CHIC CHAT

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Click here to download the SOCIAL_HOUSING_CROSSWORD_PUZZLE.pdf

The future of social housing was prudently addressed, following a riveting conversation held by Theresa Mays former chief of staff Nick Timothy at one of our own board awaydays, back in January.

Many believe that social housing is nearing the bottom of the agenda when it comes to the implications of Brexit and is being heavily overlooked.

Arguable, the main issue that the social housing sector is going to face is the logistical changes to supply chains. With materials like timber being heavily imported from the EU, many merchants have already begun contingency planning to maintain their sustainability, and have adopted the approach of stockpiling materials; however, it’s a very temporary solution

The overcomplicating of importing materials is set to have some implications on the affordability of social homes, whether this is going to be for the good or bad of renters in the UK.

But the question is, does anyone know what they are doing? Planning for the unknown is an impossible feat in all walks of life, let alone when looking to mitigate the effects of Brexit on an entire industry.

The potential knock-on effects are endless with the immediate ones possibly the most damaging. Will we begin seeing more or less jobs in the construction industry? Half of construction workers in London come from the EU and many have already gone back to avoid being ‘stuck’.

The effects that deal or no deal Brexit could be endless from temporary purchasing alternative materials to a complete logistical change, steering away from current just in time solutions.

Going from a blanket agreement to, well, who knows what, is going to be a huge change regardless of the specifics and the social housing market is inevitably going to learn to adapt no matter what comes its way; Deal or No Deal is just the beginning of something bigger.

With every future deal coming from UK Parliament, surely our government will do what is best for UK citizens? It is no secret that the UK has been in a housing crisis for some time now with the publication of reports like the Shelter’s “vision for social housing”.

Although the UK is going Brexit crazy, there’s no need to panic. CHIC has been actively collaborating with its members / suppliers to gather intel on what is the best course of action to mitigate the amount of disruption to the supply chain. 95% of Manufacturers and Distributors have already plans in place to mitigate for a No deal vote with the large majority being determined as low risk. (Testimonial from a supplier)

CHIC has engaged with it’s supply chain to ensure that members have contingencies in place for every aspect of property maintenance requirements.

CHIC’s Merchant Services Manager (maybe change it to Supply chain manager) is of the opinion that: “The worst thing that we in the social housing industry can do right now, is to put our heads in the sand and hope that this storm will pass us by. The first thing that will be affected will be supply chains, as we see in other sectors such as the automotive industry. Arguably if housing associations engage with purchasing groups, in respect of their suppliers, trends will be noticeable which means that steps can be taken to mitigate negative effects.”

As rightly pointed out purchasing groups such as CHIC, are better positioned to notice trends in the market that individual housing associations cannot see, and this is purely down to the number of suppliers each engages. Having a pool of suppliers providing the same type of service, normally via a framework, will allow members that purchase through that group a better understanding of where the market is going.

In these trialling times, co-operation is key, and instead of we can do it better, we need to do it better together.

The question is then, what has your association done to ensure that services will not drop.

Quote from Bournville to come: - need to chase giles again today.

If you are worried about the Brexit impact on your organisation, please give us a call.

Updates from CHIC

Update from CHIC Board’s Quarterly Meeting

CHIC’s Board held its quarterly review meeting recently. The Board represents members and comprises eleven directors – at least eight of which must be appointed from Members.
This was the last meeting for long term director Mak Akinyemi. Mak joined the Board in January 2016 when he was director of Property Services at Gateway Housing Association. He has served three terms of three years and completed the maximum term permitted for a director. CHIC is extremely grateful to Mak for his support, wisdom and commitment to CHIC over so many years.With Mak leaving, CHIC had two director vacancies to be filled. Following a competitive selection process, the Board was delighted to approve the appointment of two new directors.• Chantall Pottage: Group Procurement Manager, Sanctuary Housing• Sandip Shergill: Director Of Procurement, Notting Hill Genesis
Welcoming Chantal and Sandip to the Board fills all director places, with nine member representatives and two independents.
The Board meets quarterly and reviews progress against CHIC’s business strategy, as well as monitoring operational performance delivered through its Agency Services Contract with ARK Consultancy.
Successful event at HOMES UK We ended last month welcoming our members, partners and other exhibitors to the CHIC Community at HOMES UK event at London’s Excel Arena. We had 14 of our approved supply chain partners showcasing their services and products, all available through CHIC’s DPS and Framework solutions.
Amanda Long, John Fisher and Hannah Elliott from CHIC hosted a session along with Steve Gayter from Novus which challenged whether members should be changing the approach to surveying the housing ‘asset base’. They discussed the idea for a 'super survey' to ensure that comprehensive asset data is collected in one survey visit, to drive better investment planning and more efficient asset management. It was great to see the audience participation around this important topic and we are happy to share the presentation materials upon request.
CHIC’s Head of Member Services (East), Adrian Hussain also chaired an engaging session on how the sector can plan for a carbon-free future. There were some great examples shared by the speakers panel, which then engaged in a lively discussion.
If you would like to register your interest in becoming an exhibitor in the CHIC Community at HOMES next year, please contact Curtis Coulson, Marketing Manager, ccoulson@chicltd.co.uk

CHIC NEWBUILD ROUNDTABLE - FEEDBACK PAPERThe paper from our first Newbuild Core Group meeting is now complete. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed their feedback. You can download the paper here.
The first meeting brought together members and supply chain partners to discuss how the framework should operate, with a focus on identifying effective KPIs at both framework and contract levels. These insights will inform the next steps.
The next roundtable will be held at the CHIC Conference & Exhibition on 21st May 2025, where we will focus on defining specific KPIs for the framework and reviewing outcomes from the initial discussions.
Register here
For more details about the Newbuild framework, please click here

REGEN25Hosted by ARK Consultancy, REGEN25 is a new conference aimed at sharing national good practice between leading housing and regeneration professionals. The event offers a fresh and contemporary perspective, providing an opportunity to share thoughts and ideas, stimulating debate, and encouraging innovation whilst growing networks and offering mutual support.
CHIC’s Head of Development Sarah Davey is pleased to be speaking at a conference session “Thinking outside of the box and developing innovative regeneration solutions” discussing all things MMC. To register for this event, please click here.

Upcoming Events

Procurement Updates

Procurement Update for CHIC MembersOur procurement team continues to focus on developing robust routes to market, ensuring that CHIC's frameworks and DPS offer comprehensive solutions to meet the evolving needs of our members. Here is the latest update on our ongoing procurement activities:

Fire & Building Safety FrameworkThe award phase of the Fire and Building Safety Framework is nearing completion. This framework will provide a comprehensive range of fire safety services, from installation and maintenance to the remediation of passive and active fire safety systems, fully aligned with the stringent requirements of the Building Safety Act.
The Fire & Safety Framework is structured into three distinct lots, each addressing critical areas of fire safety with specific workstream categories, including Fire Safety Installation and Replacement, Fire Servicing and Maintenance and Fire Consultancy and Management.To commemorate the launch of our new Fire & Building Safety Framework, CHIC will be hosting a launch event for our members and supply chain partners to discuss how it will operate; this takes place on 29th January 2025 in Birmingham. More details will be in the next edition of CHIC CHAT – but please save the date.
Mechanical and Electrical Framework The evaluation of the Mechanical and Electrical Framework tender is now well underway. This framework encompasses services for the installation, replacement and periodic testing of heating, electrical and ventilation systems. Once the evaluation is complete, CHIC will announce the awarded partners, providing members with access to a reliable pool of mechanical and electrical contractors. We expect this framework to be live for our members in Q1 2025.

Framework Buyer’s Guide RefreshTo support our members, the procurement team is refreshing the buyer’s guide to provide a simplified understanding of our frameworks. This updated guide aims to make the procurement process more accessible and efficient for all users. Each of our frameworks released from 2025 onwards will have an updated guide.

Multiple Elements Framework & Merchant and Materials FrameworkWe are making continued progress on the development of the new Multiple Elements and Merchant Materials frameworks. These frameworks align with the new Procurement Act 2023 and are designed to deliver significant value to our members through streamlined processes, offering access to a wide range of contracting services, building materials and merchants. For more information about the new Act, please refer to this guide: Procurement Act 2023: What Should You Be Doing Now?.
Scoping Out Future Re-ProcurementsOur team is currently in the planning phase for further framework updates and replacements. These aim to renew and enhance our existing services, ensuring CHIC meets the latest industry standards and member needs. Services due for reprocurement include:- Energy Supply- Risk Assessments- Asbestos Abatement Services- Lifting Equipment & Mobility Aids- Consultancy Services

We will continue to update our members as these initiatives progress. For feedback, suggestions, or additional information about CHIC's ongoing and upcoming framework procurements, please contact Sam Domican, Director of Procurement, at tenders@chicltd.co.uk.

Social Value

Part of CHIC’s social value strategy is to provide funding to CHIP for local groups that aim to support people, who are distant from the

workplace, into pathways into employment. This support ranges from short courses, which can include life skills, budgeting, and computer training, to qualifications, such as workplace specific training including City & Guilds certification and apprenticeships.

CHIP already support Local Employment Groups like The Jericho Foundation, Black Country Housing Group, Bounce Back, St Basils and St Giles.

In late 2024, CHIP embarked on a new partnership with The Guinness Partnership which was ‘founded in 1890 to improve people’s lives and create possibilities for them’ (www.guinnesspartnership.com), by providing homes and services to almost 160,000 individuals.

"At The Guinness Partnership, we invest in our communities and create opportunities that help young people reach their potential. We are excited to work with CHIP to support a young person’s employment and skills programme in South London as part of our partnership with Rio Ferdinand Foundation. This programme will inspire young people through enriching personal development opportunities aligned with their talents and passions. Participants will receive accredited training, mentoring and support enabling positive progression pathways into music, sport, arts, media, and tech. We look forward to sharing more details about the impact the programme is having on young people in due course."
Éadaoin Kelly, Senior Community Partnership Manager, The Guinness Partnership
One of the ways in which they provide services to young people is through their work with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation to support 18-25-year olds. The foundations aim is to create opportunities for young people to ‘tackle inequality, achieve personal potential and drive social change.’ (www.rioferdinandfoundation.com) Set up by Rio Ferdinand, the foundation tackles issues of inequality that he personally experienced when growing up. They have currently supported over 10,000 young people to realise their own potential.
CHIP is very excited to be able to support such a worthwhile cause and looks forward to being able to support young people in achieving their potential, through guided support to reach their own goals and personal aspirations.
CHIP will commit to continue to increase ongoing partnerships with organisations to ensure we can support as many individuals as possible to gain access to employment.

Supply Chain Update

Protecting repair budgets from water leaks

Even when it launched in 1999 it’s hard to imagine how the humble stopcock could have been reimagined into the form of the first Surestop® valve, redefining and addressing the challenges that remain with traditional stopcocks even until today.

Twenty-five years on and Surestop® is still going strong, solving the same age-old issues whilst making an essential water control for the home, accessible and reliable for when it’s needed most.

With the average claim for an escape of water on a building insurance policy being in excess of £9,000, Surestop® remains the ideal solution to allow householders to easily isolate the water supply in an emergency, minimising the effects of a leak and thereby reducing the cost to make good from these often hugely damaging consequences.The flick of a switch solution

Of course, the main benefit of Surestop® is its ease and speed to operate. With Surestop® available as a stand-alone valve solution but also with a remote switch option; Surestop® makes it easy to access and isolate the cold mains water supply in an emergency with the flick of a switch. Unlike traditional stopcocks which can seize or become stiff to operate, Surestop®’s glass filled nylon construction means it is unaffected by limescale and therefore won’t seize or fall victim to the effects of hardwater like a traditional stopcock. With no packing gland, there is also no risk of leaking from the valve once it has been operated for the first time after a long duration.

Electric free install

Owing to its unique design, Surestop® is also completely free from electrics meaning it can be easily installed in under an hour with no electrical supply required. Instead, Surestop® harnesses the pressure of the cold mains water supply to open and close the valve. Registered as a WRAS approved stopcock, Surestop® is suitable for use on all cold mains water supplies up to 10bar and is available in 15mm and 22mm push-fit and compression connection types. A 25mm MDPE version is also available for newer mains water supplies with all variants suitable for new or replacement stopcock applications.Document M accessibility

Remote switch versions of Surestop® also come supplied with 2 metres of connection tubing between the valve and the remote switch and can be further extended by up to 4 metres with the use of an accessory pack if required.

This makes Surestop® ideal for compliance with the Building Regulations Approved Document M where Category 2.3: Accessible and adaptable dwellings states; that stopcocks should “have their centre line between 450mm and 1200mm above floor level.”

And Category 3.44: Wheelchair user dwellings states; that stopcocks should have “their centre line between 700-1000mm above floor level.”

With a Surestop® remote switch so easy to install above a worktop or in an easily accessible location compliant with the guidance in Part M, this also makes Surestop® the ideal flexible solution for less able and vulnerable users in these settings.

Mitigating cost pressures

The resulting benefit from the use of Surestop® ultimately becomes that of cost avoidance. With the RSH (Regulator of Social Housing) having recently reported a 10% increase in repairs and maintenance spend for in the first quarter of 2024, Surestop® could contribute to the easing of increasing financial pressures for the social housing sector by helping avoid unnecessary expense. Enabling tenants to quickly and easily isolate water supplies in emergencies will reduce the cost of avoidable property repairs by minimising water damage through empowering tenants to take prompt action. Not only minimising property damage costs, but also preventing the indirect costs such as temporary accommodation and void property lost revenue.

Sustainable credentials

Having recently been acquired by ADEY® Group, renowned for innovating the first MagnaClean® magnetic heating system filter, Surestop® is set to continue in a new phase of development and growth. Surestop® continues to be manufactured in the UK with the most recent development to the range being the introduction of 100% recyclable packaging; Fully FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) approved and made of 86% recycled content.

References:

Quarterly Survey Q1 2023-24 (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Repairs spend up 15% as social housing providers prioritise mould and building safety | News | Housing Today

Trace and access insurance explained - Confused.com

CHIC’s Newbuild Framework & The Gold Standard

CHIC’s Head of Development, Sarah Davey, explains the 2024 launch of CHIC’s newbuild framework, which has now achieved Gold Standard accreditation, by meeting the 24 recommendations supported by Cabinet Office in the Constructing the Gold Standard report.

CHIC’s newbuild framework offers members the ability to either direct award or appoint suppliers via a mini competition. It has 3 available Lots one each for 1. Consultancy Services, 2.Contractors and MMC Manufacturers and 3.Regeneration and Development. Each Lot then is divided into a number of workstreams, as below:

Lot 1 Consultancy - WS 1 – Project Management Services WS 2 – Architectural Services WS 3 – Structural and Civil Engineering Services WS 4 – Principal Designer Services

Lot 2 Contractor - WS 1 – Traditional & Main Contractor for MMC WS 2 – Fully Modular – supply only WS 3 – Frame and Panel supply only WS 4 – Contractor/Manufacturer Turnkey

Lot 3 Regeneration - WS 1 – Development & Regeneration

The framework has a number of key features including: - An eight year duration to encourage progressive learning - Nationwide coverage - A pledge that 10% of all budgeted income will be committed to social value outcomes - Access via mini tender or direct award - Offers solutions for development and regeneration schemes of all types and sizes across the UK - Reduced procurement costs, improve value with a standard framework alliance contract (FAC-1) - Participation in a Core Group that shares learning, understanding ideas and promotes standardisation and collaboration

The framework is now well established with a range of projects either awarded or being procured under all lots.The framework was procured for an 8 year duration, so runs until 2032. This gives the Core Group the opportunity to learn from early projects to drive efficiencies, MMC and innovation.For more information on using the framework please contactSarah Davey – Head of Development – sdavey@chicltd.co.uk – 07748 375181