Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) signing up to the Voluntary Regulation Code (the Code) are required to sign a Charter of Commitments (the Charter).

'Comply or Explain' Approach

By signing the Charter, AHBs confirm they will:

• comply with the principles of the Code; and,
• review organisational practice against the Code on an annual basis.

The Code recognises that some organisations need to explain how they are working to deliver on a particular principle or commitment set out in the Code.  Where AHBs do not comply with the Code, they are expected to explain how they are working towards this.

The Charter must be signed by the Chairperson and Secretary of the Board.

Commitments

The Charter and the Code clearly set out the commitments required of AHBs. The requirements are proportionate to the size and risk level of the organisation.

See: List of Commitments Required of AHBs

See: Charter of Commitment

Charter of Commitments:

Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) signing up to the Voluntary Regulation Code (the Code) are required to sign a Charter of Commitments (the Charter).

Comply or Explain

By signing the Charter, AHBs confirm they:

comply with the principles of the Code; awill review their organisational practice against the Code on an annual basis.

AHBs are also given the opportunity to explain if it doesn’t fully comply with the Code. this comply or explain approach provides flexibility to the organisation to interpret the Code to suit its own needs.

The Charter is signed by the Chairperson and Secretary of the Board.

Commitments

The Charter clearly sets out the commitments required of AHBs that sign up to the Code. The requirements are proportionate to the size and risk level of the organisation.

See List of Commitments

See Charter of Commitments