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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.

What you told us. What we've done. What comes next.
Your feedback continues to shape CHIC. Our 2026 stakeholder survey, the largest we have ever undertaken, gathered insights from 292 members and supply chain partners, highlighting what is working well, where we can improve and what matters most to those we support. The results show rising satisfaction and advocacy and the importance of collaboration whilst building strong relationships.
As we begin delivering our new five-year business plan, your feedback remains central to every decision we make. Discover the key findings and how your views will continue to influence CHIC’s priorities for the future.Read the report
Our Values 

What drives everything we do at CHIC? Our new Mission, Vision and Values video highlights how we are supporting housing providers across the UK to improve homes, simplify procurement and deliver better outcomes for residents. 

Members of our team discuss how our values of collaboration, value for money, innovation and sustainability shape our work and help members create homes that are safe, warm and fit for purpose.Watch the video to see how CHIC is making a difference. 

 

This Month’s Housing Update:
Awaab's Law Phase 2 Extends Faster Repairs to More Safety Hazards
The Government has published guidance for Phase 2 of Awaab's Law, which comes into force on 30^th November 2026. The next phase extends the legal requirements beyond damp and mould to include hazards such as electrical safety, fire, excess cold and heat, structural collapse, falls and domestic hygiene. Social landlords will be required to investigate and respond to these hazards within prescribed timescales, strengthening protections for around four million social housing tenants.
Read More

Local Government Reorganisation Moves into Delivery Phase
The Government has confirmed the next stage of its Local Government Reorganisation programme, approving new unitary council structures across a further 14 areas in England. The reforms are designed to replace two-tier local government with single-tier authorities, strengthening accountability and supporting future devolution. Guidance has also been issued to help councils manage workforce transitions and maintain critical services during implementation.Read More

NAO highlights construction workforce challenge affecting housing delivery
The National Audit Office has highlighted significant skills pressures in the construction sector, warning that workforce shortages present risks to the government’s ambition to deliver 1.5 million homes. The NAO’s review of construction skills found that expanding the workforce and improving skills pipelines will be critical to meeting future housing and infrastructure commitments.
Read More
Government Plans Single Construction Regulator to Improve Standards and Data Sharing
The Government published its response to the Single Construction Regulator consultation on 9^th July 2026, confirming plans to create a more consistent and coordinated regulatory approach across the construction sector. The update sets out proposals to improve oversight of building safety, construction products and industry standards, including the introduction of consistent data standards to strengthen information sharing, accountability and regulatory decision making. The reforms aim to reduce fragmentation across the current system, improve safety and quality in the built environment, and provide greater confidence for residents, industry and regulators.Read More

Updates from our partners: Preparing for CCPI webinar
Our partners at CCPI will be hosting a webinar on 28^th July at 1pm, providing a practical walkthrough of the CCPI assessment process. The session will cover everything from initial registration through to completion, as well as the ongoing requirements for maintaining registration. It is a useful opportunity for organisations looking to understand the process and prepare for assessment.

Click here to book your place
CHIC and CCPI partnership
CHIC is proud to be the first asset management and procurement consortium to join CCPI as a Demand Side Supporter. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to improving standards, transparency and accountability across the sector, supporting members and supply chain partners to deliver clearer, more consistent and effective communication.

Through our relationship with CCPI, CHIC continues to promote best practice and help organisations navigate the changing expectations around communication and responsible delivery.

Procurement Update for CHIC Members and SuppliersBy Sam Domican, Director of Procurement

We are continuing to strengthen our procurement services for both members and suppliers. Alongside embedding the requirements of the Procurement Act into all new framework activities, we are progressing several procurements that will provide new opportunities for suppliers and give members access to high quality, compliant procurement solutions.

Here is what's happening now and what to look ahead to over the coming months.

Happening now

CHIC Merchants Framework 2026–2034 – Awarded
Our new Merchants Framework has now been awarded in partnership with Efficiency North. Members can now access this national framework, while appointed suppliers can prepare to deliver services under the new agreement.Find out more

CHIC Consultancy Framework – Evaluation underway
We are currently evaluating bids for the new CHIC Consultancy Framework due to go live in August.

The framework will provide members with access to a broad range of built environment consultancy services, including building surveying, contract administration, employer's agent, quantity surveying and principal designer services, alongside other specialist expertise to support high quality asset management projects.

We will share the outcome once the evaluation process is complete.
Find out more

Looking ahead

Asset Compliance & Assurance Framework
We are developing a new multi-disciplinary Asset Compliance & Assurance Framework to help members manage compliance across domestic and non domestic assets.
The framework will cover services including risk assessments, inspections, monitoring, maintenance, remedial works, audit and independent assurance. It will create opportunities for specialist suppliers while helping members meet their statutory, regulatory and building safety responsibilities.
Find out more

Kitchen Materials Framework
Planning is progressing for our new four year Kitchen Materials Framework.The framework will provide a compliant route for the supply and installation of kitchens and associated products across refurbishment, regeneration and selected new build projects. It will also create new opportunities for suppliers, with a UK1 Pipeline Notice already published to help the market prepare.
Find out more

Roofing Systems and Related Works
We are also developing the scope for a new multi-lot Roofing Systems and Related Works Framework.The framework will provide members with a comprehensive procurement solution for roofing repairs, maintenance and replacement works, while creating future opportunities for specialist roofing suppliers. A UK1 Pipeline Notice has been published as part of our early market engagement.
Find out more

Dynamic MarketsWe are preparing for the transition from Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS) to Dynamic Markets in line with the Procurement Act.This new approach will make it easier for suppliers to access procurement opportunities while giving members greater flexibility and choice when procuring services. We will share further updates as this work progresses.

CHIP’s Community Chest Fund

As part of CHIC’s commitment to creating social value, we support CHIP to deliver its Community Chest Fund, helping individuals, resident groups and community organisations bring projects and initiatives to life that have a direct, positive impact on people and local communities.

Funding from the Community Chest Fund helps local groups and community stakeholders deliver meaningful improvements that support wellbeing and create lasting social value. There is no set framework for the projects we support, as long as there is a clear vision and evidence that the project will make a positive difference to peoples lives and the communities they are part of.

Anyone can apply for the fund. However, applications are limited to groups or organisations that ideally have an existing relationship with one or more social housing providers that are CHIC members. This helps ensure the funding delivers positive benefits and additional social value within the communities where CHIC works.

The 2026/27 fund is now open, with grants of up to £5,000 available. Applications are reviewed quarterly by CHIP trustees, with the next review taking place in mid-September. Please submit applications by 14th August.

To find out more or access the Application Form and Guidance Document on CHIP’s Community Chest Fund page: www.chipcharity.org.uk/community-chest-fund/

The page also includes case studies showing how previous projects have used the fund to make a difference.

If you have any questions, please contact Emma Macaulay, Head of Social Value – emacaulay@chipcharity.org.uk.

Case Studies

Jardine Crescent Transformation Complete
CHIC returned to Jardine Crescent in Coventry to see the completed transformation of 40 homes following a major retrofit programme. Delivered through the CHIC Healthy Homes Framework, the £2.1 million project has helped create warmer, more energy efficient homes while improving comfort and security for residents.

The project highlights what can be achieved through strong partnership working, with Citizen, consultants and delivery partners working together to minimise disruption and deliver lasting benefits. Discover how collaboration helped improve homes, support the local community and generate social value.
Read more

Delivering Warm Homes in Wiltshire

How do you deliver a successful retrofit programme while ensuring residents remain at the heart of every decision? Wiltshire Council's Warm Homes Local Grant programme is providing a great example. Delivered through the CHIC Healthy Homes Framework, with EDF, the project has already helped improve the energy efficiency of homes across the county, reducing fuel poverty, lowering carbon emissions and giving residents warmer, healthier homes. The first year of the three-year programme has demonstrated how early engagement, compliant procurement and strong collaboration between partners can help overcome challenges, mobilise quickly and deliver meaningful outcomes for residents.

In the latest episode of Making Housing Better, host Andy Cameron-Smith sits down with Stacey Sheppard from Wiltshire Council, Mark Dallen from EDF and CHIC's Chris Brockwell to discuss the story behind the project. They share the lessons learned from the first year, the importance of regular communication and partnership working, and how this collaborative approach could be replicated to deliver retrofit programmes at scale across the UK.

Listen to the full episode

  

Thought Leadership
Laying the Foundations for Strategic Asset Management
Making the right investment decisions is becoming increasingly important for housing providers. In this latest insight, CEO at CHIC Luke Hurd explores how a strategic approach to asset management can help organisations better understand their homes, plan effectively and deliver long-term value for residents.
From using data more effectively to managing challenges around safety, sustainability and changing regulations, discover how a collaborative approach can support better decisions and help turn strategy into action.
Read more