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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.

 

 

 

 

 

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.  

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merchants & Materials Framework – Re-Procurement Underway
Ongoing planning is in progress for the re-procurement of a new Merchants & Materials Framework. In partnership with Efficiency North and following market consultation, we are refining documentation and scope to ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and alignment with member needs.

Live Procurements

Decoration
Tenders for the Decoration Framework were returned on the 17th September. CHIC will now assess the tenders to announce award decision in a future edition of CHIC CHAT.

Lifting Equipment & Mobility Aids
This 2 lot Tender for Lifting Equipment & Mobility Aids is now live with bids due back on the 24th September, as this edition of CHIC CHAT is circulated. Again, CHIC will be assessing all applications and announcing award decisions in due course.

 

Frameworks in the Procurement Planning Stage

Initial planning is underway for the following frameworks which will, once procured, update to replace existing popular CHIC frameworks:
• Consultancy Services
• Compliance Framework - including lots and sublots for Audit, Water Hygiene, Asbestos and Abatement Services and General Risk Advisory Services

 

In parallel, CHIC is actively developing a comprehensive strategy for the implementation of the CHIC Dynamic Marketplace, aimed at increasing procurement agility and supplier access. In line with the Procurement Act 2023, CHIC’s Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS) must be progressively replaced by Dynamic Markets.

For more details on CHIC’s procurement programme, please contact Sam Domican, Director of Procurement, at tenders@chicltd.co.uk.

 

 

Keeping residents safe and well while supporting wellbeing, inclusion and healthier homes

By Adrian Hussain, Head of Member Services (East) 

When housing association boards meet they will review their risk register, a matrix tool that identifies, assesses, manages and monitors risks in the operation of the association that could impact their compliance with regulation. Several categories will feature – with health and safety, compliance, financial, operational delivery, governance, IT and sustainability amongst them.
But at the heart of each housing providers operation is the duty to keep their residents safe and well.  Safety and wellbeing are interconnected. This means that physical safety must be matched by the commitment to address mental health and social inclusion issues, and to support vulnerable residents. It starts with the property itself and how compliant it is with building safety regulations including fire safety, structural integrity and the removal of any identified hazards. Proactive management of buildings involves taking action to prevent damp and mould problems, whilst ensuring where needed homes are accessible or adaptable. At a practical level, an efficient repairs service coupled with proactive planned maintenance can help to prevent issues before they arise. We have seen tragically from historical events in the sector the need for emergency plans to cope with incidents such as fire or flood. Getting ahead of what might happen, whilst this at times might not seem the most important priority, it is the shrewdest method of operation in the long run.
Listening to residents is vitally important. From their lived experience they can provide early warnings of hazards, and from this housing providers can help tailor their investment. An approach that embraces meaningful engagement can help build trust and identify issues before they have the chance to escalate. We all live differently. Our homes are all different. But there are consistencies. It is within these consistencies that the optimal solutions can be developed, responding to trends that are identified by talking to residents and then addressing their needs. Many business owners speak about how they set up their operations to solve a problem they had come across. It is such personal insight that helps to drive the right outcomes. 

We need to explain simply, not in long detailed technical language, why this intervention will enhance their safety and well being. We misunderstand how important the health of the home is to not only the resident and the landlord, but to wider society. We spend most of our lives indoors, with our home making up much of that time, so any investment to make that safe and comfortable has wider societal benefits with reduced illness and the pressure and cost that puts on our public services.
Safety legislation defines the core of what a decent home must be – not simply through the setting of minimum standards – but by driving ongoing improvement and ensuring that housing providers take accountability for resident safety. In the UK, The Decent Homes Standard has been in place for several years for the social housing sector. There is presently a consultation which closes this month on reforming the standard which will see the framework extend into the private rented sector as well. It can be viewed as a living framework that is shaped by and evolves against legal and regulatory requirements. At the heart of the standard a Decent Home should be safe, in that it is free from serious hazards whilst being structurally sound and secure. It should be warm with proper insulation and heating systems. It needs to be functional with a modern kitchen, bathroom and adequate space and it should be well-maintained with its essential components in good repair. The best way to engage residents, is to include them in codesign of how their safety and wellbeing is delivered. This demands genuine, transparent communication and a two-way dialogue. Most people resist change because they do not understand it or the need for it. Change can stall when people are confused about what is happening and why. An open dialogue can help to overcome this.
Safety and well-being are at the heart of good housing provision. So are residents. For those in housing, irrespective of their role and responsibilities, safety is everyone’s business and that is why it is important to embed a safety culture and a shared commitment to resident wellbeing. Residents must trust what is being proposed to be introduced to their home, because this is their home. We must never forget that in the housing sector. It is not an asset, it is not a number on a spreadsheet, it is a home, a shelter for someone and their family. To earn that trust we need to be clear and honest with people. 

 

 

 

 

Vaillant opens new multi-million hot water cylinder plant in Derby

Heating technology manufacturer, Vaillant has opened a new, multi-million-pound manufacturing plant in Derby, producing high recovery, hot water cylinders.

The new £40m dedicated facility is not far from Vaillant’s existing Belper headquarters where it manufactures its heat pumps and boilers. The new site will now produce its latest uniSTOR high recovery slimline cylinder models, which are a vital component for effective and efficient heat pump installation.

This substantial investment further demonstrates the company’s commitment to the innovation and progression of low carbon home heating systems and generating ongoing employment opportunities in the region and sector.

The uniSTOR high recovery cylinders, which will be coming off the new line in Derby, have been specially developed to meet the needs of UK consumers for low carbon, low temperature heating systems, as well as traditional boiler systems. Not only do they maximise the heat energy created by a heat pump system, but they are also available in a variety of sizes and offer a flexible range of installation options. A unique buffer, often required for heat pump systems, can be fitted above or below the cylinder allowing for cylinders installed with a boiler today to be suitable for a heat pump at a later date, as the buffer can be added retrospectively when needed.

These cylinders have been developed alongside Vaillant’s installer customers, using their feedback in the design stages and have been tested out in the field, to ensure ease of installation.

The purpose-built facility could see around 200 jobs created for the area in the coming years as the heat pump market continues to grow. Some of the current employees have moved from the Belper manufacturing plant to leverage the existing quality culture and skills in place across the business, and exciting new roles have also been created for those wanting to upskill and join the industry.

The opening was officially marked by visits from key figures from the local area, including those who have been involved in the development of the cylinder and plant.

Henrik Hansen, Managing Director of Vaillant Group, UK and Ireland, commented:

“This investment in a purpose-built cylinder plant marks an exciting move for Vaillant as we continue to lead the transition to decarbonised homes. The move to heat pumps in the UK requires commitment from manufacturers to invest in the UK infrastructure, build consumer confidence in the technology and generate additional jobs in the sector.

“By investing in the production of advanced, energy-efficient hot water cylinders, we’re providing the UK market with a full heat pump system solution to support the overall development of the UK supply chain, ensuring products are designed and manufactured to meet the needs of the country’s housing stock.

“With a heritage in the Derbyshire region which dates back to 1934, we are proud to be part of a region which has a wealth of manufacturing innovation and expertise across a wide range of industries. This new investment, which includes grant support from Derby City Council, continues to secure Derbyshire’s place as an engineering hub.”

Joe Dunn, Plant Director at Vaillant Group UK, comments:

“We’re proud to be able to develop our manufacturing bases in Derbyshire, where our heritage lies, and continue to offer employment opportunities for local people from the area. For Vaillant as a heating supplier, it is a natural progression. We were the first boiler manufacturer to open a UK heat pump plant back in 2022. Since then, our team has grown, developed and increased in capacity to continue to support the low carbon heating demand.”

The manufacturing plant in Derby spans 12,200m2 and includes manufacturing and warehousing space. It has been designed to incorporate sustainable features to ensure it is efficient to run in line with BREEAM Sustainable Building Certifications, including rainwater harvesting, heat pump technology and energy efficient lighting.

The new uniSTOR high recovery cylinders will be available from April 2025.

For more information on Vaillant’s product offering, visit www.vaillant.co.uk or contact Jonathan Nisbet (jonathan.nisbet@vaillant.com)