Craig Stirrat: Consideration must be given to housing qualification requirements
As the sector counts down to Scottish Housing Day and the new Housing Bill around the corner, Grampian Housing Association Group CEO Craig Stirrat says a requirement for housing qualifications must at least be in the conversation.
Scottish Housing Day will take place on Wednesday 13 September 2023. The day is intended to raise awareness of the challenges and successes in the housing sector and this year, for Scottish Housing Day, we are celebrating housing as a career. To support this, the Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland has established a cross-sector Housing Education Group, chaired by Amanda Britain, to promote the benefits of housing qualifications.
This cannot come at a more appropriate time as a crisis of confidence is looming in the social rented sector, much due to regular adverse media coverage (mainly in England) about service failures by social landlords, perpetuating the perception that social housing is not a desirable housing option for many home seekers.
Consequently, there is increased attention and scrutiny of what goes on, as a great deal is expected of the social rented sector - with the expectation that the sector delivers the highest standard of services and housing standards in the most equitable way - whilst keeping rents as affordable as possible.
The goal to provide the highest standard of affordable homes is being delivered by many (often hard-pressed) capable and committed housing practitioners - but many without the requirement to attain professional status or appropriate qualifications despite the requirement of Regulatory Standard 6 requiring the governing body and senior officers of a social landlord to have the skills and knowledge they need to be effective. This requirement is left to each individual registered landlord to assess what these requirements may be.
Conversely, it has been recognised by the Scottish Government that in the private sector, to register as a letting agent, you have to make sure that everyone in your business has the correct training and have a relevant qualification covering essential aspects of letting agency work. To register as a social landlord there is not the same requirement.
As a lifelong Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and as a member of the cross-sector CIH Scotland Housing Education Group, I have to ask then why is this not a requirement of a social landlord or at least a regulatory guidance?
Like many, I believe, attaining professional standards in social housing helps to
- Protect the public
- Maintain public confidence in the profession
- Declare and uphold professional standards
- Set out the threshold standards necessary to protect the public
- Set clear expectations of practitioners working in Registered Social Landlords’ knowledge and abilities when they start practicing
- Ensure that practitioners continue to meet the standards of proficiency that apply to the Chartered Institute of Housing scope of work and code of practice
- Assist practitioners and tenants around decisions of appropriate service support for specific circumstances
- Support and inspire professional learning, CPD and career development.
- Raise the profile of the sector and the range of career opportunities across the sector
- Expand on the knowledge and skill set of colleagues by providing opportunities to diversify
Whilst many colleagues throughout the United Kingdom consider that what is happening in England is a knee-jerk reaction to the housing scandals and not necessarily the panacea for all ills (clearly it is not and I agree it is not), it has been recognised in England that professional standards and qualifications are part of the solution (certainly the values, code of practice and leadership skills that are afforded by membership of the CIH play a big part too).
I understand consultation on the application of the law on the required housing qualifications in England is expected by the end of this year and we expect to see the requirements come into place near the end of 2024.
I certainly would welcome colleagues’ views on this, as here in Scotland we enter a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with the final stages of the new Housing Bill. Currently, Scottish Government officials are neither convinced nor dismissive of the concept but suggest that capacity constraints limited their ability to consider this in the remainder of this Parliamentary term.
I, therefore, consider that ahead of the English consultation outcome - even if it is just to accept the principle of the requirement for professional standards and the status of housing practitioners - consideration should be given to establishing the membership of a Scottish Government working group with a broad term of reference to address this issue from a Scottish perspective.
This article was first published on the Scottish Housing News website on 25 August 2023.
New tenants welcomed to sustainable homes in Elgin
Grampian Housing Association delivers 25 new affordable homes to meet growing demand
Tenants are enjoying settling into their new energy efficient homes which have been developed by Grampian Housing Association in partnership with Moray Council and Barratt & David Wilson Homes North Scotland.
The first phase of 25 properties comprise of one detached house, 13 terraced houses and 11 wheelchair accessible bungalows to meet the diverse needs of the growing population of Elgin. The homes are a mix of two, three and four bedroom properties and one five bedroom property.
The total scheme cost of £4.5 million will attract £2.39 million in grant from the Scottish Government with the balance funded by the Association.
Tenants said:
“I’m very happy with my bungalow which is going to make a massive difference to me, giving me the space I need to live my life to the full. It feels like my home already.”
“I’m delighted with my house. It’s top spec and I’m over the moon.
Speaking about the handover of the new homes Craig Stirrat, chief executive of the Grampian Housing Group said:
“We aim to not just build great homes but also aim to ensure that our current and future tenants enjoy desirable, high quality places to live where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive and grow.
“We are extremely delighted to have worked with Barratt to deliver these impressive new affordable homes in this tenure neutral community of Findrassie.
“The homes represent Grampian’s ongoing commitment to the communities of Moray with one third of its 3,600 strong property portfolio located throughout the area.”
Scott Pettitt, technical director, Barratt & David Wilson Homes North Scotland, said:
“It is great to see this next phase of Barratt’s supply of affordable homes reach completion and be handed over to Grampian Housing Association. These new homes are high quality and have a strong environmental focus, which reflects more accurately how we live today and how we will live in the future.
“The sustainability design, construction and placemaking we have built into the development are key to realising the Findrassie masterplan vision. We are incredibly proud of what we have delivered for our client, Grampian Housing Association and for the Elgin Community.”
Martin Rait, site manager Barratt won Pride in the Job Quality award for this development.
Findrassie lies to the north of Elgin and is a new community surrounded by excellent facilities and a high-quality environment. The Findrassie landscape-led masterplan was the subject of a design forum review facilitated by Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS). It reflects traditional built form and open space of Elgin. It has also been categorised as ‘well-considered’ by A&DS with the partnership working between Moray Council and Pitgaveny, the landowner and cited as ‘national best practice’.
Fiona Geddes, housing strategy and development manager, Moray Council said:
“Both Grampian Housing Association and Barratt are valued partners in the delivery of new build affordable housing.
“The completion of this development is welcomed as it provides an increase in supply of housing suitable for older people and people with disabilities who require ground floor accommodation. Larger family sized homes intended to alleviate overcrowding and homelessness have also been built.
“We wish households moving in happiness in their new homes and hope they will become part of a vibrant new community.”
Grampian has a long-standing mission to keep on building new affordable homes across the North East of Scotland for social rent in high quality places to address the housing supply crisis.
Improving homes for tenants
The Association is committed to delivering the highest level of service and comfort to tenants. We think it is important to let you know that Board members have agreed a £6.6 million spending package to upgrade existing homes. Living standards are therefore set to improve for hundreds of you across the North East of Scotland. £26 million (including grant from the Scottish Government) will also be invested in building new homes for tenants and housing applicants.
Major repairs
The budget for capital (major routine) repairs is prepared annually, following consultation with tenants and regular review of the Association's business plan. It is shaped by your priorities as well as those of the Board. The budget takes into account the most pressing maintenance and improvements needed to keep your homes modern and safe as well as statutory requirements and the commitments outlined in the Association's business plan.
Energy efficiency
We recognise the need for increasing energy efficiency due to rising energy costs. In the first grant award of its kind from the Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund, the Association was successful in attracting over £300k grant from the Scottish Government for a project at our housing scheme in Turriff. Communal air source heat pumps supported by solar panels and battery storage are being installed. This means the whole scheme will be decarbonised by moving away from the current heating system of gas boilers which produce carbon dioxide and other green house gas emissions.
The properties and existing heating requirements have been monitored with sensors over the winter. The project is due for completion in summer and we expect to be able to prove the properties will be warmer and have lower heating costs next winter with the heat pumps.
Making these changes to existing buildings so that energy use and emissions are reduced (retrofit), like the project at Turriff, not only helps to lower tenants’ fuel costs and tackle fuel poverty, it makes homes more comfortable and healthier too. It also supports the Association's "Net Zero Carbon by 2034", the commitment we look to protect the wider environment and reduce risks associated with climate change by not adding to the amount of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
We are currently surveying tenants' homes to establish the suitability of properties for the installation of solar panels on a large sclae and to identify retrofit works that will shape future major improvement programmes.
If a surveyor contacts you please arrange the visit as we use these surveys to prioritise our plan of works.
New bathrooms/ktichens/replacement windows
During 2023/24, our maintenance company, TLC will install 216 new kitchens, 61 new bathrooms and replace windows in 69 homes as well as undertaking any repairs identified from our property surveys.
The spending programme is also set to involve improvements to common areas and stairwells, adapting homes in response to people’s health needs and tackling the causes of damp and mould.
Tenant safety
Compliance and tenant safety is a major priority for the Association, with legislation requiring annual gas servicing including a check that smoke alarms are functioning. Faulty electrics is a common cause of fire. We have a five yearly electrical inspection programme. Your assistance providing access for our contractors is appreciated.
Rent increase
Despite financial pressures, the Board decided to keep the rent increase well below inflation at 6% during 2023/24. This follows a previous rent increase of 4.1% in 2022/23 and a rent freeze in 2021/22. The increase will enable the Association to ramp up capital investment into existing homes, including new energy efficiency upgrades as well as continue to deliver new build housing.
Chairman of the Board, Dr Abhi Agawal said: “More than 500 homes all over the North East of Scotland are set to benefit from improvements - making them warmer, greener, safer and more accessible for generations to come. Our capital housing programme is about spending money where it is most needed so that we can help as many tenants as possible live well in safe, warm homes.
“That means making Association homes more energy efficient which will help to drive down bills. It means building brand new homes in response to the huge demand we’re seeing. We will keep listening to our tenants so that we can invest in those areas which will make the biggest difference to people’s lives.
“Post-pandemic, Brexit and in the face of a cost-of-living crisis and war in Ukraine, we know it remains a challenging time for tenants, for the Association's budget and for the construction industry at large. Like everyone else we’ve seen our running costs rise but we must remain committed to tackling the region's twin housing supply and homelessness crises. We also need to improve the standard of the housing we provide.
“I’m proud that, despite these many pressures, we’ve had agreement from the Board to invest so substantially this year. As we move forward, we’ll need to continue to work with partners and make our case to the local authorities and the Scottish Government to maximise funding opportunities and keep our longer-term plans on track.”
New senior appointments strengthen Executive Team
The North East’s largest Registered Social Landlord, Grampian Housing Association, has announced the appointment of three new directors as it sets out on delivering a new business plan.
Alexander Carle becomes director of asset management while Carol Reid becomes director of customer services and Linda Clarke director of finance. They join Craig Stirrat, group CEO and Malcolm McNeil, depute CEO in a strengthened Executive Team.
All postholders have considerable experience with the Association as well as from the wider public, private and charitable sectors.
Alexander Carle, who has been with the Association since 2014 said:- “I have the opportunity to work with exceptional colleagues who share a vision to provide the best quality, safe and most affordable homes for our customers.
“I am extremely passionate about ensuring Grampian delivers on its vision particularly as we manage the immediate concerns relating to the current cost of living crisis.
“We also have to look to the future and tackle major challenges as the world struggles to find climate change solutions. I truly feel the solutions are already available and with practical Government support, we can positively influence industry, contractors and the private sector so that the transition to better performing homes and meeting decarbonization targets can provide local employment and affordable well maintained homes for our customers.”
Carol Reid’s housing career began in 1992 and she has held various roles in Grampian Housing Association since 2001.
Speaking about the post of director of customer services Carol Reid said: “I am delighted to be appointed into this new role and I am looking forward to working with the teams to embed The Grampian Deal, our new tenant experience initiative, into our processes. This will ensure that our commitment to offer a high quality and responsive service to our customers is delivered.
“We know that the last few years have been challenging for many of our tenants with some having to make impossible choices between heating their homes or feeding their families and I am committed to our social policy objectives of supporting our tenants throughout these challenging times.”
Linda Clarke a chartered certified accountant who has been working for the Association since 2012 in various senior finance roles, said “I am delighted to be appointed Director of Finance and I am looking forward to working with colleagues and stakeholders by contributing to the overall strategic direction and vision of the Grampian Group. As we work through a challenging period with the current economic climate and cost of living crisis, Grampian’s financial strength and resilience will take us forward for the future to help create a sustainable and supportive environment for all to thrive and continue to provide affordable housing and services that support our communities.”
Craig Stirrat, chief executive officer said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of a new executive team to lead on the delivery of a new and ambitious business plan.
“We live in unprecedented times and the changes and challenges affecting the social rented sector have never been so intense. It is therefore necessary that a growing housing association like Grampian has the strategic leadership capacity to ensure the Association can achieve the best outcomes it can for its tenants and customers.
“Collectively, the new executive team has almost 150 years’ experience in the social rented sector with success in delivering great services and great homes. The new team looks forward to celebrating Grampian’s 50 year anniversary in delivering quality, affordable homes and serving communities in 2025.”
Grampian serves over 3,700 social rent and mid market rent households, along with over 1,000 factored owners and almost 500 sharing owners throughout Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray. It has a substantial development programme of new build homes and is committed to adding 600 properties to its portfolio by 2024 to play its part in addressing significant unmet housing need in the area.
Tenants to benefit from cost of living support
Grampian Housing Association secures funding of over £186,000
Over 700 tenants of Grampian Housing Association are set to receive grants from the Scottish Government’s Social Housing Fuel Support Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.
With soaring energy bills and the cost of living crisis severely affecting many of the Association’s tenants, the funding will help households who are in, or at risk of, fuel poverty and hardship as a result of rising living costs.
Distribution of the funds will be managed by the Association’s tenancy sustainment projects, ASSIST (housing support), SMART (money advice) and Energy Advice. Tenants who meet the criteria are being identified and those who are eligible will be contacted.
Energy top-up payments of £245 from the £166,000 award from the Social Housing Fuel Support Fund will be issued.
The £20,000 grant from The National Lottery has enabled a new Heat and Eat Initiative to be established. Slow cookers, air fryers, heated throws, duvets and warm clothing will be distributed to tenants experiencing hardship because of the cost of living crisis. Food packs will also be distributed in partnership with CFINE, a local organisation tackling poverty.
Rachel Byiers, support services lead, Grampian Housing Association said:-
“We recognise the financial stress many of our tenants are experiencing and the tough choices they sometimes have to make between ‘eating and heating’, so we are delighted to be able to offer practical support during these difficult times.
“We will continue to support our tenants in any way we can as we face soaring energy prices and the cost-of-living crisis.”
Commenting on the successful funding applications, Carol Reid, housing operations lead at Grampian Housing Association said:-
“Securing this funding means we can now help lighten the financial load for many of our tenants who have been struggling to cope with current cost of living crisis”.
Tenants already in receipt of the funding commented:-
"The energy grant was a godsend and couldn't of come at a better time for me, like most I was struggling with my energy bills and this grant has meant I can heat my home for a few months without the worry. So happy I got the grant".
“I received an email from Grampian Housing today with regards to an “Energy Fund” that has been set up. Within 15 minutes of completing the online form I received vouchers which entitles me to £245 worth of energy (gas or electric). All I need to do now is pop into a post office with my key and identification to top up.”
“This morning I had £6.25 in my bank account to last me until the end of the week, so to receive this, and for it to actually be processed so quickly. It has been a complete godsend! I can’t thank Grampian Housing enough for drawing this to my attention.”
"Receiving the card fund has really helped my situation as I have been really struggling topping up my energy meters".
According to the Scottish Government, the Fuel poverty rate is expected to increase to 39% in April 2023 when the Energy Price Guarantee increases for a typical household from £2,500 to £3,000. This will result in an additional 120,000 fuel poor households compared to October 2022, bringing the total number of households in fuel poverty in Scotland to 980,000, of which 860,000 (34%) will be in extreme fuel poverty.
Grampian is the largest housing provider based in the North East of Scotland, serving over 3,600 social rent and mid market rent households, along with over 1,000 factored owners and almost 500 sharing owners throughout Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray. It has a substantial development programme of new build homes and is committed to adding 600 properties to its portfolio by 2024 to play its part in addressing significant unmet housing need in the area.
