What does Social Housing Reform mean for Practitioners? Jennie Donald, Deputy Chief Executive, NIFHA
Background 2011 Review of NI Housing Executive by PwC & mature conversation 2013 Social Housing Reform Programme established Period of research and engagement 2014 Review paper presented to Social Development Committee Aim: To explore the potential for reform of housing structures in NI
Key components of the reform programme Structures Departmental functions Regional housing functions NIHE landlord functions Regulatory functions Policy Tenant participation strategy Social housing rent policy New regulatory framework for social housing Engagement with local government
Tenant participation strategy (January 2016) Strong examples of tenant-focused services and getting tenants involved in Northern Ireland But lack of consistency across housing associations 3 main action points for social landlords Develop and deliver a strategy for tenant participation; Have due regard for the information contained in the DSD Tenant Participation Strategy, particularly the regulatory standards and desirable outcomes, when developing/reviewing the landlord strategy; Ensure that tenants and other users are made aware of and are clear about the participation activities, the strategic approach to tenant participation and are encouraged to become involved.
10 principles for tenant participation 1. Tenant participation comes from and promotes a culture of mutual trust, respect and partnership between tenants, board members and staff at all levels. 2. Tenant participation is a continuous process. 3. Good tenant participation is about sharing information. 4. Decision-making processes should be open, clear and accountable. 5. Tenant representatives should have enough time to consider issues properly. They should have the opportunity to work out a common view before meeting landlord representatives. 6. The landlord must recognise the independence of tenants organisations. 7. Good working relations evolve gradually so must be flexible to adapt to local circumstances. 8. Tenants organisations need adequate resources for organisation, training and support. 9. Tenant participation in rural areas must suit the particular circumstances and needs of rural tenants. 10. Tenant participation must meet the requirements of legislation on equality and Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
New regulatory standard Social Housing Providers manage their businesses so that tenants and other customers are encouraged to participate in the available range of participation options so that they can influence their landlord s decisions: Social Housing Providers adopt a strategic approach to tenant participation in the development and review of housing and related services including service failure; Social Housing Providers have due regard to the Tenant Participation Strategy for Northern Ireland; and Social Housing Providers ensure that tenants and other users are made aware of the participation mechanisms that are in place and are clear about the various levels of participation available to them.
What it means for practitioners? Impact across all business areas; housing management, maintenance, governance, procurement, community investment, development etc. Tenants at the heart of the business Potentially new ways of thinking and working More interaction/engagement with tenants Involving tenants in decision-making Sharing power Training/development for tenants and practitioners Resource implications Greater scrutiny of landlord policies and practices
New regulatory framework (consultation closed June 2015) Still just proposals, but expectation that this will form basis of new regulatory approach Move away from compliance and process to value and outcomes A risk-based and proportionate approach rather than one size fits all Based around new regulatory standards Housing associations will have to demonstrate how they meet those standards
Proposed regulatory standards Governance standard Effective governance and risk management transparency is key element Financial standard Sound financial management to ensure viability and Value for Money Consumer standard Tenant participation, good quality homes & services and supporting vibrant communities
What it means for practitioners? Not about ticking a box, telling the story Led by housing associations, rather than the regulator More freedom and flexibility; potential to be more innovative Emphasis is more on what you deliver rather than how you manage the process Value for money likely to become increasingly important Not just a finance function, everyone should be thinking in terms of quantifying the vfm of services they deliver and seeking to improve vfm across the organisation More accountability the regulator, but also to tenants and other stakeholders
What next? Some progress on aspects of the Social Housing Reform Programme Many areas were decisions have not been made or implemented Political leadership is fundamental Will the new Minister see this as a priority? Reform make changes in something in order to improve it Keep focused on the bigger picture