The institute strikes back

In response to Mel Golden's view that the Chartered Institute of Housing isn't doing enough to support its grass-roots members (Letters, 18 July, page 21), I would like to make two points.

First, I welcome constructive and critical feedback about CIH services. The CIH organises events at national, regional and local levels to enable members at all levels to attend and participate in discussions/debate.

The CIH has improved its services to student members and newly qualified members. In both cases, fees have reduced during the past four years while the level of service has increased. We offer additional discounts on CIH books to help student members study. Newly qualified members can benefit from the Practice On Line and career development services and, from January, will be included in the continuing professional development programme.

Second, the CIH is actively involved in campaigning for effective recognition of the housing profession. We are working with the Housing Corporation and the National Housing Federation to secure a high-profile presence at the Forum 3 careers event in September. We have commissioned a good practice guide on recruitment and retention in the sector and will be running seminars with the NHF later this year to disseminate good practice and encourage wider debate.

There is always more that we could be doing and I would be delighted to hear from anyone who has suggestions about what further we could do to encourage students and newly qualified members to play a greater role in the CIH.