Better Social Housing Review publishes final report

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The Better Social Housing Review, the independent panel on quality and trust in the housing association sector, have published their findings this week. The Review was instigated by the National Housing Federation and Chartered Institute of Housing earlier this year, and was led by Helen Baker, the Chair of Shelter.

The report makes seven key recommendations:

  1. Every housing association, and the sector as a whole, should refocus on their core purpose and deliver against it.
  2. Housing associations should work together to conduct and publish a thorough audit of all social housing in England.
  3. Housing associations should partner with tenants, contractors and frontline staff to develop and apply new standards defining what an excellent maintenance and repairs process looks like.
  4. The Chartered Institute of Housing should promote the traditional “housing officer” role as a supported and valued employment opportunity with a Chartered Institute of Housing recognised programme of training and continuing development.
  5. Housing associations should work with all tenants to ensure that they have a voice and influence at every level of decision making across the organisation, through both voluntary and paid roles.
  6. Housing associations should develop a proactive local community presence through community hubs which foster greater multi-agency working.
  7. Housing associations should support tenants and frontline staff to undertake an annual review of the progress each organisation is making in implementing this review’s recommendations.

The full report, and the background to the Review, can be found on the Better Social Housing Review’s website.  The co-chair of the Sector Steering Group for the report, Charlie Norman of MSV Housing, will be joining a panel at the Northern Housing Summit on January 17th to discuss the past, present and future of the Decent Homes Standard. Places at the Summit can be booked via MyNHC.