PlaceShapers manifesto
This short manifesto has been developed to support members in discussions with MPs, prospective MPs, local councillors and government agencies. It sets out the key principles that underpin our ethos together with a series of "offers" that illustrate what these mean in practice and our hopes for what this should mean in return. Naturally some of our members are further advanced than others in delivering this agenda but, wherever they are on the journey, they have all signed up to the ethos.
The manifesto is available here
Heroes or Villains? - MPs Perceptions of Housing Associations - December 2008
In recent months, members have been meeting their MPs to discuss the PlaceShapers agenda and establish their views on housing associations and what matters most to MPs when dealing with them.
The results confirm the PlaceShapers agenda is 'on the button'. With a forecast of rising social housing need, the time has come to make sure open and honest dialogue exists between key players in the social housing sector and decision makers in government.
The findings of this research are to be published on Monday 8 December and will be launched at a reception for MPs at the Houses of Parliament that afternoon.
The full research report Heroes or Villains? - MPs Perceptions of Housing Associations can be viewed here.
Defining the Middle Market and the role of PlaceShaper Associations - December 2007
This research was conducted in order to gain a better understanding of the "middle market" of housing association activity. The evidence we have considered suggests that there is not one "middle market "as such. There are different configurations of housing association activity in different regions, cities and localities.
To view the 'Defining the Middle Market and the role of PlaceShaper Associations please click here
Literature Review - August 2007
There have been several pieces of work on recent years looking at the way the sector is changing, particularly in terms of the development of larger entities through groups and mergers.
This review aims to examine this work and analyse what it says about the way the sector is developing and the role which medium sized associations can play within that changed sector.
To view the 'Literature Review' please click here
Going the extra mile: What local authorities want from housing association partners - November 2007
Titled 'Going the Extra Mile - what local authorities want from housing association partners', the survey was carried out by Tribal's housing team on behalf of the PlaceShapers Group.
Consultants from Tribal interviewed and collated the views of 21 key local authority partners. Issues covered included the potential for RSLs to support the local authorities 'place shaping role', the value and performance of different types of associations and what authorities saw as the 'ideal shape' of the sector.
Size is not seen as a relevant factor but three quarters of respondents were positive about the role of medium sized housing associations and want them to stay.
Having a critical mass of stock, with accessible and responsive local teams, was seen as a high priority and there was support for stock rationalisation and removing barriers to transferring management.
Overall, respondents wanted a 'mixed economy' offering choice and diversity of providers including niche specialists and mid-sized housing associations with development capacity.
Barbara Thorndick, Chief Executive of West Kent Housing Association, one of the group members said:
"Big is not necessarily bad, but it's not seen as better either. What emerged strongly was the desire to be able to work in genuine partnership with associations that have a real stake in the area in terms of housing stock and broader services, who offer local authorities autonomous, accessible and locally responsive teams.
"This happens to be a particular strength of many mid-sized RSLs" she added, "and the survey found we are often held up as the benchmark by which others are judged. Community development and building effective local partnerships are seen as our core business activities."
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the survey, the trend towards mergers was seen by some as contributing to a downturn in performance by some associations and some respondents felt confused or irritated by associations rebranding under new names.
To view the 'going the extra mile report' please click here
North Area Social Housing Forum (NASHF)
The North Area Social Housing Forum (NASHF) is made up of all the social landlords with an interest in the North Staffordshire Area. They have put together this brochure to demonstrate their hard work in the area.
To view the brochure click here