Merry Christmas from CHIC
As the festive season approaches, the CHIC team would like to express our thanks for your support throughout the year. It’s been a pleasure working with you and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the year ahead.
Please note that our offices will be closed from 12.30pm on 24th December and will reopen on Friday 2nd January.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Update from CHIC Board’s Quarterly Meeting
CHIC’s Governance
CHIC’s Board of Directors held its quarterly meeting on Thursday 11th December.
The Board’s role is to represent all CHIC members in agreeing the Business Strategy, to ensure that this accords with member needs and expectations, and to monitor operational service delivery by CHIC’s Managing Agent, ARK Consultancy Limited. The Board recognises that good governance is essential in a not for profit, member owned consortium and its quarterly meetings and other events provide the opportunity to ensure that they deliver to this objective. KPIs and Contract Retentions
KPIsThe Board reviewed the work that had now been completed on a standard approach to performance monitoring for all CHIC frameworks. This is necessary for all new frameworks let under PA 2023, but CHIC also committed to do this as part of its Gold Standard Accreditation for the Newbuild framework, launched in 2024. KPIs will be applied at 3 levels:- Level 1 – Framework Management (by CHIC) - Level 2 – Framework Contract Management (consistent KPIs for all Contracts awarded under a framework)- Level 3 – Contract KPIs (with flexibility to be determined for each individual Contract to aid effective project management). It was agreed that CHIC will promote these with members and supply chain partners but that additional resources will be required as the volume of contracts operating at Level 2 increases. The Board will consider the resource implications as part of the budget setting process for 2026/27. Details of CHIC’s now approved KPI structure can be found here. RetentionsThe Board noted and approved CHIC’s guidance note about contract retentions, to be considered for all future CHIC call off contracts. Further details can be found here. CCPIThe Board reviewed the outcome of discussions that CHIC had been having with the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI). The aim of CCPI is to raise standards in construction product information and marketing and to drive positive culture change in the manufacturing and supply sectors, in relation to the standard of construction products. The Board agreed that CHIC should pledge its support for CCPI, to demonstrate a commitment to improving sector behaviour in relation to the standard of product selection, ultimately to improve resident safety. Partnerships and SponsorshipThe Board agreed that CHIC should become a Main Partner with Healthy Homes Hub, to further our collaborative work in understanding and supporting the journey to net zero.It was also agreed to support a new Midlands focused ‘People in Housing Awards’ initiative, being launched early in 2026. Business Planning AwaydayThe Board next meets for its annual business planning awayday in February 2026. The agenda for the day was agreed, where the focus will be on priorities for the new 5 Year Business Strategy 2026-2031. CHIC Conference 2026CHIC’s main conference for 2026 will take place on 3rd June, in Telford. The Board reviewed and approved the programme for the day.
Details of the conference to either book an exhibition stand or to register as a delegate can be found here. Operational ReviewA range of performance reports were reviewed and discussed. The Board noted:- That the first half of the year had continued to be busy with a range of new enquiries and new members joining CHIC.- The team was now managing over 1,200 live contracts with a further 250 currently being progressed. - 17 new members had joined CHIC since the last meeting.- Over half of CHIC’s active members now use more than one service and have multiple contracts procured through CHIC.- Performance had been strong in the first two quarters (CHIC’s financial year runs July to June), with all budget expectations being achieved.- More investment was being made to continue to enhance the functionality of CHIC’s own main operational software – CSol (CHIC Solutions). Service Review – Materials and MerchantsThe Board reviews each of CHIC’s 8 Services on a rotational basis; this quarter they reviewed Materials and Merchants.The merchants market had been through quite significant change over the last couple of years and this had led to new requirements, in addition to CHIC’s existing framework.The Board noted the wider scope of a new Materials and Merchants framework, that had just been published to invite interest from manufacturers and merchants. Procurement PlanThe Board reviewed the rolling programme of future framework procurements that would ensure that CHIC continues to offer a full range of asset management and related services and options for its members. Social ValueThe Social Value Manager had continued to secure data from CHIC’s supply chain about their contractual SV delivery against their commitments for 2024/25. The current position was: Social Value Activities as of November 2025:60% of contractors (99/165) had reported on their social value endeavours.79.5% of contracts (682/858) were included as part of this reporting. 
The Board was encouraged to note the scale of outcomes now being secured under CHIC procured contracts but was keen to see all suppliers and contractors deliver on their contractual commitments. CHIC donates funds to its aligned charity, CHIP, annually. The Board was pleased to see how this year’s funds are being utilised to support Local Employment Groups and Community Fund Projects. More details of CHIP can be found here. Next MeetingBoard members will meet again:- At the Business Strategy Awayday on 25th February.- At CHIC’s new Housing Horizons Conference for London and South East Members on 11th March – details can be found here.- For their next quarterly meeting on 25th March. More InformationIf you want more information about CHIC’s Board and its responsibilities and programme of work, please contact CHIC’s CEO via email jfisher@chicltd.co.uk Welcome To Our New Starters
We are delighted to introduce two new colleagues who have recently joined CHIC. Pauline Lutaaya who brings her expertise to the Partnerships Team and Emma Baskeyfield who strengthens our Technical Team. Both bring extensive sector experience and a passion for delivering high quality service. Here’s a little more about each of them.
 Partnerships Team – Pauline Lutaaya “I’m Pauline and I’m thrilled to have recently joined CHIC as a Partnerships Manager, supporting our suppliers across the London and the South region. I bring a strong background in account management, stakeholder engagement, business development and sales, having partnered with a wide range of organisations, councils and clients to deliver excellent service and build lasting, trust based relationships. I’m passionate about collaboration, finding creative solutions and ensuring every partnership thrives. Originally from Uganda and then France, I’m currently embracing the adventure of mastering London life, discovering new corners of the city, getting delightfully lost and appreciating every unexpected twist along the way. I’m excited to be part of the CHIC Partnerships Team and look forward to strengthening our supplier network, developing high quality relationships and contributing to meaningful social value across our programmes."
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Technical Team – Emma Baskeyfield "I’m Emma and I have recently joined CHIC as a Technical Manager. I have worked within the social housing sector for 12 years, specialising in asset management, property compliance and decarbonisation, where I have built a strong skill set in stock condition, compliance and energy efficiency measures to support strategic targets. I’m excited to join the CHIC Strategic Services Team to bring a practical, solution driven approach to technical management, focusing on improving housing quality, sustainability and long term value." |
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Successful event at HOMES UK
We were delighted to welcome our members, partners and other exhibitors to the CHIC Community at this year’s HOMES UK event. We had some fantastic supply chain partners showcasing their services and products, all available through CHIC’s DPS and Framework solutions. Thank you to everyone who joined us. If you are interested in booking an exhibition space with us next year at a bigger and better pavilion, please contact marketing@chicltd.co.uk
This Month’s Housing Updates
Social Housing Access Tightens for Lowest Income Households
A new report by Crisis reveals that many housing associations in England are refusing social housing applications from the lowest income households, often citing affordability checks. Around a third of associations withdraw offers based on income thresholds, leaving some households trapped between being unable to access social housing and unaffordable private rents. The report urges government action to accelerate delivery of genuinely affordable homes.
Read more: The Guardian
Affordable Homes Delivery Remains Under Pressure
Ministry of Housing data for 2024–25 shows a 6% fall in net additional dwellings in England, with only 208,600 net dwellings completed. While the Affordable Homes Programme (AHP) accounts for the largest share of new starts, social rent and intermediate rent schemes are declining sharply, highlighting ongoing challenges in meeting demand for affordable housing.
Read more: Gov.uk
Welsh member bodies welcome £14m top up for government retrofit scheme
The Welsh government has added £14.1m to its Optimised Retrofit Programme, taking this year’s total to £107.1m to help social landlords install heat pumps, solar panels and other upgrades. Since 2020, the scheme has supported 31,000 retrofit projects, aimed at meeting the new Welsh Housing Quality Standard, which targets EPC Band A in the long term. Landlords and CIH Cymru welcome the boost but warn of a major funding gap, with £5.5bn needed to decarbonise Welsh social housing and costs rising with inflation. Read more: Inside Housing
Northern Ireland launches first review of Decent Home Standard in two decades
Northern Ireland has launched its first review of the Decent Homes Standard in 20 years, aiming to modernise rules for 124,300 social homes. The consultation proposes a new fifth pillar covering safety, security, sustainability and well-being. Mandatory changes include accessibility upgrades, noise insulation, safer flooring and window fall-protection. The overhaul seeks to raise standards to match England and Wales, with consultation open 26 Nov 2025–4 Mar 2026. Inside Housing
