Putting down strong roots

As its second anniversary approaches Bracknell Forest Homes is reflecting on another successful year. Having made good progress on its £61 million major improvement programme it is now turning its attention towards new build and to further developing its services

The housing association has met 121 of the 161 promises made at stock transfer and is on target to fulfil the remainder as part of a five-year plan for stock reinvestment.

“The pace of delivery has been impressive and is due to a combination of sector and housing expertise and the dedicated efforts of staff, board and customers,” says Caroline Titley, chief executive. “We have set great store by having effective relationships with our stakeholders and our annual stakeholder consultations with customers, staff and external agencies are of tremendous benefit in helping us to shape our strategic priorities and developing ideas for joint working.

Our relationship with the local authority is a very positive one.” High standards are expected from contract partners Mears, MITIE and Wates so much so that there is a range of feedback mechanisms to ensure that work is up to scratch including a tenant-led customer inspection programme.

“It is critical that the contractors deliver the same excellent service that customers and ourselves expect, and that they complement our vision and aspirations, so we continue to monitor closely the performance and progress of the works,” says Titley.

Improvements are carried out to the Bracknell Forest Standard, which goes above and beyond the Decent Homes Standard and £400,000 has been set aside each year for adaptations.

Bracknell Forest Homes owns and manages 11 sheltered schemes, which have also been undergoing improvements. Not one to rest on its laurels, the organisation is already looking at ways to further improve services for older people by developing a strategy for the future as Linda Wells, housing and community services director, explains: “It is clear that aspirations are changing and many people now have a preference for larger accommodation than has traditionally been provided. We are developing a strategy to ensure that our provision, both in terms of buildings and services, is fit for future decades.”

Bracknell Forest Homes is keen to get involved in the local community and has teamed up with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau to offer tenants free budget and benefits advice in the run up to Christmas. Its two benefits advisors have helped 1,000 tenants, maximising around £600,000 worth of benefits.

“We appreciate that this is a difficult economic climate for many people and we are keen to provide support to our customers,” says Wells. “This is designed to give practical tips about the best ways to save for Christmas, keeping Christmas budgeting under control, and avoiding a debt hangover in the New Year.”

It is also committed to offering training opportunities for local people and runs an annual apprentice recruitment drive with Bracknell & Wokingham College for trade, plumbing and electrical positions with plans to broaden the scope to include trainee accountants.

Additional Government funding has been accessed for training provision across the organisation, offering apprenticeships to employees of all ages and it has established a working partnership with InTraining Ltd allowing two employees to complete training towards advanced apprenticeships in Business Administration.

A working partnership has been established with East Berkshire Education Business Partnership (EBeBP), co-ordinating activities with local schools, including work experience placements, with plans to participate in the pre-placement ‘Skills For Life’ training, which prepares students for the workplace. Work experience placements will also be offered to students completing the new Vocation Diplomas aimed at 14 to 19 year olds in 2010/2011.

Summer team building sessions were held for 30 young people comprising abseiling, rock climbing, high wire and learning about animal care. During half-term the association worked with a local radio station giving budding young broadcasters the chance to learn new skills and create a radio show.

“We are a people organisation and want to play our part in the community,” says Titley. “We plan to continue this type of activity and we are creating a community development strategy, which will set out how we can work alongside customers to create further opportunities.”

Never one to stand still Bracknell Forest Homes is constantly looking at ways to streamline services and recently implemented the Northgate Housing management system enabling employees to deal with enquiries more effectively.

“We are an innovative organisation and look to use technology to improve service, communicate effectively with customers and achieve value for money,” says Titley. “Our next step is to use our investment in Northgate Housing to help us deliver not just improvements to existing
services, but to design and implement new services to meet the needs of our customers”.

Part of the next phase for Bracknell Forest Homes is its new build development ambition, in partnership with Thames Valley Housing. It now has preferred development partner status with the local authority and is eligible to apply for social housing grant from the Homes and Communities Agency.

But of course, the move towards new build doesn’t mean turning its back on everyday operations and Bracknell Forest Homes will continue to deliver on the Offer Document promises, while expanding community engagement and partnership activities for the benefit of customers.

“The next three years will be challenging for all housing associations because of economic, social and regulatory uncertainties,” says Titley. “However, with a good asset base, sound finances, and a talented staff team there is no reason why a housing association should not continue to make a very beneficial and dynamic contribution to community life. This is certainly the case at Bracknell Forest Homes.”