This training consists of four core modules with optional specialised sessions for Board members. The core sessions give you a solid foundation in the social housing sector. You will understand our history and the current objectives and challenges in the sector, the governance and regulatory context and introduce you to understanding reports and how to challenge the executive constructively.
The tailored sessions will give you additional skills in budgets, accounts, risk and audit, of particular importance for Board Members.
Core modules for Board and Customer Committee members
Introduction to Social Housing
This session is designed to provide you with a deep understanding of how housing associations have evolved and their ongoing impact on communities, helping you confidently navigate the sector’s complexities. Whether you are a new Board Member or just starting your journey in the world of social housing, this webinar is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the sector’s rich history and its influence on the communities we serve today.
What you will learn
- An overview of the origins and development of social housing in the UK.
- Understand the core objectives of the sector, with a focus on how it has shifted in response to the current social, economic and regulatory changes.
- Understanding the key challenges of social housing providers today, including disrepair, tenant safety and regulatory requirements.
Governance, Regulation, and Compliance
For Board and Customer Committee members to effectively act in their role, they need a thorough understanding of the regulatory and governance framework their organisation operates in.
This workshop is intended to assist members in actively participating in appropriate-level discussions, enabling their lived experiences to affect the organisation’s approach to compliance, governance, and ethical decision-making.
What you will learn
- The specific standards set by the social housing regulators in England, Scotland, or Wales.
- Understand the role of the Charity Commissions, Companies House and the Financial Conduct Authority.
- Understand the obligations of social housing providers.
- Understand key governance ideas such as the Code of Governance and Code of Conduct (where applicable) and how these principles should drive Board or Committee decision-making.
- Helpful tips on how Board and Committee Members can promote an organisational culture that values openness, accountability, and sound governance.
Understanding reports and challenging executives constructively
Within your role you will need to confidently express your concerns. We will focus on developing the skills to challenge executives appropriately, particularly in areas where tenant perspectives may differ from those of senior management, and how to ensure that decisions align with the needs of the tenants and business objectives.
What you will learn
- Guaidance on appropriate scrutiny.
- Tips to help you read reports, spot trends, inconsistencies and areas that need further investigation.
- Understand how to gain assurance in delivering social purpose and meeting organisational strategic objectives.
How to balance strategic and operational focus
Regulators now expect housing association Board Members to have a deeper understanding of operational details. But how much is too much? This question applies equally to Boards and Committees. How can you keep meetings focused on strategy while staying informed about critical operational issues? How can you ensure that assessments of strategic and operational risks are well-aligned and based on accurate, real-time data? Similarly, how do committees ensure they review operations thoroughly and report back to Boards effectively?
What you will learn
- How to align strategic planning with operational risk assessments, leveraging high-quality, real-time data.
- Learn to maintain a clear strategic direction without becoming overly involved in daily operations.
- Understand the level of operational knowledge necessary to meet regulatory requirements and support effective governance.
- Gain practical strategies for incorporating critical operational matters, such as compliance and performance, into strategic discussions.
Optional Modules - for Board Members:
Introduction to Finance, Budgets, and Accounting
Delve into the financial health of a social housing organisation, This session focuses on providing training for Board Members, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective financial oversight. Participants will engage in discussions about the organisation’s financial health, ensuring that the social housing provider remains sustainable while delivering high-quality services to its tenants.
Introduction to Risk and Audit
Review the regulatory and legal requirements for a robust risk and assurance framework. It will provide a solid foundation in risk assessment, risk mitigation, and how members can confirm that risks are being managed and controls are being implemented. Understanding and managing risk is a crucial component of any business, and all social landlords are required by their regulators to do so.
What you will learn:
- Understand the components of financial statements, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
- Clarifying financial terminology and identifying the elements of financial accounts that are most relevant to governance and oversight.
- The importance of budgeting, business planning, and understanding how financial information should be tracked and monitored.
What you will learn:
- Understand the fundamental roles and responsibilities of the Audit Risk Committee and explore how it contributes to overall, governance, risk management, and accountability.
- The relationships between Audit Committees and internal and external audit functions. Learn about risk assessment, control evaluation, and assurance delivery.
- How the Audit Committee manages internal and external audits and provides the Board with the assurance it needs.
Fees and further details
The four core topics will be just £550 (plus VAT).
The optional sessions for Board are £140 (plus VAT) for each session. If you book the core topics plus an additional targeting topic get 10% of the total for that member.
Mentoring program:
In addition to the 5-week training program, we are offering a mentoring element to support participants learning. The package will include:
- access to all live and recorded webinar sessions – details here
- three hours of drop-in “surgery” with other participants, to support learning, clarify understanding and answer questions.
- a personal session with one of the trainers to ensure individual understanding, complete a skills assessment and advise on further development.
The mentoring package is just £250 (plus VAT)
Dates of sessions (all sessions will be recorded and hosted on our website for participants only to access)
Core topics:
- Introduction to Social Housing – Deborah Walthorne, 4 November 2024 | 4.00pm – 6.00pm.
- Governance, Regulation and Compliance – Alice Pearce, 11 November 2024 | 4.00pm – 6.00pm.
- Understanding Reports and Challenging the Executive Constructively – Deborah Walthorne | 18 November 2024 | 4.00pm – 6.00pm.
- How do Boards/Committees get the balance right between Strategic and Operational focus? – Bill Gill, 25 November 2024 | 4.00pm – 6.00pm.
Optional topics for Boards:
- Introduction to Finance, Budgets and Accounting – Bill Gill | 2 December 2024 | 4.00pm – 6.00pm.
- Introduction to Audit and Risk – Bill Gill | 9 December 2024 | 4.00pm – 6.00pm.