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housing trust shapes up for exciting future
29 January 2007
Bradford Community Housing Trust Group has completed a major restructure to create a leaner, more efficient and customer-focused operation.
Over the last two years, the area’s biggest social housing landlord has been carrying out a major review of how it runs its services. It has involved a massive public consultation including tenants, trade unions, staff and key stakeholders including the Council to gather feedback.
One of the main aims of the restructure has been to encourage more tenants to get involved in the Trust’s work.
The main changes are:-
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The creation of a strategic Group Board of nine members with key powers to shape the vision, values and direction of the organisation.
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Strengthening customer involvement and local services through the creation of six Local Management Trusts in the existing six area offices – Aire-Wharfe, Bradford West City, East Bradford, North Bradford, Shipley and South Bradford.
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A new single Registered Social Landlord Board of 12 members including tenant board members drawn from local areas who will oversee the delivery of more effective and efficient local services.
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Changes at top management level with the creation of three Assistant Chief Executive posts with key operational responsibilities.
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An overall reduction in senior management positions.
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A commitment to make long term operational savings which will be re-invested into improving customer services.
BCHT is three-quarters of the way through a £175 million five-year improvement programme covering its stock of over 22,000 homes.
Martin Smith, BCHT Group Chairman said: “These changes will create a more responsive organisation keen to encourage wider tenant involvement.
“We have put in place a more streamlined governance structure which retains local tenant representation and the Group’s existing area offices. We are committed to improving local housing services in partnership with tenants and other agencies.”
Geraldine Howley, BCHT Group Chief Executive said: “I am delighted we have completed this important restructure and a big thank you to our tenants and Board members for their valuable feedback. The changes will help us meet the important challenges that lie ahead and ensure we are in a strong shape to deliver our vision of being Landlord, Employer and Partner of first choice.”
Notes
Please note - The existing six local Community Housing Trusts have been amalgamated into a single Registered Social Landlord. The BCHT Group will continue to operate through its Area Offices using the existing trading names
Aire-Wharfe, Bradford West City, East Bradford, North Bradford, Shipley and South Bradford - and all communications with our customers will maintain continuity with their existing name ie, Community Housing Trust.
- The massive public consultation into BCHT’s planned restructure involved the distribution of a letter (sent 3 Jan 06) to every tenant outlined the proposed changes and included a freepost facility and email address for responses. A special tenants newsletter was sent to every tenant on 27 January 2006 encouraging people to give their views.
In addition, BCHT staff held tenant focus groups, attended tenant group meetings and discussed the plans at over 50 separate Trust board meetings. Over 150 people gave their feedback verbally and in writing. Every one was replied to. The public consultation was conducted in line with Housing Corporation guidelines.
- The restructure has not involved any compulsory redundancies or the closure of any local Community Housing Trust offices. These will operate and provide local services as normal.
- The restructure has been approved by both the Housing Corporation and Financial Services Authority.
29.01.07