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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.

CHIC spoke at the South East Construction Expo on 20^th AprilCHIC supported the South East Construction Expo in Brighton, where our Head of Member Services (South) Chris Brockwell hosted an insightful panel session on wave three of the Warm Homes Fund. Chris was joined by Jody Sanderson from Cottsway and Richard Hughes from Axis CLC.

The discussion explored the challenges organisations are currently facing and how the programme is helping to shape the future of retrofit delivery. Thank you to everyone who came along to support the session and speak with the team during the conference.

 

Final call for the CHIC Conference & CHIP Awards – Wednesday 3^rd June - TelfordIf you haven’t registered yet, please do so now. With just days to go until the CHIC Conference & Exhibition 2026, this is your opportunity to join housing professionals and our supply chain partners for a day of insightful discussion and debate and of course networking.
From compliance and sustainability to asset management and retrofit delivery, the event will tackle the key challenges shaping the sector today and in the years ahead.
There’s also still time to register for the CHIP Awards Dinner. We have recently announced this year’s shortlisted candidates. Join us in celebrating the outstanding achievements, innovation and collaboration taking place across the sector.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of both events.
REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCEREGISTER FOR THE AWARDS DINNER

 

Housing Horizons SummaryHousing Executive Issue 26 is now live, including coverage and reflections from the recent Housing Horizons 2026 event delivered in partnership between CHIC and The Housing Forum. The event brought together housing providers, local authorities and sector partners to discuss collaboration, procurement, retrofit and the future challenges facing social housing.
Take a look at the latest edition to catch up on the key discussions, insights and highlights from the day:https://housing-executive.co.uk/issue26/index.html

 

 

This Month’s Housing Update:
Government Targets Product Manufacturers in New Remediation ReformsThe Government has announced new legislation targeting construction product manufacturers as part of wider remediation reforms linked to the King’s Speech. The proposed measures aim to strengthen accountability across the building safety sector and help accelerate remediation work on affected buildings following the Grenfell tragedy.
Read More

Government Confirms Plans to Take Control of British SteelPrime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed plans for the Government to take control of British Steel in a move designed to protect UK steelmaking capacity, jobs and critical national infrastructure supply chains. The announcement reflects growing concern around industrial resilience and long-term support for domestic manufacturing.
Read More

Thousands of Military Homes Still Sitting Empty Across UK
New figures have revealed that more than 9,000 military homes across the Ministry of Defence estate are currently lying empty, including hundreds vacant for more than five years. The findings have reignited discussions around underused housing stock and opportunities to bring existing homes back into use.
Read More
Section 21 Ban Officially Comes into Force
The ban on Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions officially came into force on 1st May 2026 under the Renters’ Rights Act’, introducing significant changes for landlords and tenants across the private rented sector. The reforms aim to provide renters with greater security and stronger protections.
Read More
Renewable Gas Could Help Reduce Heat Network CostsA senior Department for Energy Security and Net Zero official has suggested that switching heat networks to renewable gas could help protect residents from rising energy costs. The comments form part of wider discussions around heat network regulation, affordability and low-carbon heating solutions across the housing sector.
Read More

Procurement Update for CHIC Members
By Sam Domican, Director of Procurement

CHIC remains committed to delivering robust, member focused procurement solutions that support the full spectrum of asset management services and has been embedding the Procurement Act into all new framework activities. Here is the latest update on our framework procurement programme:

CHIC Procurement Team Supporting the New Procurement Regime
As the new public procurement regime continues to embed across the sector, CHIC’s Procurement Team is proud to be playing an active role in supporting its successful implementation.

Through our involvement in the Cabinet Office’s Communities of Practice, members of the team have been recognised as Advanced and Expert Practitioner Superusers, reflecting their expertise and commitment to driving best practice.

In this role, the team has supported the adoption of the new regulatory framework by acting as trusted advisors, identifying implementation challenges and sharing insight across a wide network of public sector professionals. This collaborative approach has contributed to a strong and growing community focused on knowledge exchange and continuous improvement.

Being at the forefront of sector and procurement developments is important to CHIC. Our active engagement ensures that we remain up to date with the latest guidance, policy changes and best practice, enabling us to provide informed, effective support to our members and supply chain partners.

As the procurement landscape continues to evolve, CHIC remains committed to maintaining this position, ensuring our members benefit from the highest standards of expertise, insight and innovation.
 Here is the latest update on our framework procurement programme:

Live Procurements

CHIC Merchants Framework 2026-2034 – Awarded
CHIC and Efficiency North have now announced the appointed suppliers for the re-procured Merchants Framework. This provides members with a compliant route to procure building materials, merchant services and managed stores solutions across responsive repairs, planned investment, retrofit and compliance programmes. The UK06 Contract Award Notice can be found here: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/044154-2026

CHIC Consultancy Framework – Evaluation in progress
The evaluation of bids is underway for the re-procurement of the CHIC Consultancy Framework. The scope and lot structure covers a wide range of built environment related professional consultancy services, comprising but not restricted to Building Surveying, Contract Administration, Employers Agent, Quantity Surveying, and Principal Designer services, and any other roles that may be required to support the delivery of high-quality sector asset related projects. More information can be found here: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/010587-2026

Frameworks currently out to tender

Asset Compliance & Assurance Framework - The services required under this framework will support a range of CHIC’s members with a diverse portfolio of domestic and non-domestic assets, including individual properties, blocks and estates, as part of members’ asset management, compliance and assurance programmes. The framework is intended to support members in meeting their statutory, regulatory and governance obligations, while managing risk to residents, staff and building users.

CHIC is procuring a multi-disciplinary asset compliance and assurance framework, incorporating specialist services defined by the lots and any other associated services that may reasonably be required to support compliant asset operation and building safety. Support may be required at any stage of the compliance lifecycle, including but not limited to risk assessment, inspection, monitoring, maintenance, remedial works, independent assurance, audit, reporting and verification. Services may relate to cyclical compliance programmes, responsive or corrective works, assurance reviews, or other compliance related requirements arising during the framework term. UK4: Tender notice has been published to inform the market of the upcoming procurement: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/012537-2026

Frameworks in Procurement Planning Stage

Planning is underway for the following new frameworks:Kitchen Materials Framework - This is a 4-year Framework from which our members will award contracts for the supply and fit of kitchens and associated goods, works and services to each Member. It is anticipated this lot will cover both existing and newbuild properties. UK1 Pipeline notice has been published to inform the market of the upcoming procurement:  https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/042977-2026

Roofing Systems and Related Works - This will be a comprehensive multi lot framework to deliver all types of roofing repairs and replacements. The scope of the framework is now being developed by the CHIC team. UK1 Pipeline notice has been published to inform the market of the upcoming procurement:  https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/034345-2026

Dynamic Markets

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) will be progressively replaced by a range of new Dynamic Markets.

Are your CHIC eSourcing profile and contact details up to date?

We understand that suppliers may have internal changes from time to time due to organisational re structures and staffing movement. Your correct and up to date contact details are essential on the CHIC eSourcing portal to avoid any missed communications on potential live tender opportunities.

The benefits of keeping your CHIC eSourcing profile up-to-date are:
- Avoid missed tender opportunity notifications.
- Stay connected to ongoing post-tender clarifications.
- Manage all your ongoing tender and DPS/Dynamic Market activity in one place.

Log in now and make sure your details are up to date, head to CHIC eSourcing - https://app.panacea-software.com/chic/Login.aspx

CHIP Awards 2026 Shortlist Announced

We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the CHIP Awards 2026, celebrating the individuals and organisations making a real difference across the housing and construction sectors. The awards recognise outstanding achievement, commitment to social value, career development, mentorship and positive impact within our communities.

CHIP’s trustees have now reviewed all of the excellent applications received for CHIP’s five awards. They commended the excellent outcomes being achieved by all applicants, for all awards.

After much deliberation they have arrived at an agreed shortlist for each award. For those that didn’t make the shortlist, thank you for applying and please keep up the great work you are doing.

The Ian Winslet Award – Mentor of the YearSponsored by ARK Consultancy

The shortlisted candidates for The Ian Winslet Award have demonstrated exceptional leadership, empathy and dedication in supporting the growth and development of others. Through guidance, encouragement and practical support, each nominee has made a lasting impact on learners, colleagues and teams within their organisations.

- Madi Sharma (LJM Solutions Ltd)- Shannon Walker (Crawford & Co Surveyors Ltd)- Ryan Donegani (Housing Plus Group)

The Maggie Punyer Award – High Achiever of the YearSponsored by CHIC

The shortlisted nominees for The Maggie Punyer Award have shown outstanding commitment to creating positive social value through their work. Their achievements have gone beyond individual success, delivering meaningful outcomes for communities, colleagues and the wider sector while embodying the values of social responsibility and positive change.

- Ashley Crawford (Crawford & Co Surveyors)
- Lee Lindley (LJM Solutions)

Career Development Excellence AwardSponsored by Severnside Security

The nominees shortlisted for the Career Development Excellence Award have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their professional growth and career progression. Through hard work, determination and a commitment to exceeding expectations, they have already made a significant contribution within their workplaces and chosen industries.

- Eve Hunt (LJM Solutions Ltd)
- Dan Parry (Housing Plus Group)
- Nathan Goodfellow (Housing Plus Group)

Social Value Employer of the YearSponsored by Synergize

The organisations shortlisted for Social Value Employer of the Year have demonstrated a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, inclusivity and delivering meaningful social impact. Through community engagement, support initiatives and investment in people, these employers continue to create positive opportunities both within and beyond the workplace.

- Dodd Group
- LJM Solutions
- Chas Berger

Positive Impact AwardSponsored by Geberit

The shortlisted nominees for the Positive Impact Award have delivered initiatives and projects that have created measurable benefits for local communities and individuals. Their dedication, investment and collaborative efforts have helped improve wellbeing, provide opportunities and drive lasting positive change.

- Re:gen
- Chas Berger
- United Infrastructure

Congratulations to all shortlisted nominees. The winners will be announced at the CHIP Dinner & Awards Event on 3rd June, where we will come together to recognise and celebrate the incredible contributions being made across the sector.

There is still time to register your place and join us for an evening of celebration, networking and recognition across the industry.

For more information about the awards, visit https://www.chipcharity.org.uk/awards/

Thought Leadership at CHIC

Separating Materials from Labour – a Smarter Procurement ModelDiscussing the benefits of separating materials from labour, John Fisher explains how this procurement approach can provide social housing providers with greater flexibility, improved supply chain resilience and better cost management.Read More

Why Social Housing Needs to Move from being just Data Rich to Intelligence RichSenior Business Intelligence Manager Martin Radbourne examines why social housing landlords must move from being data rich to intelligence rich, using actionable insights and smarter analysis to enhance decision making, asset management and resident outcomes.Read More

Why We Should Work in Partnership to Prioritise Health Outcomes Across Social HousingMike Harris, Head of Partnerships, discusses how procurement partnerships within social housing can contribute to improved health outcomes by driving higher quality homes, greater efficiency and stronger collaboration across the sector.Read More

Designing Healthy Homes: Why new Social Housing must prioritise mental and physical healthIn this article, Sarah Davey, Head of Development, discusses why social housing design must prioritise resident health and wellbeing, highlighting how better planned homes and communities can lead to improved physical and mental health outcomes for residents.Read More

Decent Homes = Healthy ResidentsIn this article, John Fisher, CEO, discusses how data driven asset management can help housing providers improve living conditions, support resident health and wellbeing and ensure homes meet the Decent Homes Standard through proactive maintenance, better decision making and targeted investment strategies.Read More

Trianco offers future ready Heat Pumps for Modern Housing

As the housing sector continues its transition toward low carbon heating, the demand for heat pump solutions that combine performance, reliability and real world usability has never been greater. For housebuilders and housing associations alike, the challenge is no longer simply choosing a renewable technology - it is selecting systems that are practical to install, easy to manage at scale, and capable of delivering long term operational value for residents.
That is where Trianco continues to stand out.
With a heritage stretching back almost a century, Trianco has developed a reputation for combining engineering expertise with practical innovation. Its expanding Activair heat pump portfolio has been designed specifically to meet the needs of today’s housing developments, balancing sustainability targets with installer friendly features and intelligent remote management capabilities.
One of the most compelling features across the Activair range is the integrated SIM connectivity. Unlike many systems that require ongoing subscriptions or third party monitoring platforms, Trianco offers full read and write remote access with no subscription costs. This gives installers, asset managers and maintenance teams the ability to remotely monitor, diagnose and adjust systems in real time, improving response times, reducing unnecessary site visits and supporting residents more efficiently.
For housing associations managing multiple properties, this level of visibility can make a significant difference to operational efficiency and resident satisfaction. Remote commissioning and fault diagnostics also help minimise disruption while ensuring that systems continue to perform at optimum levels.
Trianco has also introduced humidity monitoring functionality within its outdoor heat pump controls, adding another layer of intelligent environmental management. As indoor air quality and resident wellbeing become increasingly important considerations within social housing and newbuild developments, the ability to monitor humidity offers additional reassurance and improved comfort for occupants.
Environmental performance remains central to the Activair proposition. The use of R290 refrigerant, one of the lowest Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants currently available, aligns closely with the sector’s sustainability ambitions while supporting excellent system efficiencies and high flow temperatures.
For retrofit projects in particular, the capability to achieve higher flow temperatures can help reduce the need for extensive emitter upgrades, making heat pump adoption more commercially viable across a wider range of housing stock.
Trianco has also focused heavily on installer practicality. Features such as the lock out interface provide greater integration flexibility and control, helping systems work seamlessly alongside wider building management and energy strategies. Combined with remote monitoring, app based controls and comprehensive technical support, the range has clearly been developed with both installers and end users in mind.
Trianco is continuing to expand its offering with the launch of new Activair R290 indoor air source heat pumps, including both wall hung and floor standing models. These new additions are particularly well suited to apartments, compact developments and properties where outdoor unit placement may be challenging.
Indoor heat pump solutions are becoming an increasingly important part of the decarbonisation conversation, especially within higher density housing schemes. By offering flexible installation options alongside high efficiency and low carbon operation, Trianco is helping developers and housing providers future proof projects while maintaining valuable design flexibility.
As regulatory pressures increase and net zero targets move closer, manufacturers that can support the sector with practical, scalable and intelligent heating solutions will become ever more important. Trianco’s Activair range demonstrates that heat pump technology can be both advanced and accessible - delivering the performance the industry needs without compromising on usability or support.

For housebuilders and housing associations seeking dependable low carbon heating solutions designed around the realities of modern housing delivery, Trianco is a name well worth watching.

Visitors attending the CHIC Conference in Telford on 3rd June 2026 will have the opportunity to see the Activair range up close and speak directly with the Trianco team about the latest developments in heat pump technology. The team will be available throughout the event on Stand 53 to discuss product capabilities, project requirements and how Trianco can support low carbon heating strategies across both newbuild and retrofit housing projects.