The case for a National Social Housing Database
We need a National Social Housing Database, combining Open Data with Technology Standards. Sector wide, and government-led, this would be the cheapest and fastest way to drive improvement in social housing, transforming the customer experience while reducing costs. This is not just a technology solution. It is a multi-level good governance opportunity. Regulator-set data standards…
Housing Associations – what’s your greatest asset?
It is commonplace to say our staff are our greatest asset. Or to use the cliche – residents at the heart of everything we do. And while I don´t decry either sentiment, our greatest asset is the most neglected – the houses we own. Our assets (another word for homes, but one that frames them…
The Case for Collaboration
Competition is a defining component of a capitalist economy. It has positive effects – encouraging companies to design new products, reduce prices and improve services. Unfortunately, it is also very wasteful – the wheel is reinvented several times before the optimum design is adopted. The Housing Association sector is considered to be outside or at…
Are you a Legacy manager in a Legacy organisation?
“Legacy organisations grew all their people, processes and technology before the rise of the modern internet.” Professor Mark Thompson, “Digital Strategy and Leadership with Professor Mark Thompson“, YouTube At one point I was an early adopter. The first time I used a computer to produce publishable text, signaling the beginning of the end for hot…
What do tenants want?
It is self evident that any organisation that provides services must work out what their customers want. Over the years I have spoken to thousands of tenants, held large meetings, visited residents at home, read their letters of complaint, organised improvement plans and even changed the direction of the organisations I worked for. More than…
What exactly is Housing Management?
If you own your own home you will probably manage it yourself. You make sure your home is repaired when it needs it, you pay the mortgage, the insurance and any standing charges. You do the gardening from time and time, and stay cordial, if not friendly, with your neighbours. If you are a flat…