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