White Paper on For Profit providers

Last year I reflected on how I had spent the year since leaving Notting Hill Genesis. NED roles. Travelling. Learning Spanish. Consultancy. Writing and Research.

In that post, I said I wanted to learn more about Housing Associations, the problems they faced, and their views on technology. The conversations that followed were rich, challenging, nuanced and fascinating. As a result I was able to produce a White Paper on Social Housing. I am pleased that hundreds of people read it and, maybe in a small way, it influenced their thinking, practice and behaviour.

So here I am, one year one, committing to write another one.

This time I would like to write a paper on the For Profit Registered Providers. In some ways these are similar to traditional Housing Associations – meeting housing need, supporting residents, complying with legislation and regulation. In other respects, they fundamentally differ – the way they are funded in particular, who they are owned by, and their objectives. So I am going to investigate, building on my own experience of working with some really good ones, but also remaining sceptical and wary.

If you own a For Profit Registered Provider, work for one, are a resident, a funder, a supplier I would love to speak to you and learn from your experience, opinions and insights.

If you are willing to get involved, and I was so grateful to the wide range of people who spoke to me the last time, I will faithfully record your views, check them carefully and consider your insights. Still, as ever, I will speak my own mind.

To that end, I am interviewing HA leaders, front line staff, suppliers, residents, and other interested people. I hope to contribute to improving services for residents, introducing better technology, and increasing the number of social homes on offer. If you have any thoughts on this subject I would love a brief submission – in writing, in person or even short remarks below. Thank you, my friends.