"Actively seek partnership opportunities with other smaller rural housing associations"
Finding capacity to support the work of other smaller rural housing associations helps to deliver on English Rural purpose. It also generates useful income that can be invested back into agreed internal ambitions. English Rural’s Chair and Chief Executive were pleased to be able to share their experiences at the National Housing Federation's 'Smaller Housing Association' conference during the year.
Across the year a range of new partnerships emerged whilst existing ones continued. The development partnership with Grayshott & District Housing Association has resulted in 14 new affordable rural homes being provided.
Separately, the strategic relationship with Cirencester Housing evolved following an invitation to act as their development agent – it is hoped that this collaborative approach will secure more opportunities for growth for both them and English Rural within the Cotswolds and surrounding districts.
HRH, The Princess Royal, officially opening homes from our partner housing association, Cirencester Housing
An approach was received from The Cambridgeshire Cottage Housing Society (TCCHS), initially for guidance on policy activity but this evolved into a formal request for comprehensive partnership working via a service agreement. As a rural housing association situated alongside English Rural’s existing operations, this partnership was felt to be mutually beneficial.
Formal arrangements in place with the subsidiary NFVHA continue to work well. English Rural is contracted to deliver all services for an agreed fee. Potential opportunities for using NFVHA financial capacity to build affordable homes have also advanced and it is hoped that a successful project will now materialise because of the skills made available to them by English Rural.
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14 homes completed and programme of further homes emerging through development agent work
£37,000 fee income generated from partnerships with others that can be applied to purpose
Formal partnership agreed with The Cambridgeshire Cottage Housing Society (TCCHS)
An affordable rural home in the Cotswolds from our partner, Cirencester Housing
>> The success of English Rural’s offer to other like-minded rural housing associations has led to its own challenges. Careful consideration is needed before committing resource capacity to support others. A good example of this is the new relationship with TCCHS, the timing of mobilising this offer was balanced to accommodate internal priorities within the staffing teams involved.
