Peabody joins PlaceShapers
Social landlord giant Peabody have joined PlaceShapers – a national network of more than 100 housing associations committed to improving places through long-term social, economic and physical regeneration.
Peabody are responsible for 109,000 homes across London and the home counties.
Members range from small housing associations with less than 1,000 homes to large housing associations with over 30,000 homes.
The PlaceShapers network operate locally, focused on helping residents and communities thrive and shaping neighbourhoods through partnerships.
Peabody says, despite its size, it takes a local approach to its homes and services for residents; in recent years, it has introduced smaller neighbourhood patches and a dedicated local repairs service.
For them, joining PlaceShapers reflects its commitment to learn from others, be open to feedback and continually improve.
PlaceShapers members have access to learning networks, events and webinars across the UK, practical resources, and case studies showcasing service improvements.
Ian McDermott, Chief Executive of Peabody, said: “We applied to join PlaceShapers so we can learn, collaborate and connect with others, helping us to continuously improve the way we work in local areas.
“We’re large, but locally focused – working across 140 neighbourhoods to provide comfortable homes and support strong, successful communities and sustainable places. We know each neighbourhood has its own characteristics, and in recent years we’ve put in place measures to get closer to residents and wider networks, including a regional structure, smaller patches and localised repairs services.
“We’re looking forward to connecting with PlaceShapers members, which will help us on our journey as we develop and deepen our effectiveness as a truly place-based organisation in London and surrounding counties.”
****
Memorandum: Regulator of Social Housing and Charity Commission
The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) and the Charity Commission have published a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), setting out how the two organisations will continue to work with each other.
Announcing the MoU, the RSH stated that, as many private registered providers of social housing are also registered charities, the organisations agree that it is important that this MoU sets out how they will work together with the aim of achieving a collaborative, efficient and effective working relationship.
The Memorandum includes commitments to:
- share information in order to help each discharge their regulatory functions
- raise issues at an early stage that might have significant implications for the other
- signpost enquirers to the other organisation where appropriate
- discuss matters of mutual interest including stakeholder engagement, ensuring consistency in communicating about each other’s roles
- avoid duplication and ensure consistent treatment for bodies regulated by both organisations, as far as possible within their respective roles
- The Charity Commission and RSH will review this MoU every three years, or after a significant change in legislation, policy or practice in either party, to ensure that it reflects any developments and changes in working practices.
Fiona MacGregor, Chief Executive of the Regulator of Social Housing, said: “We recognise the importance of working together with the Charity Commission to achieve both our respective objectives.
“This Memorandum of Understanding gives clarity over how we will share information with each other, which is important for a collaborative and effective working relationship.”
David Holdsworth, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, said: “This is an important commitment from both of our respective bodies. Charities are a vital part of the social housing sector, helping their beneficiaries access housing which meets their needs.
“By working together within our respective remits, we can help ensure the effective regulation of organisations which are both registered charities and registered social housing providers, including when concerns arise.”