ISSUE 12
Stonewater:
Measuring the Social Impact for Customers and Communities PAGE
16 Also In This Issue: Supporting Young People for Stronger Housing Page 04
Encouraging and Improving Digital Uptake in an Online Age Page 12
Ring: How Can the Housing Sector Amplify Confidence in Smart Technologies? Page 20 Housing Industry Leaders December Edition
ISSUE 12
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Measuring the Social Impact for Customers and Communities
04 Supporting Young People for Stronger Housing
20 How Can the Housing Sector Amplify Confidence in Smart Technologies?
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08 Approaching the Energy Efficiency Challenge in Scotland’s Housing Stock
24 Podcast Write Up: Exploring Scotland’s Social Housing Landscape
12 Encouraging and Improving Digital Uptake in an Online Age
26 Public Sector Round Up
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Chelsea Bailey Multi Media Journalist
Olivia Staveley Graphic Designer
Hannah Wintle Multi Media Journalist
FOREWORD As a new dawn emerges for the vision of UK housing, recent reports and policy announcements are welcomed news for all working in the industry. Housing Industry Leaders explores what this means for housebuilders and tenants in the UK. In this issue, Housing Industry Leaders analyses how the housing sector can amplify confidence in smart technologies, how encouraging and improving digital uptake in an online age could be taken more seriously, and gives you an insight into the biggest public sector announcements of the month. With a specific focus on how the social housing sector can expand its housing stock faster, Housing Industry Leaders dives into the most topical discussions and debates about the future of the housing industry.
“Social Value is at the heart of improving the lives of social housing tenants.”
IN THIS ISSUE
Floyd March Editor f.march@peloton-events.co.uk
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SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE FOR STRONGER HOUSING
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Sally Thomas, the Chief Executive at the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations on why a newly launched careers resource can encourage young people to pursue careers in housing. Among the most rewarding aspects of a career in the housing sector is the knowledge that the work you’ve done has played a part in giving someone a place to call home. As Chief Executive of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, I am privileged to witness first-hand how our members continue to create not only homes but thriving communities. At the heart of it all are the people whose skills, knowledge, and experience make it all happen.
BY SALLY THOMAS: SFHA
Amid a bleak economic backdrop and the real threat of the climate emergency, the challenges facing us in housing are unprecedented. But where there are challenges, there are also opportunities, and it’s clear that social housing’s greatest asset- its people- is also the key to unlocking these opportunities. Realising this potential and hearing regularly from our members about their recruitment challenges, the SFHA recently came together with the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland to launch a new career resource. ‘Your Career in Housing’ sets out everything needed to develop a rewarding and secure career in housing, whilst also strengthening the work of our members as they face the challenges of tomorrow. With more than 200 different roles in social housing alone, it outlines the huge variety that’s available, from helping people who may have extra needs as a Supported Housing Officer to creating thriving communities as a Community Development Officer. The website not only gives practical guides on everything from writing a CV through to how to answer interview questions, but it includes a wealth of resources for jobseekers on how to find work, what the different roles entail, and testimonials from people who have already taken the first steps in their new career. And we won’t stop there to ensure that social housing remains vibrant and strong- SFHA will celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2025. That has given me pause for reflection about the monumental achievements of social housing over the last 50 years, as well as making me think about what it may look like in the decades ahead. Our members employ over 13,000 people across Scotland, but with a quarter-of-amillion people on a waiting list for a social home, and with the threat of climate change growing ever more dangerous, there are real and impending challenges. Recruiting people with the skills, knowledge and drive we need is central to meeting them. And let’s be clear, a career in housing also represents an enormous opportunity incredible job security, progression, and a chance to work every day to make a difference to people’s lives. 5
Here at the SFHA, I am proud to say that this isn’t the only way that we’re encouraging new talented people into the sector. Our Routes to Housing programme continues to see our own staff and member representatives directly engage with communities, with our outreach to schools having so far seen us talk with thousands of pupils about career opportunities. We’ve also partnered with Developing the Young Work Force, Family Action in Rogerfield and Easterhouse (FARE), and Glasgow City Council to launch the Work Aware scheme: a joint initiative to inspire school pupils at risk of disengaging from education. The scheme allows pupils to use the city of Glasgow as a classroom, bringing their curriculum and learning to life through employability workshops and practical on-site visits with employers. Of course, our partners at CIH already do so much in contributing to the continuous professional development of housing professionals. So, while we hope this resource will boost the number of young people working in our housing associations, we also hope that it is a welcome helping hand for those already in housing to further develop their careers. The challenges facing housing are formidable, we all know that, but we also know that we’ve overcome significant hurdles in the past. Since the turn of the millennium housing associations have weathered the storms of global financial crises, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the current cost-of-living crisis. Key to that has been the dedication, knowledge, and skills of those working in social housing. That’s why recruiting the next generation of talented housing professionals will be crucial in overcoming the challenges ahead. And I’m excited to see it happen.
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Event Round Up: HIL Scotland
DECARBONISATION IS A COLLABORATIVE ISSUE BY NATURE
APPROACHING THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY CHALLENGE IN SCOTLAND’S HOUSING STOCK
To meet the Scottish Government’s climate targets, decarbonisation strategies must be comprehensive and cohesive, with involvement required across the entire housing sector to successfully decarbonise. Steve likened the needs of the decarbonisation challenge to safety, explaining that just like with the latter, best practice must be shared. He said: “There aren’t that many archetypes in terms of different types of property. We think there are, there aren’t, so I think we’ll collectively learn that, and I think what we should then do is open source what the solutions are, not compete. “Let’s open source all the learning and give this to organisations like local authorities and housing associations, like we do with safety.” While the country’s climate targets have been declared by the government, it is the role of
Scotland isn’t unique in its mission to decarbonise its housing stock, but its ambitious target to meet net zero by 2045, five years sooner than the rest of the UK, necessitates a swift understanding and deployment of carbon-cutting policies. At the Housing Industry Leaders Scotland Conference in Glasgow, Professor Steve Petrie, Scottish Director of British Gas, and Jeff House, External Affairs and Policy Director at Baxi Heating UK, discussed how best to embed energy efficiency strategies into Scotland’s housing stock, acknowledging the technical challenges that lie ahead as well as the human element central to retrofit. The panel discussion took place only one day after the Heat in Buildings Bill was published by Scottish government, which Jeff encouraged the audience to engage with due to its proposals for minimum energy efficiency standards and mandates for clean heat. While it falls upon legislation such as this to direct the housing sector and accelerate the uptake of energy efficiency strategies, meeting these targets remains a responsibility that is shared between developers, local authorities, and housing associations. 8
“Most companies will quite happily sit around the table and talk to other competitors about safety. Let’s start doing that with net zero as well.”
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developers, local authorities, and housing associations to implement their own strategies to get there. Merging these strategies and taking a more cohesive approach by sharing best practice will enable consistency, and enhance efforts across the board when striving for net zero solutions. Steve also spoke about the benefits of community-based initiatives to accelerate decarbonisation by promoting the adoption of energy efficiency strategies. Referring to Daviot in the Scottish Highlands, he spoke about the community group they have created that is dedicated to decarbonising the village. “They’ve harnessed all of the people with the right skills and the right expertise, and they, for free in their own time, are working with the local community to make sure that they get the right advice, and collaborate with all of the people who can help them.”
BY HANNAH WINTLE
APPROPRIATE FINANCE OPTIONS MUST UPLIFT NET ZERO EFFORTS Once appropriate energy strategies have been developed, appropriate funding avenues must be available to enable retrofit and allow these efforts to come to fruition. Steve highlighted the work Scottish Gas have been doing with banks such as Barclays and NatWest to address financing issues, acknowledging that the banks too need to decarbonise their order books by introducing green mortgages, which offer more favourable rates to those actively making improvements to their homes. Furthermore, in addition to other financing deals being made available by the government, local authorities and housing associations could utilise opportunities such as selling surplus electricity back to the grid in times of high demand, which in turn could help fund retrofit efforts.
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Jeff also acknowledged the challenge surrounding running costs, adding: “Low carbon doesn’t necessarily mean low cost at the moment.
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“We’re having to go to our customers, both social and private, and say we can save you a lot of carbon, but not necessarily any money. Until we break that paradigm [decoupling electric and gas], this is going to be a very difficult task.”
BESPOKE CHALLENGES NEED TO BE ADDRESSED AT SCALE Decarbonising Scotland’s housing stock is an ongoing challenge, and despite the constrained time frame that has been dictated by the government, finding solutions is going to take time and collaboration. Highlighting the issues still to be contended with, Jeff again acknowledged the funding difficulties, but also alluded to the shortage of skilled workers that will be essential in delivering energy efficiency strategies throughout the region.
There’s a number of organisations starting to think more creatively about how we finance all of this, how we buy energy, how we use energy.
Furthermore, he emphasised the need for a bespoke approach to establish the most appropriate decarbonisation measures in each setting: “Determining where you are in terms of geography and what local infrastructure is looking like in terms of what that means for your clean heat source. It could be a heat network, it could be something else. “And then looking at how you actually fund and operate this at scale. Tackling one or two properties here and there is not going to cut the mustard. We need to get postcode level interventions happening. So if anything, I think that’s the biggest takeaway.” Despite the highlighted obstacles, there remains a level of optimism when it comes to decarbonising the Scottish housing stock and meeting the country’s fast-approaching goal of net zero. Embracing energy efficiency strategies and sharing best practice will ensure that the challenge is met by a united front, with developers, local authorities, and housing associations alike working together to ensure that decarbonisation is successful across the housing sector at large. 11
BY HANNAH WINTLE
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ENCOURAGING AND IMPROVING DIGITAL UPTAKE IN AN ONLINE AGE In recent years, connection to the internet has cemented itself as an essential utility for residents throughout the UK, up there with the likes of gas, water, and electricity. For those without it, navigating the modern world is becoming increasingly challenging, as tasks such as filling out job applications and paying bills migrate to the online world. In light of this evolving situation, digital inclusion schemes have been introduced in most areas of the UK. Despite this, the issue persists, and more needs to be done to address this ongoing issue, especially as more vital services find their homes in the cloud. Housing Industry Leaders spoke to Nick Horne, Digital Inclusion Lead for Greater Manchester Housing Partnership, to gain an insight into the situation at present in the city region, and to understand how the situation can be helped.
DIGITAL INCLUSION IS A KEY ISSUE ACROSS THE CITY REGION Around 20% of all people who live in Greater Manchester live in the 260,000 homes owned by 25 housing providers, of which Wythenshawe Community Housing Group is one. Nick Horne, who is also the chief executive of the group, expressed a particular concern for digital exclusion in Manchester: “We know that there’s good evidence that the prevalence of digital exclusion, i.e. people who have limited or no access to the Internet, is significantly higher in our residents than in the general population.” 12
UP TO 1.2 MILLION RESIDENTS OF GREATER MANCHESTER HAVE LOW OR NO ACCESS TO THE INTERNET THIS REPRESENTS OVER 40% OF GREATER MANCHESTER’S POPULATION OF THIS NUMBER, THOSE THAT DO HAVE ACCESS USE IT IN A LIMITED WAY, E.G. SMARTPHONE USE
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MOST PEOPLE ON A LOW INCOME, IF THEY WEREN’T DIGITALLY INCLUDED, WERE MAKING TOUGHER CHOICES BETWEEN HEATING THEIR HOMES AND EATING, BEARING IN MIND THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS, SO GETTING ONLINE WAS NOT A PRIORITY FOR MOST PEOPLE.
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For Nick, the wider levelling up agenda of the UK has a broader context than just physical regeneration, including addressing social inequality, and crucially, investing in digital inclusion. While the exact definition of digital exclusion can vary, Nick prefers a wider definition that encapsulates those who can’t do all of the things that digitally included people can do. “That includes not only access to social media, but competency in being able to video call and speak with our relatives and friends, shop online, use comparison websites and check our utility bills to see what savings and better deals we can get and to save us money.
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“Also, being able to access government services, public services, particularly navigate around the health system, book appointments or repeat prescriptions, and access welfare benefits systems, including things like filling out universal credit applications.”
A RECENT MANCHESTER SUMMIT EXPLORED THE UK’S LARGEST DIGITAL INCLUSION PILOT
In October, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) hosted the Fix the Digital Divide: for a Digital Society Summit. It saw government representatives from Scotland and Wales, national telecommunications industry providers, the social housing sector, charities, academia, and local authorities gather in the city to discuss the present situation. Guests were presented with the results of the University of Liverpool’s GMCA Digital Inclusion Pilot Research report, which was commissioned by the combined authority.
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The Get Online Greater Manchester: for Social Housing Digital Inclusion pilot began in 2022, and brought together five of the UK’s largest telecommunication providers, five social housing providers, and local authorities, in the biggest social housing digital inclusion pilot in the UK. Their work with up to 5,000 residents from across the region sought to investigate the digital divide in social housing settings. Through the pilot, residents were offered support through digital skills sessions designed to build confidence in completing online tasks. Connectivity offers ranging from free connectivity, social tariff offers, and connecting nearby community hubs, were also made available.
Through the pilot, Nick observed two barriers to digital uptake: “One of the key learnings that came out of it was that even though it was a subsidised product that was on offer, the research has shown that it was still considered too high by most people. “Basically, the consensus was sub-£10 and preferably in that sort of £5 to £8 sweet spot.” Nick continued: “The other barrier was people’s disinterest, and that actually was a bit of a wake up call for myself and others, even more than cost. “A lot of people just weren’t interested in getting online. They’d managed their lives without getting online. They perceived that there would be cost and risk issues, they didn’t have the experience or skills, they certainly didn’t have the technology, and so on.
“SO, THE OTHER BIG PIECE OF LEARNING IS THAT MOVING FROM DIGITAL EXCLUSION TO DIGITAL INCLUSION IS VERY MUCH A PEOPLE ISSUE.” “It’s very much about winning hearts and minds and not telling people why they should be online, but actually winning people’s hearts and minds as to why they want to be online and why therefore they’re happy to make financial decisions that prioritise paying for social housing tariffs to stay online.
DESPITE CURRENT EFFORTS, MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO ENSURE DIGITAL INCLUSION FOR ALL The pilot culminated in an outcome that was relayed to guests at the summit: The development of a standardised property wayleave and specification agreement for Greater Manchester’s social housing stock
that will speed up industry investment and reduce work for housing organisations. This agreement will also address challenges to delivering internet connectivity to homes and simplify access issues in relation to the practical and costly delivery to social housing homes.
INCLUSION
ISP’s such as BT-EE, TalkTalk, and Virgin Media O2, worked alongside the region’s social housing providers, including Wythenshawe Community Housing Group.
Nick also addressed the need for an updated national digital inclusion strategy, as the current one pre-dates the pandemic, which saw a lot of development in online resources. Additionally, he expressed the need for a levelling up in the taxation of digital access products. “We appreciate the cost of this, but also there’s a cost to it not happening. Going back to the original problems, poverty, poor health outcomes, lower educational achievement, and so on, I haven’t got the hard evidence to link correlation with causation, but there’s certainly a strong correlation with those issues and populations that are digitally excluded.”
While digital inclusion is certainly an issue on the government’s radar, it requires more than funding to fully solve. Digital skills must be made accessible, especially to older generations, and the benefits of getting online must be carefully and sensitively relayed.
The society we find ourselves in in postpandemic Britain fundamentally includes an element of the online, and those without access to it are at risk of being left behind. As the UK focuses on levelling up, digital inclusion must therefore form a part of the equation, especially as the current trajectory suggests a heavier dependence on the internet going forward. 15
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Stonewater: Measuring the Social Impact for Customers and Communities With social value being at the heart of achieving a net zero society, Stonewater has released its latest Social Value Report, highlighting the social impact of its work, which has supported tenants across the country.
Community Forest Trust to plant thousands more. On top of this, 43 shared ownership customers were supported to buy more of their homes, and more than 200 individuals have been assisted out of rough sleeping into temporary accommodation.
Using the Housing Association’s Charitable Trust (HACT) Value Insight model, each year Stonewater calculates the social impact of the work it does. The leading social housing provider’s 2022-23 report shows a social value totalling over £28 million and details how it supports customers across different initiatives and partnerships.
Nicholas Harris, Stonewater’s CEO, said: “We know there is always a huge amount of good work going on across the organisation, both in regard to our primary aim of delivering affordable homes but also in relation to all the other amazing support being provided. However, seeing the impact of all that work pulled together in this way really hits home just how many people have been supported in a variety of ways.”
This year, the report records a year-on-year increase in gross social impact value of 136%. In 2021-22, Stonewater’s gross social impact was valued at almost £12 million, with support in areas such as community grants increasing from £780,715 in 2021-22 to £1,087,888 in 2022-23.
CORE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE 1000 NEW HOMES OVER THE FINANCIAL YEAR Highlights from the 2022-23 report include more than 400 customers being supported into work, education, training and independent living, hundreds helped through the organisation’s domestic abuse services – including 175 children – and significantly increased investment in retirement living wellbeing services. Stonewater has provided almost 1,000 new affordable homes over the financial year, and with sustainability goals in mind, has planted a tree for each one, as well as working with the 16
Throughout the year, several grants and partnerships have helped communities and customers, with around £22,000 in grants from the Longleigh Foundation providing customers with financial, mental and physical support, and a partnership with UK charity Revitalise has provided funding for 23 disabled customers and their carers to enjoy a week’s holiday. The report also highlighted that new partnerships are being sought to support customers with furniture starter packs, and a fuel voucher scheme and signposting to further support, are helping existing customers struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. Customers have also been aided through a Dragon’s Den style event where three lucky winners were supported financially with their new businesses, and thousands more have benefitted from gardening projects, help with purchasing school uniforms and various other initiatives.
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BY FLOYD MARCH
“Life can be hugely challenging for many of our customers right now, and we will continue to do whatever we can in the coming months and years to support them.” 17
VAST IMPROVEMENTS IN GROSS SOCIAL IMPACTS While improving the everyday lives of tenants is at the forefront of Stonewater’s objectives, there have been particular improvements in the gross social impact from an environmental and sustainability perspective. With just over £400,000 invested in this area, and a further £380,000 plus in damp and mould works, it is of particular note to see significant social value impact aiding net zero and healthier homes. The report backed up the social impact value with real-world case studies from tenancy management, employability, supported living, income maximisation, and development. Picking up on tenancy management in more detail, the Stonewater report explained: “Across the Development Directorate, we managed an average of 63 projects and 2,300 homes on site. We exchanged contracts on nine extra sites and made 368 offers on new opportunities. We helped over 800 households find a new home, with 573 new homes let and 259 shared ownership homes sold. “The site at Topcliffe Road, Dishforth saw the unveiling of a beautiful contribution to the public realm. We appointed a stonemason 18
artist to carve a large sculpture to pay homage to the local British and Canadian soldiers who operated out of RAF Dishforth during both World Wars.
“The social value to customers of the private outdoor space provided in homes completed is £998,004.” “We also appointed a local poet who held workshops in two local schools where the students helped come up with a poem the artist then chiselled into the sculpture. Navigate Contents Stonewater Impact Report 2022-23 14 Development We put placemaking at the centre of our development programme, building communities and environments that encourage people to interact and embrace their surroundings, to improve well-being and societal cohesion. “This includes the Blunden Prize, a public art prize giving talented artists across the country a chance to deliver pieces for our development schemes. We plant one new tree on each site for every home we build, with the Community Forest Trust (CFT) planting a further five trees for every home we build. Based on the 963 homes built in 2022/23, the CFT alone will plant 4,815 trees on our behalf.”
EMPLOYABILITY HIGH ON THE AGENDA From an employability perspective, Stonewater hosted its first ‘Stonewater Dragons’ Den.’ “Twenty-six customers applied for the chance to win a grant towards setting up or moving their existing business to the next stage. Six shortlisted customers were able to present their bid to Stonewater Dragons Sue Shirt, Nick Harris, Juliana Crowe and Abi Deeprose.” “Our winners Piotr, Laura and Emma each received £3,000 towards their ventures. Updates will follow in future reports. Social value to date £106,125 Learning and next steps We will work on the green skills programme in partnership with HACT and the other four social-housing providers in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole areas involved in the programme.
“Recording a total of £1585,101 in social value to date, supported living is at the heart of these programmes. The report gave a case study: “Claire (we have changed her name to protect her identity) came to Exeter Foyer 18 months ago. She had a difficult background and struggled to stay in her placements and engage.” Continuing, the report explained: “She then decided she would like to become a personal adviser with social services. We spoke to her personal assistant in social services, and Claire has now been accepted for mentoring and will progress to an apprenticeship with children’s services.”
84 supported into 72 Customers employment training supported 68 Customers into education have moved 188 Customers on to independence Customers supported into work
Social value can often be discussed on a wide scale and can often be difficult to calculate, but reports such as Stonewater’s coupled with implementing the HACT measurements are an effective way to prove the impacts these policies can have on social housing residents.
“Claire was encouraged to build rapport and trust with staff over time. She was supported to complete her maths and English exams, which she passed with flying colours.” 19
ISSUE 12
How Can the Housing Sector Amplify Confidence in Smart Technologies?
Ensuring that people feel comfortable and safe in their homes is imperative to creating the thriving communities of the future. With technology playing a huge part in this, educating people on smart technology, how to install it, and the benefits is needed. 20
Ring has introduced its Ring Professional Programme to help to create better places to live, work and play by helping people to protect their neighbourhoods.
Ring is ensuring it is offering resources to its customers.
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Housing Industry Leaders spoke to Sonny Bahanda - Wholesale & Professional Partner Manager UK at Ring about its Ring Professional Programme. While a lot of consumers may know about the ‘smart home’, Sonny explained that many still seek the comfort and reassurance of having their local electrician or security installation company handle the set-up of a full smart home or security system. Its programme helps to condense the information surrounding the technology and explain it to customers, Sonny revealed: “Ring Professional Programme is tailored to provide professional installers with a comprehensive understanding of Ring’s range of whole-home security products. It covers everything from how to install these products to the benefits they bring to customers.” As part of the programme, members get access to exclusive insights, training materials, and round-the-clock support from the Ring team. Continuing, Sonny expressed that it believes providing customers with this support is essential in boosting customer confidence: “This means they’re always armed with the knowledge and resources to offer top-notch advice and customer service when setting up Ring security products.” While a lot of customers are familiar with smart home devices, many feel more comfortable having a local professional set-up of their security system to ensure everything is installed in the most efficient way possible. Tenants who are comfortable using smart security systems will help to contribute to a safer living environment. They can utilise features such as video surveillance, smart locks, and doorbell cameras effectively, enhancing overall security. Sonny described how the programme will help to provide this comfort: “When you become part of this programme, you receive a comprehensive welcome pack that contains all the essential information about Ring and the programme itself. Additionally, you gain unrestricted access to product training videos and materials available through the Ring Professional Portal.”
BY CHELSEA BAILEY
These resources have been designed to equip the customer with in-depth knowledge about Ring, its products, installation procedures, and how they can make the most of the technologies.
Confidence in technology allows for potential cost-savings Encouraging tenants to feel comfortable with technology and providing them with knowledge offers many benefits for both property owners and tenants. Many modern properties now come equipped with smart home technologies, such as thermostats, security systems, and lighting controls. When tenants are comfortable with these technologies, property management becomes more efficient and issues can be addressed promptly. In addition, technology also allows for the implementation of energy-efficient solutions, such as smart thermostats and lighting systems. Those comfortable with these technologies can optimise their energy usage, leading to the potential of cost savings. Being familiar with technology could enable tenants to manage aspects of their living space remotely and help amplify convenience for them. This could include adjusting the thermostat, controlling smart appliances, or monitoring security systems from a distance or having them automated, making daily life more enjoyable for tenants.
Ring Rewards provides members with flexibility More recently, with the launch of Ring Rewards, members have the chance to receive even more benefits than before. They can now turn installations into perks of their choice, earn points through training, and take advantage of discounts that could help their business grow. When it comes to Ring Rewards, Sonny revealed that it is aiming to support customers even more: “We understand the pivotal role that professional installers play in helping people protect their homes, and we appreciate their dedication. That’s why, with theintroduction of Ring Rewards, we’ve taken it a step further to acknowledge and reward their efforts.” 21
Members can earn points by installing products and completing training through its portal. All the member needs to do is submit a claim form within 30 days of installation, including the product’s serial number and a picture of the product’s back. Sonny explained that Ring Rewards allows for flexibility as members can decide exactly how to best use their points for their specific needs and wants. Sonny said: “You can treat yourself to vouchers from popular eateries like Greggs or Costa Coffee, allowing you to enjoy a well-deserved treat. Alternatively, you can opt to invest in your business growth by taking advantage of discounted rates on platforms like Facebook Advertising, Amazon.com, or at Screwfix.”
Educating customers is imperative to keep up with new technologies
“We’re really pleased to already see the success of the initiative, with hundreds of tradespeople getting in touch to learn more about how they can help protect what matters most.” The housing sector is constantly evolving, especially when it comes to smart home and security products. Educating customers on how they can make the most of these new technologies will be key to creating the thriving communities of the future. 22
On this, Sonny said that the Ring Professional Programme is a great way to reflect the important role of education in the housing industry to keep up with the evolving technology: “This programme emphasises the importance of keeping professionals upto-date, equipping them with the knowledge and resources needed to provide exceptional service to customers.”
Tackling safety concerns is a massive barrier in the housing sector Amplifying safety and trust is a huge focus for Ring, Sonny stated: “We understand the massive impact that theft can have on a professional installer’s business and livelihood. So we’re always looking at ways to help tradespeople protect what matters most to them - such as keeping their van or tools safe.” This has led to the creation of the Van and Tool Theft initiative, which is an educational and awareness campaign that has been designed to provide valuable insights and practical tips for keeping people’s tools safe at home. Ring’s primary goal with the initiative is to help protect against, prevent, and deter tool theft, allowing people to focus on their work and not worry. To make this initiative a reality, it has worked together with partners, including ARMD, Van Vault, SelectaDNA, and A-Plan Insurance. The housing sector is no stranger to the challenges of protecting valuable assets like tools. Sonny said that the Van and Tool Theft initiative is a clear demonstration of addressing a significant issue within the housing industry: “This initiative is all about proactively taking steps to prevent theft and offering practical tips to safeguard property and, importantly, the livelihoods of professionals in our sector. It shows that proactive measures can make a real difference.” It is imperative that the housing sector focuses on boosting confidence in new emerging technology. Providing people with education through initiatives and programmes will be key in seeing a change in the industry and supporting local communities.
“The Ring Professional Programme is all about building trust and ensuring customer satisfaction.” Sonny Bahanda Wholesale & Professional Partner Manager UK at Ring
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Pocast Write Up: Series 2, Episode 4
Exploring Scotland’s Social Housing Landscape In this episode, we speak to Michael McLaughlin, Head of Social Value at HACT to discuss Scotland’s current social housing sector, current housing strategies, and Housing to 2040.
Can you tell me about your role at HACT? I’m the Head of Social Value at HACT, which stands originally for Housing Association Charitable Trust. I lead on all of our work regarding the methodology of social value. Social value is often seen as a complicated concept, but actually, it is about understanding the impact of the work, particularly thinking about social housing and what we do to support tenants and communities. I help the sector more generally with methodology and support organisations to help demonstrate, measure, and report on the impact they make, and do that through a range of methods and tools, but also support them with training and ongoing critical support.
What are the current challenges to the housing sector in Scotland? In terms of current challenges, I think there are three key challenges in the housing sector. There is damp and mould so we need the Decent Homes Standard, we need to meet net zero standards, and building safety. When you trace this back, these are the challenges that the sector has had. With building safety there have been challenges with whether people have the right data and skills to ensure that both the buildings are safe but the staff can be assured of that. Damp and mould are similar, there is a need to strengthen processes and transparency around damp and mould, and how we report on damp and mould repairs is huge. They both feed into being assured about the performance of buildings and I think the next step of that is as we meet net zero targets or improve sustainability, is actually how do we ensure that this performance is replicated throughout the building’s lifecycle to ensure sustainability. So I do think that there is a thread of the challenges that we have.
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What is the difference between Scotland’s housing landscape compared to the rest of the UK? It is a really interesting point and there are various differences. We have different regulations and reporting requirements but there are things around the Scottish Government’s National Performance Framework, which housing sits as part of, is that we focus on a well-being approach to government and to strategy. So, the performance of the housing association isn’t necessarily about how much money it spends or saves, it is about the difference it makes to the people within that. How does ‘The Better Social Housing Review’ intersect with what we are seeing in Scotland? How is this guidance linked to Housing to 2040 themes? It was released in December and what it was, was working with the sector to give a range of great recommendations, I think it was seven key recommendations. One was about the core purpose, some stuff was about the need to start talking about properties and performance of data in a joint-up way. It was recommended that all housing associations conduct an audit of their properties to ensure that things like building safety, things like damp and mould could be improved. I think that’s potentially more of
a challenge in England, particularly, with the scale of how much data housing associations have. But also, in terms of the makeup of the urban environment, and the way in which damp and mould spreads and the potential of building safety is even more applicable there. There are other elements of it that I think work around partnership working, which is key in Scotland, and it is something that we do quite well. Promoting tenant voice is another thing, it is something that was mentioned and we do quite well at, but it is something that can always be improved. How does this link to the Scottish Government’s National Performance Framework? The Scottish National Performance Framework is an overview strategy that the Scottish Government has as an indicator of success. We look at social value being a non-financial indicator of success so we are creating social value in each of those areas. It very much follows the UN Sustainable Development Goals and that’s got seventeen outcome areas across the National Performance Framework. This is things like reducing poverty, zero hunger, good health and wellbeing, to things like sustainable cities and communities, reducing inequalities, climate action, and partnership. These are all things that very much are a global concept that all countries are doing.
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PUBLIC SECTOR ROUND UP Over the past month, Housing Industry Leaders have covered an array of stories across the policy, retrofit, technology, and planning sub-sectors. Here are the highlights:
POLICY
RETROFIT
Firstly, the Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Committee has agreed on a new five-year Local Housing Strategy which aims to address some of the most significant and important housing issues facing them, its partners, and communities.
In retrofit news, significant new frameworks awarded to Purdy highlight the continuing importance of creating the sustainable provision of social housing decarbonisation works.
The strategy sets out the strategic framework for the future development of the local housing system, through which housing providers and partner organisations can operate so that housing needs and demands can be met more effectively with available resources. Outlined in the new plan is that the Scottish Borders Council will focus on increasing an annual target of 370 new homes, including 141 affordable homes throughout the 2021-28 period. The Local Housing Strategy’s vision is that everyone in the Scottish Borders will have access to a home that meets their need and is part of a sustainable community, and has been developed jointly with stakeholders. To deliver this vision successfully, several key priorities have been identified to be addressed. This includes fuel poverty, climate change, house conditions, and homelessness. Councillor Robin Tatler, Executive Member for Communities and Equalities explained: “This new strategy comes at an important time for housing in the Scottish Borders, and addresses a number of the most significant challenges facing the Council, its partners, and our communities.” 26
Purdy Contracts Ltd, part of the Kinovo Group, the specialist property services company that delivers compliance and sustainability solutions, is pleased to announce a series of successful framework appointments in recent months. These significant new awards build on the Kinovo Group’s current focus and reflect the brand’s ambition to be the leading UK provider of end-to-end specialist services within the housing and property sector that support customers to meet their own compliance and sustainability goals founded on the pillars of Regulation, Regeneration and Renewables. New frameworks appointments have been in the spotlight with Purdy, part of the Kinovo Group, having been successfully appointed to a number of new contracts across the social housing refurbishment and decarbonisation sector. Two of the lots relate to gas servicing, maintenance and renewal services to both domestic and commercial properties for the North and South regions within the framework, and the third lot relates to heating servicing, maintenance and renewal services to electrically heated properties across both regions.
HIL
TECHNOLOGY
PLANNING
In technology news, Powys County Council has announced plans to spend more than £5 million on digital improvements over the next four years. How will this provide its community with more digital options?
Finally, as part of a larger plan to invest £500m into the sector, the Pension Insurance Corporation has recently made its first investment into affordable housing totalling £50m.
The council has said that the money will fund at least 15 projects and create more services and add more options to its online My Powys account for residents, reflecting the priorities laid out in its Stronger, Fairer, Greener corporate plan.
With an initial investment of £50m towards the development of affordable and shared ownership homes, the former Hawks Road Health Clinic in Surrey will be turned into a 125-unit development.
Setting out the council’s vision for the future of Powys, the plan became effective in April 2023. It is aiming that by 2027, Powys will become a county that succeeds together, with communities and people that are well connected socially and are personally and economically resilient. Councillor David Thomas, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Transformation, explained that the programme will help to support its local community: “This ambitious digital programme is about meeting the expectation of those who come to us for help, information, or advice, who want more choice and flexibility around how and when they contact us.”
Focusing on easing the main pressure points in the housing crisis, the former NHS development will offer 100% affordable homes. Breaking this down further, it will comprise 44 apartments at the latest London Affordable Rent and 81 shared ownership properties. London Square, and its for-profit arm, Square Roots, will be responsible for the delivery of the project and is funded through a mixture of debt and equity. This is part of a wider longterm partnership with PIC. Completion of the project is expected in Q4 of 2025, with construction on the main buildings currently underway. This partnership between PIC, London Square and Square Roots is unique as the main part of the company (London Square) is the contractor/developer, while the housing arm (Square Roots) is acting as the housing provider. This ‘in-house’ approach isn’t uncommon but has many benefits in terms of communication with residents, and wider clients and delivering the project with all parties operating in the same direction. 27
Housing Industry Leaders Cymru 2024 will bring together the Welsh Government, local authorities, housing associations, the wider stakeholder community and the supply chain to discuss their vision for the future and how the sector will support the needs of its citizens.
The event will provide a platform for current policies, plans, priorities and projects to be discussed in an open forum, discussing the challenges faced and the opportunities available in a thought provoking way. 11 July 2024 Mercure Holland House Hotel, Cardiff
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Issue 11 November 2023
Page 16
Also in this issue: Realising Scotland’s Housing Objectives Through Planning and Pace Openreach: Amplifying Connectivity with Full-Fibre
Issue 09 September 2023
How £100 Million Will Deliver 10,000 Sustainable Homes in Wales
How Scotland’s Passivhaus Policy is Building Homes of the Future
Page 16
Page 16
Also in this issue: How the Crown Estate Will Trial Zero Carbon Homes
Also in this issue:
Your TSM Standard Questions Answered
Social Housing Act Demands Higher Standards Devolution and Decarbonisation: Accelerating England’s Net Zero Goals.
Photography: Alsecco / Elizabeth Savage Architects and Passivhaus Designers: Gale & Snowden Architects Ltd
Common Challenges, Shared Solutions: A Unified Approach
Issue 10 October 2023
CYMRU SPECIAL
eMagazine July 2023
ORP Phase 3: Highlighting the Core Objectives and Benchmarks for Success
DOWNLOAD PREVIOUS ISSUES Enhance your knowledge in key technical areas surrounding the housing sector in the UK. 29
Housing Industry Link North West is a pioneering housing event designed to bring together industry professionals, decision-makers, and stakeholders in the housing sector to discuss and find innovative solutions towards achieving net zero in the North West region. This event welcomes companies and individuals with cutting-edge products and ideas to showcase how their innovations can contribute to the region’s journey towards carbon neutrality. 06 February 2024 The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester 30