CHIC Board Quarterly Update
CHIC’s Board of Directors held its quarterly meeting on Wednesday 26th March. The Board is made up of nine representatives from CHIC’s members and two independents, including the Chair, Amanda Long.
The Board’s roles are to set the strategic direction of CHIC, to ensure it continues to deliver outcomes commensurate with member requirements, and to monitor operational performance, delivered through a PCR2015 procured Service Provision Agreement with ARK Consultancy.
Key issues considered by the Board in March include:
• A review of CHIC’s current operational performance – where further growth in demand for the consortium’s services was examined.
• Financial performance to the end of February – with progress being in line with the year’s budget to date.
• The charitable contribution to be made to CHIC’s aligned charity CHIP, in June (before the end of CHIC’s 2024/25 financial year).
• The annual communication plan for 2025/26, setting out all the events that CHIC will be hosting or attending.
• The agenda for the inaugural Audit and Risk Committee, held this month.
In addition, the Board approved:
• A draft budget for 2025/26, which will see further additions to the CHIC operational team, reflecting the ongoing growth of CHIC. The final budget will be approved in June.
• Commissioning another round of stakeholder surveys – via email, follow up telephone calls and at CHIC’s Conference.
• The appointment of external consultants to undertake an independent review of service delivery under the Service Provision Agreement with ARK, in advance of a decision to extend the Contract for a further term. This is to ensure robust governance of the Contract prior to the need for a decision in June.
• The timelines for work on the update of CHIC’s current 5 Year Business Strategy (2021-2026) - based upon principles agreed at the Board’s Awayday held in February.
The Board agreed to meet again at CHIC’s Conference on 21st May, prior to the next formal quarterly meeting in June.
The Journey of the CHIC Modular Showhouse
A Practical Look at Modular Social Housing in the UK
With the UK’s housing challenges ongoing, finding better ways to deliver affordable homes is critical. One step in that direction came in early 2018 with the creation of the CHIC Modular Showhouse—a practical example of how modular construction can support the sector.
️ Early 2018 – Built with Purpose The CHIC Modular Showhouse was built to show what modular, offsite construction could offer. Energy-efficient and fully transportable, it was designed to demonstrate a practical, scalable housing solution.
May 2018 – Launched at the CHIC Conference The Showhouse was first unveiled at the CHIC Conference at Worcester Warriors Stadium, where attendees saw first hand what modular housing could look like in practice. It drew interest from CHIC members and construction professionals.
️ June 2018 – On Display at CIH Manchester At the CIH Housing Conference in Manchester, the Showhouse reached a wider audience and sparked conversations about its potential to address affordability and sustainability in housing.
️ Late June – Early July 2018 – Doncaster Visit The Showhouse continued its tour at the Efficiency North Conference in Doncaster, highlighting how modular construction can help deliver homes quickly, cost-effectively and to a high standard.
Permanent Home – Community Housing After the tour, the Showhouse was installed with Community Housing in Kidderminster, where it remained in use—not just as a structure, but as a working example of modular construction in action.
April 2025 – Heading to Yorkshire In April 2025, the Showhouse will travel to Yorkshire for final photography to document its journey and long term impact. Here it will be used for its true purpose – as a permanent home.
Why It Matters
The CHIC Modular Showhouse shows that modular housing is a viable, proven option. It’s helped inform the sector, encourage innovation and demonstrate how modern methods of construction can play a role in addressing housing needs.
CHIC’s Newbuild Framework offers a range of MMC solutions, including fully modular, frame & panel and turnkey options. Learn more here: https://www.chicltd.co.uk/services/frameworks/newbuild/
Welcome to Our New Team Members
We are excited to welcome two new additions to the CHIC team. Ismail Cabdulrahman joins us as Procurement Officer in his first role within the procurement field. With a strong background in data analytics, Ismail brings a fresh perspective and a keen eye for detail that will support data driven decision making across our procurement activities.
Also joining us is David Butterfield, our new Technical Manager, who brings a wealth of experience in asset management and building safety. David will play a key role in maintaining the technical quality and compliance of our frameworks. We are delighted to have both on board as we continue to grow our services and support for CHIC members.
Recent Contract Awards
Here is a look at some of the latest contracts awarded through CHIC, highlighting the wide range of services our members and partners provide.
This Month’s Housing Updates
Scotland’s Heat in Buildings Bill Revived
Housing associations welcomed the Scottish government’s decision to reintroduce the Heat in Buildings Bill, aiming to decarbonise heating by 2045. The bill will set energy efficiency standards for homes and public buildings, support heat networks and reform EPCs. It remains technology neutral and supports a Social Housing Net Zero Standard. Originally proposed by the SNP-Green coalition, the previous draft was scrapped last month. (Source: Scottish Government via Inside Housing).
Wales Consults on Easing Heat Pump Rules
The Welsh government launched a consultation to change planning laws and make it easier to install air-source heat pumps and EV chargers. Proposed amendments include removing the current three-metre boundary rule and expanding permitted development rights. Improved tech has made noise concerns less relevant, prompting alignment with English regulations. (Source: Welsh Government consultation).
Treasury Urges Regulators to Cut Red Tape
The Treasury called on bodies like Natural England and the HSE to support growth by simplifying regulations. A policy paper claims current environmental and planning systems hinder investment and urges a shift toward pro growth reforms. (Source: HM Treasury policy paper).
£600m Pledged to Ease Construction Skills Crisis
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced £600 million to train 60,000 new construction workers by 2029. The plan includes apprenticeships and bootcamps. It precedes expected cuts of £2bn to department spending. Construction employment remains below pre-crisis levels, with over 35,000 current vacancies. (Source: HM Treasury via Spring Statement preview).
Welfare Cuts to Hit 3 Million, Saving £3.4bn
The Spring Statement confirmed welfare reforms affecting over 3 million people. PIP eligibility changes will impact 800,000 claimants; cuts to the Universal Credit health element will affect 2.7 million. The government plans to raise standard UC rates above inflation from 2026, but health-related payments will be frozen until 2030. (Source: Office for Budget Responsibility)
