ISLINGTON
COMMUNITY
HOUSING
COOPERATIVE
What is a Co-Operative?
Co-operatives, be it housing or business, are not-for-profit and democratic organisations run for and by their members. A housing co-op is similar to a housing association, but it is managed (either entirely, or mainly) by its tenants. A housing co-op is, on one level, a group of people who have control over their own housing, without actually owning it personally. They have a rich history and have developed out of a desire to do things differently and in a way that genuinely serve communities.
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Fully Mutual
Islington is a fully mutual housing co-operative. Most housing co-operatives are fully mutual, where only tenants or prospective tenants may be members, and only members may hold a tenancy. Fully mutual means that decisions made relating to the operation and management of the housing co-operative, are made by the people who are affected by them.
Our Background
Islington Community Housing Co-op is based in North Islington. It was set up in 1975 as an offshoot of the short life housing organisation Islington Community Housing, and was registered with the Housing Corporation in 1977.
The first permanent housing to be occupied by members was under management arrangements with LB Islington (45 units) and Circle 33 (31 units). Between 1982 and 1996 the Co-op completed its development programme: it now owns 104 units and managed 31 units for Circle 33 for 40 years, until 2017.
The Co-op is managed by its members through Management Committee, sub-committees and General Meetings. Members are encouraged to participate in the business of the Co-op, with activities ranging from committee membership to attending general meetings, voluntary work and social events.
ICHC does not have an open housing waiting list, but takes nominations from London Borough of Islington and referrals from Westminster Housing Co-op.
Our Structure
ICHC is a fully mutual co-operative that is controlled by its members, only tenants can be members. A Management Committee is elected from the membership each year at the Annual General Meeting.
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General Meeting
ICHC is governed by its membership at the General Meeting, which has responsibility for the election and composition of the Management Committee and changes to the Co-op's Rules and Membership. The General Meeting is also consulted on new policy and policy changes recommended by the Management Committee.
Management Committee members are elected at the Annual General Meeting, which is usually held in September. All members are encouraged to participate in the running of ICHC by either standing for the Committee or volunteering to be on a sub-committee or group.
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Committee Structure
ICHC is run by its Management Committee, which meets approximately every 6 weeks. The Management Committee is responsible for all aspects of managing the Co-op in the interests of all its members and in accordance with external regulations. The Management Committee acts on the basis of advice and recommendations received from sub-committees, working groups, consultants and staff.
There are four sub-committees - Property Maintenance, Allocations, Finance and the Joint Employment Group, held jointly with our partner organisation, North Camden Housing Cooperative. The committees meet on a regular basis to discuss matters and pan for the future. Additional working groups can be set up by the Management Committee to develop specific projects as required.
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In Partnership with NCHC
ICHC has been working with North Camden Housing Co-op (NCHC) for a number of years. The Co-ops are close geographically and share similar objectives and profiles. The partnership started with the joint recruitment and employment of a Property Maintenance Manager in 2001 and continued with other joint working to the benefit of both organisations.
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In July 2004 the two Co-ops agreed to share an office and subsequently moved to premises in Archway located on the border of Camden and Islington. The office is central to the areas of operation of both Co-ops.