to all tenants in order to help

them to manage their tenancy and live independently in their communities.

To ensure the financial sustainability of RHD Housing as an organisation.

To ensure the organisation is governed and managed in accordance with best practice and in

compliance with all regulatory and statutory requirements.

Achievements & Performance

In conjunction with Dublin City Council and the Department of Housing, Planning & Local Government, we

completed the redevelopment of the Beech Hill site in Donnybrook with funding from the Capital Assistance

Scheme.

Our Beech Hill project is designed for older adults and people with physical disabilities using a universal,

‘home for life’ design. It comprises of 19 one bedroom apartments which will allow individuals as their needs

change to remain in their homes for longer. Facilities include lifts to allow access to all units, a communal area,

parking facilities and landscaped gardens. The apartments are fitted with environmental controls, personal

alarms and monitors which enable tenants to be monitored remotely if required, e.g. 24 hr monitored alarms

with pendant access, infra-red motion sensors which trigger an alarm if an individual is unable to get up and

move around, remote control door access for security and ease of use for individuals with poor mobility.

Completed in December 2018 RHD Housing now has 68 units of accommodation.

Strategic Plan

Over the life of our strategic plan 2018- 2022 we aim to acquire / build or have in the pipeline an additional

125 units bringing our total units of accommodation to approximately 200.

RHD Housing will continue to promote the need for specialised housing and the provision of services to allow

people remain living in their own homes and communities with supports required, and to actively seek out,

evaluate, and pursue opportunities for partnership and collaboration with other organisations to further the

capacity of RHD Housing to meet the needs of its current and future tenants. RHD Housing is in discussions

with Local Authorities – the development of new services is reliant on the availability of funding.

RHD Housing intends to pursue growth whilst meeting our key criteria for potential projects. These criteria

consider proximity of the project to public transport, shops, hospitals and churches and the security, comfort,

tranquillity and ease of access (wheelchair/mobile scooter/etc.) for individuals which alongside specialist

supports provided by RHD Housing constitute the basic requirements of older persons and of people with

disabilities to enjoy an independent lifestyle within their community.

Our business model involves close liaison with the PCT and other health specialists to prevent unnecessary

transfers to nursing homes or admissions to acute hospital beds and to facilitate prompt discharges from

hospital. By enabling older persons stay out of institutional care for longer, RHD Housing helps to alleviate the

pressure on critical healthcare facilities. In addition to the housing management and facilities management

supports, our staff’s primary role is to provide support for each and every resident whilst promoting

independent living so that people reside in the community with a better lifestyle than in a nursing home or in

institutional care.

Conclusions

We recognize that our aim to have a further 130 units in the pipeline to bring our total to 200 is ambitious.

However the ageing demographics mean that the demand for social sheltered housing in the area will

increase. The expansion of this service will help to release larger units of accommodation for larger families.

Our schemes are well run and do not cause any problems for their communities because we have strong

tenant selection and support service skills. In addition we also have the ability to plan, construct and deliver

sheltered housing projects for local authorities. We also hope that those undertaking residential

developments with social housing requirements would consider RHD Housing as their social housing

partner. By virtue of the fact that our housing is sheltered it fits in well with the local community and

neighbours, and our ability to provide the best solutions is greatly assisted if we have an opportunity to

comment and engage at an early stage in the design process

Board of Management

Derek Scally

Graduated from University College Dublin (B. Comm) prior to qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. He is a

MBA postgraduate of University College Dublin. He has extensive experience in business management,

strategy, finance, accounting, project appraisal and contract negotiation. He is a former Director of

Development with Clondalkin Group PLC responsible for business acquisitions in the United States and Europe

where he worked for many years. Upon retirement, he acted as M&A Consultant to Clondalkin Group until

2013. He is a former Chairman of Clancourt Group. He has held many voluntary roles on committee at UCD

RFC and Foxrock GC.

Dermot Lacey

Dermot Lacey is a former Chairperson of the Housing, Social and Community Affairs SPC, the Dublin Regional

Authority, the Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly and the Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly. He

has been a Councillor since 1993 and has served as Lord Mayor of Dublin. He is a member of the board of The

Royal Hospital Donnybrook Voluntary Housing Association and was a member of the main Hospital Board and

a founder member of Beech Hill Housing Initiative that constructed nine social/affordable houses recently.

His other positions include Leader of the Labour Group on the City Council; a member of the Dublin City

Education and Training Board (formerly the VEC) was on the Board of FAS and the Dublin Docklands

Development Council. He proposed the introduction of the 20% Social and Affordable Housing requirement in

the Docklands area a move that was followed by legislation across the Country for all developments. He

published proposals “A Fair City - One Dublin Many Dubliners". He is a lifelong member of the Scout

Movement.

Margaret Cagney

Graduated as a Social Worker from U.C.C. (B.Soc.Sc.) and from University of Swansea (Dip.Applied Soc.Studies

CQSW). Initially employed as a Social Worker in Northern Ireland and moved to St.Vincents Hospital until

retiring in 2011. Gained experience in most of the medical and surgical specialities including the Department

of Medicine for the Elderly.

Involved in the setting up of the Medicine for the Elderly Day Hospital as a Senior Practitioner in Social Work

with the Elderly. Member of the Irish Association of Social Workers and former member of The Irish Heart

Foundation Council on Stroke and of the British Association of Social Workers and Laryngectomy Association

of Ireland. Volunteer in the parish St Columbanus & St Gall Milltown.

Miriam Hillery

Miriam Hillery B.A. UCD

Former Committee member Donnybrook Boys Club (activities for underprivileged boys)

Dublin Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, member of Lourdes Hospitality, working in the Hospital & Baths

Gonzaga College, former Chairperson fund raising committee building programme

Eisenhower Fellowship, former committee member. Awards for potential International Leaders Ireland Funds.

Former member & assessor for awards relating to projects in Ireland

Jim Kelly

A Chartered Engineer, Chartered Health & Safety Practitioner with a Diploma in Accounting & Finance. He has

42 years’ experience in the Construction Industry covering Design and Contracting and including a broad

spectrum of Building and Civil Engineering Projects. He has 27 Years as a Director of major Construction

Companies with responsibilities for Contracts, Operational Systems, Insurance and Technical Issues.

Conor Kenny

Joint Chief Executive of Clancourt Group a large privately owned Commercial Property Developer. He has 20

years’ experience in the corporate business world having successful managed his company through various

property cycles. He has extensive project management, project financing, planning, design and engineering

experience having developed numerous projects over the last 20 years. He is a committee member on various

voluntary development programmes at St Michael’s College, Teresian School and Railway Union Sports Club.

Conor is an under graduate of UCD, postgraduate of Trinity and Harvard Business School.

Peter Lynch

MSCSI MRICS - Chartered Planning & Development Surveyor and Property Economist with over 30 years’

experience in the Property Industry.

He is a specialist in the provision of strategic property advice with a particular expertise in development

related projects.

Executive Chairman of Cushman & Wakefield Ireland, one of the leading practices in the Country and also sits

on a number of external property related Committees. He maintains excellent interpersonal and

communication skills and would be an advisor to many indigenous and multinational companies and

corporates.

Summary Accounts

Summary Financial Information Year ended 31 December 2018

The Royal Hospital Donnybrook Voluntary Housing Association CLG

t/a RHD Housing

Income statement

for the financial year ended 31 December 2018

2018 2017

€ €

Turnover 349,331 348,518

Administrative expenses (369,887) (333,053)

Other operating income 161,848 154,778

_______ _______

Operating surplus 141,292 166,243

Other interest receivable and similar income 618 707

_______ _______

Surplus for the financial year 141,910 166,950

_______ _______

Revenue reserves brought forward at the beginning of the year 2,722,156 2,555,206

_______ _______

Revenue reserves carried forward at the end of the year 2,864,066 2,722,156

_______ _______

All the activities of the company are from continuing operations.

The company has no other recognised items of income and expenses other than as disclosed in the results for

the year as set out above.

19

The Royal Hospital Donnybrook Voluntary Housing Association CLG

t/a RHD Housing

Balance sheet

as at 31 December 2018

2018 2017

€ € € €

Fixed assets

Tangible assets 7,419,703 4,859,216

7,419,703 4,859,216

Current assets

Debtors 359,083 168,898

Cash at bank and in hand 1,140,259 1,208,743

_______ _______ 1,499,342 1,377,641

Creditors: amounts falling due

within one year (710,880) (328,602)

_______ _______

Net current assets 788,462 1,049,039

_______ _______

Total assets less current liabilities 8,208,165 5,908,255

Creditors: amounts falling due

after more than one year (5,344,099) (3,186,099)

_______ _______

Net assets 2,864,066 2,722,156

_______ _______

Reserves Revenue reserves account 2,864,066 2,722,156

Equity attributable to members of the company 2,864,066 2,722,156

_______ _______

These financial statements were approved by the board of directors on 27th February 2019 and signed

on behalf of the board.