Strengthening Housing Governance to Meet Regulatory Standards
Housing associations are facing increased scrutiny as new regulations come into effect, requiring boards to demonstrate stronger governance, financial oversight, and accountability. The Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, enhanced consumer standards, and stricter sustainability requirements mean that boards must take proactive steps to ensure compliance and strategic alignment with regulatory expectations.
Bridgehouse supports housing association boards in assessing governance structures, identifying risks, and ensuring compliance with evolving housing regulations.
Key Challenges in Housing Governance
New and evolving regulations mean that housing associations must strengthen governance processes in several key areas:
- Tenant engagement and risk management. Stronger oversight is required to ensure resident concerns are addressed efficiently.
- Regulatory compliance. The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has increased powers to scrutinise governance and service delivery.
- Board effectiveness and accountability. Boards must ensure decisions and reporting mechanisms are aligned with new governance expectations.
- Sustainability and financial oversight. Energy efficiency targets and financial pressures require careful board planning and decision-making.
A structured governance review can help boards navigate these changes effectively, ensuring compliance, while improving overall organisational resilience.
How We Can Help
Bridgehouse works with housing associations to review and strengthen governance in line with the latest regulatory expectations. Our governance assessments help boards evaluate their leadership capabilities, assess committee effectiveness, and align decision-making processes with compliance requirements.
Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023
- Supporting boards in complying with Awaab’s Law, ensuring action plans for damp and mould remediation are in place and recorded in meeting minutes.
- Ensuring board discussions on health and safety obligations are well-documented and reported.
- Preparing boards for enhanced regulatory scrutiny under the four revised consumer standards:
- Safety and Quality Standard
- Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard
- Neighbourhood and Community Standard
- Tenancy Standard
- Reviewing complaints handling processes to align with the new Housing Ombudsman statutory code.
Energy Efficiency Standards and Sustainability Governance
- Helping boards oversee compliance with new energy efficiency standards and investment decisions on retrofitting and sustainability projects.
- Advising on governance around funding applications and financial planning for sustainability improvements.
- Supporting housing associations in meeting sustainability reporting obligations and disclosure requirements.
Financial Oversight and National Insurance Contributions
- Reviewing the financial impact of National Insurance increases on housing association budgets and forecasts.
- Supporting boards in cost management strategies and risk mitigation.
- Ensuring financial planning discussions are properly documented and aligned with governance best practices.
Get a Free Governance Review
To support housing associations in meeting new regulatory expectations, we are offering two free governance reviews:
Option 1: Board Skills Assessment
A free assessment designed for housing association board members and executives to evaluate governance competencies against best practice standards.
- Covers essential governance skills required for housing association board members
- Includes a 30-minute consultation to discuss results
- Identifies strengths and areas requiring further development
- Available as a free tool, with the option to upgrade to a full Board Development Plan
Option 2: Board Governance Review
A structured review that assesses board and committee performance in line with housing governance regulations and best practice.
- Uses the Board Governance Review to evaluate governance effectiveness
- Includes a free review of one governance segment, with the option to upgrade
- Helps housing boards align governance practices with regulatory requirements
- Provides clear recommendations for strengthening decision-making and stakeholder engagement
Get in touch
We would be pleased to answer any queries or have an informal chat to discuss your possible governance needs.
