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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.

Team Expansion – Welcome to the new starters

We are thrilled to start the new year on a high note by welcoming three new starters to our Member Services and Marketing teams. Their expertise and enthusiasm align with our commitment to enhancing member satisfaction and strengthening CHIC's service offerings. Each brings unique skills and fresh perspectives that support the existing CHIC team.

Jennine is our new Head of Member Services for London. She will be overseeing member relationships across Greater London, ensuring satisfaction and engagement to optimise our procurement processes and access to our varied supply chain.

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring of Our Member Services Team

With the introduction of new colleagues over recent months, you may have noticed a change to our member services team. Our team is organised regionally, with a dedicated Head of Member Services for each region to ensure that members localised requirements are met and supported.

 

 

If you would like to discuss your requirements, arrange a review of your current procurement activity, or schedule an introduction, please refer to the contact details provided below.

Stephen Sharman, Directorssharman@chicltd.co.uk | 07468 697612

 

 

 

 

Procurement Update for CHIC Members

CHIC 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 now in the standstill period. 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 & Building 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.

Mechanical and Electrical FrameworkThe final moderation for the Mechanical and Electrical Framework tender is currently being completed. 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.

Multiple Elements Framework & Merchant and Materials FrameworkProgress continues on the development of the new Multiple Elements and Merchant Materials frameworks. The Multiple Elements Framework is currently progressing through CHIC’s procurement planning and the team is working with Efficiency North to develop the tender documentation for the new Merchant and Materials Framework.

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-Procurements

CHIC continues to scope out and plan for updates and replacements for other existing frameworks. The next services due for re-procurement include:-   Risk Assessments-   Asbestos Abatement Services-   Lifting Equipment & Mobility Aids-   Consultancy Services
We will keep our members informed as these initiatives progress.

Preparing for the Procurement Act Launch

As we approach the launch of the Procurement Act on 24th February 2025, the procurement team is ensuring CHIC’s frameworks and processes are fully aligned with the new legislation. This preparation will ensure our members benefit from enhanced compliance and value for money opportunities under the new regulatory framework.

For feedback, suggestions, or additional information about CHIC's ongoing programme of framework procurements, please contact Sam Domican, Director of Procurement, at tenders@chicltd.co.uk.

Procurement Act 2023 Webinars – Cabinet Office

The Procurement Act 2023, effective from 24 February 2025, introduces significant changes to public procurement processes, aiming to streamline procedures and benefit suppliers of all sizes, particularly small businesses and social enterprises.

To help suppliers and interested parties understand these changes, the Department for Transport and the Cabinet Office are hosting two free webinars:

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Labour Government’s housing agenda has brought social housing into sharp focus with bold promises: 1.5 million new homes, investment in existing stock and a renewed commitment to safety, quality and sustainability. This is a welcome and overdue mandate, one of the most significant I have witnessed in my four decades of working within the sector, much of this in asset management consultancy and as Chief Executive at CHIC. But having a mandate is only the starting point—what matters is delivery.

The responsibility for delivering on these promises does not rest solely with the Government. It is shared with those of us in the housing and construction industries. Registered providers, contractors, suppliers and consultants must all step up to ensure that the ambition of this agenda translates into tangible benefits for the people who matter most - the residents living in these homes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Digital Transformation in 2025 – Stop & think!

The housing sector in 2025 is facing multiple challenges. Now, more than ever, an organisation's decisions will impact its team, reputation and, most importantly, its residents. Proactive planned changes are less costly than reactive poor decisions. In this digital age, organisations nationwide are either implementing or need to prepare for digital transformation. Finding a trusted digital partner to guide you through this journey is essential.