Swansea Bm Network Apr 08

David Hedges & Steve Cranston

Board Members Network

Swansea

April 2008

Board Members Network meeting, Swansea

Agenda• Introductions• Feedback from the CHC Governance

Conference

• The role and format of Network meetings

• Future themes• Policy Update• Board Member Networking and issues

Board Members Network meeting, Swansea

Feedback from the CHC Governance Conference

Board Members Network meeting, Swansea

The Role and Format of Network Meetings

Board Members Network meeting, Swansea

Future Themes for Network Meetings

Policy Update

The 2007 Context……….Challenges • National Assembly for Wales election

campaign • New Welsh Assembly Government• New National Assembly Powers• UK Comprehensive Spending Review • Further Housing Stock Transfer ballots• Sector Public Relations Campaign

Policy Update

National Council Priorities for 2007/08

Social Housing Grant funding• £30m extra Social Housing Grant (SHG)Supporting People funding• To increase by £26m by 2010/11Better Regulation • The Essex Review

Priorities for 2008

• Ensuring that we are all equipped for the regulatory review’s outcome – • The need to focus on Governance – so that we are

fit to face the future

• That we build on our improving relationship with local government pre- and post- election • We need to measure our economic and social

impact - so we know what difference we are making under a new regulatory regime

• That we welcome new members and maintain unity as we develop as a movement

Policy Update

The changing face of the sector……….Housing association homes owned

2003 63,527

2004 72,113

2005 73,262

2006 74,174

2007 75,032

2008 98,230

2009 115,500?

2010 124,500?

Policy Update

The changing face of the sector Staff employed

2006 3,935

2007 4,054

2008 5,000

2009 6,000+?

2010 7,000+?

Essex Review Update

Feedback to Governance and Chief Executives eventsEarly conclusions:

• The need to move away from detailed control to strategic leadership and enablement

• Greater clarity on appropriate levels of accountability, including decision making at the most appropriate level in the chain

• A robust governance and finance framework• Adding value from housing investment into regeneration• A system which is sensitive to need and is outcome

focussed and which manages the right risks• A reduction in management and process from the centre

Essex Review Update

Early wins recommended to Minister:

• Purchasing existing stock• Removing unnecessary Section 9 consents• Group structures circular- removing section

5.2 which inhibits creativity and social enterprise.

• Decentralising Physical Adaptation Grant approvals

• Pilots to allow for the better use of SHG in carbon reduction

Governance Review

Paul Griffiths, Public Services Consultant, commissioned in JanuaryTerms of Reference•A statement of the principles of good governance of Registered Social Landlords (RSL) within Wales;•A review of the size and make up current boards of RSL

within Wales;•A review of what practice is working well in the boards of

Welsh RSLs;•Consideration of the particular circumstances created by

stock transfer developments;•Recommendations on the size and make-up of boards;•Recommendations on a menu of support that could be made available to board members to increase capacity.

Governance Review

• Specific work with 3 RSLs• 26 interviews with board members

from 19 RSLs• Presentation and discussions at the

Governance and Chief Executives Conferences

• Draft report being completed now

Mentoring Training Update

Board Members Network meeting, Swansea

Board Member Networking and Issues