Pam Reynolds
2020/21 has been a year that none of us will forget. Beginning in April 2020, during the early stages of a full Covid lockdown, few would anticipate that a year later, the pandemic would still be part of our lives.
Nevertheless, English Rural rose to the challenge and continued to provide an excellent service for our residents and kept the organisation on track. Not only that, our staff and board developed a new agility as they adapted to evolving working practices.
Despite an unpredictable and challenging year, we have achieved a great number of successes which are summarised below:
>> The Resident’s Services team have worked tirelessly to support residents during what has been for many households a worrying and difficult time. A hardship fund agreed by the Board has been distributed to those most in need. Housing managers gave support and advice with regular welfare checks also made. All homes have been kept safe and maintained.
>> English Rural has started to shape services in a way that better engages residents and amplifies the resident voice, building on our early-adopter role of the National Housing Federation's 'Together with Tenants' initiative. The deployment of a restructured services team, including a review of key processes, provides a renewed focus on customer service and excellence for our residents.
>> Our digital offer continues to flourish with a 50% sign-up to our online resident portal and a re-launch of our online resident scrutiny panel. This year has also seen the successful launch of a new online development consultation platform.
>> We are pleased to report a 1.5% increase in our overall housing stock through our development build programme in rural communities by completing new developments at Dunsfold (Surrey), Mistley (Essex), and Ansty (Mid Sussex).
Construction continued at Ashurstwood (Mid Sussex), Felsted (Essex), Staple, Halstead, Hernhill and Seal (Kent). This reflects the confidence to advance opportunities and develop partnerships with rural communities, given our clear ambition for growth.
>> A refreshed Development Strategy will ensure we continue to be committed to rural communities, delivering affordable homes to villages in need. That commitment extends to building energy-efficient homes that are beautifully designed and well maintained, allowing people with a local connection to live close to their families, places of work and support networks. We are always thankful for the strength and support we receive from local communities and the trusted partnership we have with them.
>> During the year our influencing role continues to gain momentum. Two pieces of impactful research were commissioned, presenting clear economic, fiscal and societal cases for higher levels of public investment in affordable rural housing.
>> Successful delivery of our communications strategy has resulted in raising awareness of rural housing issues and has seen a significant gain in our reach, influence and engagement with key stakeholders.
>> English Rural’s Chief Executive maintains a high-profile national advocacy role within both the housing and rural sectors and our Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, has supported us with virtual engagements, videos and by hosting a roundtable meeting of rural stakeholders when Covid rules allowed.
>> Staff have shown an exceptional resilience throughout the year, as working practices changed, priorities shifted, and personal pressures ebbed and flowed. Their dedication has successfully navigated English Rural through the pandemic.
Chair, English Rural
