On 18 May, English and Dutch participants gathered at Schiphol aiport Amsterdam to exchange views on CORA and the Housing Data Standard. The Dutch CORA is assumed to be known by all CorpoNet members, but perhaps not everyone is aware of the English 'CORA', which is known there as UK Housing Data Standard. From the Netherlands Woonstad Rotterdam, Lefier, Baston Wonen and Ieder1 were present. From England, alongside HACT, the corporations Thames Valley Housing, Hanover and Lewisham Homes. The meeting was facilitated by the undersigned, in his capacity as International Liaison of CorpoNet.
This (first) version - developed by HACT and Oscre - describes the mutation process, the rental process and the basic customer data. The library of documents now consists of the following parts:
UK Housing Data Standard Library:
The English version of the Housing Data Standard can be downloaded for free via a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-ND 4.0) agreement. No less than 17 English housing corporations participated in the realization of this version. The project was supported by Aareon and the kick-off meeting was sponsored by Pilon. The participating corporations: Acis Group, Bromford, Catalyst, Coastline, Halton Housing Trust, Hanover, Linc-Cymru, One Manchester, Optivo, Orbit, South Yorkshire Housing Association, Thames Valley Housing, Water Housing, Waterloo, WM Housing, Yorkshire Coast Homes and Yorkshire Housing
During this first encounter between Dutch and English 'Housing Data Standard' stakeholders, after a short presentation of the present corporations (and a first inventory of similarities and differences between UK and NL), extensive attention was given to the introduction to each other's models and standards. Presentations were followed by extensive discussions and all questions and comments were answered, so that the participants had a good first impression of the respective standards after this part.
The remainder of the program focused on the ways in which the standard was introduced and the way in which participating corporations could be helped to embrace the urban character. Agreements have been made about sharing best practices with regard to the introduction and obtaining so-called 'testimonials' from suppliers, in which they promise to comply with the standards. Agreements have also been made about the joint further development of the standards and the way in which - if other countries also show interest - this will be dealt with in order to prevent a proliferation of standards. In this context, we are working on a way in which the standards can be (visually) recorded, which helps to identify identical or deviant parts. A first version of such a 'visual' is expected in the short term. Agreements have also been made about the way in which - also for other interested parties - communication can take place on this subject (for example through participation in the LinkedIn HOME group (Housing Operative (s) Model for Enterprise) and a return visit to England next year.
More information?
Please contact Jay Sagger (UK) or Henk Korevaar (NL).