The TDS Charitable Foundation works to raise standards in the private rented sector by focusing on the following objectives:
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Improving access to private rented housing for those in need
Supporting charities and organisations that help individuals overcome barriers to accessing and sustaining good-quality, decent, safe, compliant and energy-efficient housing in the private rented sector.
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Research and evidence
Promoting, undertaking and supporting research into the causes of hardship and disadvantage in the private rented sector. Exploring effective ways to address these issues, and publishing useful findings.
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Advancing education about housing rights and obligations
Particularly in relation to:
o Best practice in the management of private rented housing
o Legal rights and obligations relevant to landlords, letting agents and tenants
o The use of alternative dispute resolution to resolve disputes efficiently and effectively
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Conflict resolution
Promoting the use of alternative dispute resolution processes to support fair and timely outcomes for disputes between private landlords and tenants.
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Funding and reach
We are funded mainly through donations from The Dispute Service, the leading Tenancy Deposit Scheme, which operates the leading tenancy deposit scheme on a non-profit basis across the UK.
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We operate in England and Wales and have funded organisations and projects in all regions.
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In Scotland, The Dispute Service is a partner in the SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust, which works towards similar goals in the Scottish private rented sector.
The TDS Charitable Foundation is on a mission to raise standards in the private rented sector.
We deliver our mission by awarding grants to organisations, conducting research, and providing educational information to tenants and landlords.
Trustees
The Foundation can have up to nine Trustees at any one time.
It is currently Chaired by Paula Quigley.
Paula Quigley - Chair
Paula is dedicated to driving social impact through education and community development. With over 20 years of leadership in the third sector and business transformation, she specialises in strategic planning and talent development, empowering organisations and communities to create lasting, meaningful change.
Sue Threader - Trustee
Sue Threader is the Chief Executive of the Rochester Bridge Trust [which has a large residential portfolio] and she brings significant experience both as a charity chief executive and as a senior executive working previously in local government, initially as a Civil Engineer and then as a Deputy CEO of a district Council. She has served on a number of charity Boards and Trusts.
Nicki Alvey - Trustee
Nicki has a background in business management and development with a marketing bias. She has held a number of executive posts including at the National Housing Federation, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and the Royal Society of Public Health. Nicki has served as a non-executive with the Royal Town Planning Institute and the Chartered Institute of Trademark Attorneys Benevolent Fund. She is a JP and has a particular interest in landlord and tenant relations.
Steve Harriott - Trustee
Steve is the Chief Executive of The Dispute Service, the UK’s only not for profit provider of tenancy deposit protection. He has worked as chief executive of three housing associations.
Shahad Choudhury - Trustee
Shahad has a background in project management and technology. He has worked at UK Export Finance, Department for International Trade, Transport for London as well as being the Founder of OpenBrix. He is passionate about meeting the needs of tenants and was one of the masterminds behind the Tlyfe app which TDS is now developing with Openbrix.