Introduction
As risk and complexity within the sector increases, it is vital that boards provide sound governance of the organisations they represent, and have a clear understanding of the regulator’s expectations. In-depth assessments will soon be undertaken for all larger providers and there are key lessons to be learned from previous regulatory judgements within the sector for both boards and those responsible for governance.
Risk management is of primary focus. Boards must demonstrate robust decision-making and executives must ensure they are providing the right information.
In the second event of our leadership series, Northern Housing Consortium and Altair have drawn together some of the sector’s key speakers for a focused, half day session aimed at board chairs, board members, chief executives, directors of governance and company secretaries.
Programme
| 0900 | Registration and refreshments |
| 0925 | Chair’s welcome
Steve Douglas, Partner, Altair |
| 0930 | Setting the scene: Regulation 2015 and beyond
Bronwen Rapley, Deputy Director, Investigation and Enforcement Homes and Communities Agency Bronwen will explore the HCA’s latest thinking around governance and risk management, giving delegates a clear outline of the HCA’s expectations for boards and also a wider view on the future shape of the sector. |
| 1000 | Lessons learned from Circle and other recent regulatory downgrades
Bronwen Rapley, Deputy Director, Investigation and Enforcement, Homes and Communities Agency Paul Dolan, Chief Executive, Johnnie Johnson Housing Trust Earlier this year Circle Housing was downgraded to a ‘G3’ rating for governance following problems with its repairs and maintenance service. The HCA said Circle had failed to “prepare adequately for the implementation of the contract”, and specifically that its management of risk was of major concern. In this session Bronwen will discuss the issues that this case highlighted and more widely the learning form other recent downgrades. She will also provide delegates with an overview of lessons learned and how boards can effectively mitigate these risks. Paul will discuss Johnnie Johnson’s experience of regulatory scrutiny, lessons learned from the process and the changes which led to their recent upgrade. |
| 1045 | Governance: Fit for the future?
Stephen Bull, Head of Governance and Company Secretary, National Housing Federation Stephen will outline his expectations of a mergers guidance for the sector and the thinking behind the Federation’s decision to produce one. He will also discuss what qualities the board needs to have to ensure the organisation is future proofed. Specifically he will look at:
Andy will discuss the legal and practical duties and responsibilities all board members and senior leaders need to consider. Delegates will leave this session with a full understanding of their legal duties and responsibilities, particularly in the new operating environment. |
| 1130 | Refreshments |
| 1145 | In-depth assessment pilots round two
Kevin Dodd, Chief Executive, WDH Kevin and Juliet will talk delegates through WDH’s experience of the second round of pilots, with particular focus on the regulator’s expectations of board members and how the organisation’s approach to governance was assessed. |
| 1230 | Understanding data: Key performance indicators and other forms of assurance
Mark Sweeny, Altair Ltd plus a provider Quality and accuracy of data is a key area of the regulator’s focus and it is essential that at board level we can demonstrate full understanding of the data the business is using to make decisions and be assured that it is accurate. This session will provide delegates with a practical understanding of how data can be used effectively and reliably to support sound decision making and also how data can be validated. |
| 1300 | Close and networking lunch |
