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The Big Society and the Housing Profession

The Big Society and the Housing Profession . Grainia Long- Chief Executive- The Chartered Institute of Housing.

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The Big Society and the Housing Profession

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  1. The Big Society and the Housing Profession Grainia Long- Chief Executive- The Chartered Institute of Housing

  2. ‘The Big Society is about a huge culture change… where people, in their everyday lives, in their homes, their neighbourhoods, in their workplace… don’t always turn to officials, local authorities or central government for answer to the problems they face… but instead feel both free and powerful enough to help themselves and their own communities. It’s about liberation- the biggest most dramatic redistribution of power from elites in Whitehall to the man and woman in the street’ The Prime Minister David Cameron , July 2010

  3. ‘Consultations, impact assessments, audits, reviews, stakeholder management, securing professional buy-in, complying with EU procurement rules, assessing sector feedback- this is not how we became one of the most powerful, prosperous nations on earth. It’s not how you get things done. The Prime Minister David Cameron , November 2012

  4. Inherent tensions…? • Growth Vs Localism has emerged as a fundamental issue in debates around planning, place- making, house building. • In social housing the role of a strong regulator and high standards of governance are key to attracting private finance • Recent suggestion of re-introduction of a form of local connection required in housing allocations- very centralist.

  5. Key considerations • The Big Society means a fundamental shift in the role of housing professionals. • A shift in the central/local power dynamic- a shift in the locus of decision making. • It provides an opportunity for professionals to re-examine their role and their skills. • Re-positioning happening alongside changes to the role of housing organisations- including HAs- an increased emphasis on social purpose.

  6. The ‘new normal’… • A decade of falling incomes • Housing inequality entrenched- access is biased in favour of those with housing wealth • Average weekly PRS rent more expensive than mortgage • The cost of housing has soared • Welfare reform implementation • Public trust in institutions at an all time low • The growth of the economic regulator • Conditionality creeping into housing provision- • The personalisation agenda- direct payments ….. Localism and new freedoms should inspire residents- but households are constrained

  7. How do professionals feel? • CIH Housing Panel January 2013 • Welfare reform biggest worry for housing leaders in 2013 • Two thirds believe the housing industry will be in a ‘worse state’ in 12 months • 20% of respondents concerned about falling levels of grant funding for housing development • 20% concerned about the forthcoming spending round and future rent setting

  8. What changes will organisations be making in 2013 (top five answers) • Focusing on minimising costs and reducing overheads • Improving financial advice for tenants • Exploring opportunities for partnership working • Improving business processes • Exploring new funding opportunities

  9. Things they may stop… • Offering services to the wider community (organisations feel they will need to concentrate on their own tenants) • Provision of 24 hour cover- especially for support services • Relying on conventional funding mechanisms • Customer engagement through newletters

  10. What are frontline staff talking about? • Impact of government policy on customers • How to cope with increasing customer demands and stress of increasing poverty • Concerns over sustainability of new lettings; welfare benefit reform; job security • Redundancy, increasing levels of homelessness, and abundance of change and consultation.

  11. Step forward the 21st Century Housing professional • Housing a much more complex professional area- broad range of skills and competencies • Strong emphasis on values, ethics and professional standards, customer service • Housing providers as social purpose organisations, linking health, education and housing outcomes- community regeneration • Running/ working in leaner organisations focused on profit for purpose • Welfare reform will mean a fundamental re-examination of the relationship between landlord and tenant. • A key role in delivering localism- enabling participation and engagement

  12. Challenges for housing professionals In their day job • Joining up the dots – what does change mean for their work? • Access to knowledge faster than everyone else • Relationship between landlords and tenants/customers • Support in difficult times • A voice for housing • Enhancing housing’s reputation In their career • Need the edge in a competitive jobs market • Need help to plan their career and development to get there • A better understanding of the future • A strong network

  13. CIH and the profession • A decade of sector led solutions- a focus on delivery • Setting and challenging standards across the housing industry • Continuing to invest in education and learning- the professional qualification as the currency for our sector • Investing in networks- regional, national, local, virtual • Investing in evidence- checking the facts and holding decision makers to account

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