Five years in the making – housing associations receive a new code of governance

We don’t talk about housing associations much, but here in Wimbledon the twenty that we have provide a much needed extension to housing provision so many residents need. Especially for those looking to get onto the property ladder via shared ownership. 

All the more important then that the sector is properly regulated and housing regulators give clear guidelines on what good look like. 

The National Housing Federation (NHF), the body that represents 800 of England’s housing associations, has published a new code of governance, completely rewriting the last version which has been in place for five years. 

“We are confident that the new code will encourage, challenge and support our sector to meet the highest standard of governance,” said Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation. 

Zah Azeem, Partner at Wimbledon based surveyors Scrivener Tibbatts said: “The new code of governance, which comes after a number of months of consultation with the sector, focuses on three key issues that have become increasingly important to associations in recent years. These are: 

  1. Upholding the reputation of the sector. 
  2. Putting in place a framework for ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion within all housing associations and their boards. 
  3. The importance of being accountable to residents 

He continues: “The 16-page document sets out the standards organisations can be reasonably expected to hit if they want to achieve good governance. Four principles underpin the code, which include: mission and values, strategy and delivery, board effectiveness, and control and assurance. 

“Here’s their 16 page document. All professionals in the residential housing sector should read it, in my opinion. We all need to know what good should look like.” 

If you would like to discuss something related to a valuation please contact Zah via email at zah@scrivenertibbatts.co.uk or call 020 8947 7040.