National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability 2011 - 2016

7.12 The Housing and Disability Steering Groups will operate as subgroups of the SocialInclusion Measures (SIMs) Working Groups. The purpose of the SIMs Groups, which aresubgroups of the County/City Development Boards (CDBs), is to contribute to the better coordinationof social inclusion services/activities at local level. It is also recommended thatclose links be developed between the Housing and Disability Steering Groups and HousingStrategic Policy Committees, in line with the objectives of the Strategic Policy Committees toassist in the formation, development and review of policy.Membership7.13 Each Housing and Disability Steering Group will be chaired by the relevant Director ofHousing Services and will include the following membership:• Integrated Service Area Manager or Local Health Manager; 48• A representative of each of the following sectors:(a)(b)(c)(d)sensory disabilities;mental health disabilities;physical disabilities; andintellectual disabilities.• A representative of a local approved housing body that provides housing for peoplewith disabilities (as appropriate).7.14 While the frequency of meetings should be determined by individual steering groupsin line with local needs and resources it is recommended that, in order to make an effectivecontribution to the provision of housing and supports for people with a disability, a minimumof 4 meetings per annum would seem necessary. It is proposed that specific projects oractions identified by the steering groups would be undertaken by relevant working groups,who may meet more frequently. Representation on the Housing and Disability SteeringGroups should be at a senior level, while representation on any working groups may betaken from a wider pool within relevant organisations. The nominee to represent eachdisability sector (and the approved housing bodies) should be determined by relevantorganisations locally and be fully competent in representing the varying needs of peoplewith disabilities within that sector.48The HSE is currently undergoing a restructuring process and grade structures are being changed.77