15 Years of CHIC
This year marks 15 years since CHIC began its journey in the housing sector. To celebrate, Andy Cameron Smith sat down with CEO John Fisher for a candid conversation reflecting on CHIC’s origins, growth and impact.
John shares how CHIC’s founding principles have guided its progress, the importance of member governance, strong supply chain partnerships and initiatives like apprenticeships and social value. This conversation not only looks back but also highlights how these lessons are shaping CHIC’s future.
Preparing for Awaab’s Law Roundtable
Our recent event, held in London, Preparing for Awaab’s Law: Ensuring Housing Stock is Fit and Safe, was very well attended and we would like to thank everyone who joined us on the day. The session brought together members, partners and sector experts to discuss the implications of Awaab’s Law and the importance of ensuring safe, compliant and well maintained homes.
For those who couldn’t make it, the presentation slides are now available on our website HERE. We are also collating feedback and insights from the event to produce a findings paper, which will be featured in the next edition of CHIC CHAT. 
CHIC Board Member Achieves CIOB Fellowship
CHIC is delighted to congratulate our Board member & Deputy Chair, Ian Davies, on achieving Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Building (FCIOB), one of the highest levels of recognition within the construction sector.
Ian has been an Incorporate Member of the CIOB for more than 20 years, with extensive experience in senior leadership roles across the industry. Over the last 12 months, he committed to the Fellowship process, successfully completing a series of assessments and a rigorous professional review. His achievement reflects not only his professional expertise but also his dedication to advancing standards across the sector.
Attaining Fellowship, which is considered equivalent to a Master’s degree, is an outstanding milestone. Ian will formally graduate in London this September as a Chartered Construction Manager and CIOB Fellow. Ian is Director or Property Servies for EMH, while works across the East Midlands and is one of 9 member representatives on CHIC’s Board. CHIC is proud to have Ian’s insight and wisdom contributing to our Board and congratulates him on this well deserved recognition.
Welcome to the Team – Social Value CoordinatorWe are delighted to welcome Shecaniah Hollingshead to CHIC as our new Social Value Coordinator. Working closely with our Social Value Manager, Shecaniah will be supporting the delivery of CHIC’s Social Value Strategy with our supply chain partners, monitoring contractual social value outcomes. She will also be working on behalf of CHIP, our aligned charity, to help maximise the positive impact of our funding for Local Employment Groups and community projects.
Housing Community Summit 2025The CHIC team was well represented at this year’s Housing Community Summit, connecting with members, partners and sector colleagues. It was a valuable opportunity to share ideas, explore key challenges and celebrate the innovation and collaboration happening across the housing sector. Thank you to everyone who joined us and we look forward to building on these conversations in the months ahead. 
This Month’s Housing UpdatesBarratt Redrow Warns of Market Uncertainty
Barratt Redrow has reported strong revenue growth but cautioned that property tax changes and high mortgage costs may limit housing growth in 2026. The group urges planning reforms and more support for first-time buyers to maintain delivery targets. Source: The Guardian
Refugee Housing Timeframe Under Scrutiny
Over 60 homelessness and refugee organisations have called on the government to reverse a policy reducing refugees’ housing “move-on” period from 56 to 28 days, warning it could increase homelessness and destitution. Source: The Guardian
RSH Quarterly Survey Highlights Financial Pressure
The Regulator of Social Housing’s Q1 survey (Apr–Jun 2025) highlights mixed financial health among private registered providers, with cost pressures and uncertainty affecting long-term planning and resilience. Source: GOV.UK
Plentific Warns of Data Weaknesses in Social Housing
Plentific’s State of Social Housing 2025/26 report highlights that poor data and fragmented systems are limiting social landlords’ ability to meet rising regulatory demands. While government investment and new programmes like the £39bn Social and Affordable Homes Programme and the £16bn National Housing Bank provide support, the report warns that without modernising information management, landlords risk service failures and compliance breaches. Source: Plentific
NHF Proposes Trial on Floor Coverings in New Tenancies
The National Housing Federation (NHF) has suggested piloting mandatory floor coverings in all newly let social homes under the Decent Homes Standard. The trial aims to assess costs, noise, warmth, and safety implications, particularly for residents in financial hardship, while exploring practical alternatives and balancing landlord affordability. Source: NHF
Housing Ombudsman Issues Guidance on Awaab’s Law
The Housing Ombudsman has advised social landlords to avoid “bolting on” Awaab’s Law to existing procedures, stressing the need for proper integration into core policies. With Awaab’s Law coming into effect on 27 October 2025, landlords must respond promptly to emergency hazards and damp/mould issues, ensuring clear understanding of statutory requirements. Source: Housing Ombudsman
