Helm Housing - The new name for BIH

The foundation of good governance is that there should be a balanced, diverse and effective Board which leads and regulates Helm Housing. The Board should ensure that the Board and Helm Housing commit to and uphold the following eleven principles:

• Standards

  All Board members and employees carry out their responsibilities with integrity according to high ethical standards and observing the explicit values of Helm Housing.

• Accountability

  There is proper accountability to, and involvement of, all Helm Housing's stakeholders, primarily its residents.

• Service User Focus

  Helm Housing puts the needs of existing and potential service users at the heart of business decisions and strategy.

• Openness and transparency

  There is a spirit of openness which ensures that there is full disclosure of governance matters and transparent processes.

• Equality and diversity

  There is fairness and equality of opportunity in all aspects of Helm Housing's governance and there is respect for diversity in all aspects of Helm Housing's governance.

• Review and renewal

  There are formal and open processes for the periodic review of the Board's role and performance and to ensure Board renewal on an ongoing basis.

• Clarity

  There is clarity of the roles and responsibilities of Helm Housing's Board members, staff and shareholders.

• Regulation

  There are effective systems for internal delegation, audit, risk management and control.

• Information

  The Board receives adequate and timely reports and advice to inform its decisions.

• Structures

  There are effective staffing and Committee structures to support the Board's work.

• Audit

  There are effective and proper relationships between Helm Housing and its external auditors and regulators.