NHMF : Useful Links

	M3 Housing services the NHMF, developing products under its direction, liaising on best practice with the National Housing Federation, Housing Corporation, and other organisations, and running the NHMF Conferences. M3 Housing was set up in 2004 by the directors of Rand Associates, Housing Software, and Redsmoke, working with the NHMF, to publish their products and services.
	The National Housing Federation is the body representing housing associations in England, and is consulted by the government and Housing Corporation on legislative or regulatory changes affecting them. They provide advice on policy, run conferences, and publish a range of books relevant to the work of associations, including a series of asset management publications.
	The Housing Corporation is the regulatory body for housing associations. Their library is a useful source of relevant regulations, and policy initiatives affecting social housing.
	The Direct Works Forum is now firmly established as the representative body for Housing Associations and local authorities employing their own trades staff to undertake repairs and maintenance, with over 80 members managing over 350,000 properties. They run quarterly seminars on building maintenance and create opportunities for maintenance professionals to meet, network and share experience and innovation.
	HAMMAR groups are organised through the regional offices of the National Housing Federation, and provide local training and other initiatives to assist maintenance managers. The name stands for “Housing Asset Management Maintenance and Regeneration”. The South West region of HAMMAR created the first draft of what became the NHF Schedule of Rates. They also pioneered Checkmate, and have funded a number of research projects and other initiatives.
	Housemark provides a range of services to assist all forms of social housing organisation to improve their performance, including a benchmarking club, a best practice library, procurement clubs, and consultancy.