Martin Collett, Chief Executive
The year brought a return to degrees of normality and stability following the turbulence and far-reaching impact of the covid-19 pandemic. Like many in the housing association sector, English Rural has reflected on changes to the operating environment arising from the pandemic and how these have impacted on ambitions. This work culminated with the Board bringing forward a refresh of the five-year Business Strategy.
Martin Collett, Chief Executive, English Rural
It became apparent during this refresh that the soundness of business continuity arrangements, continued strong financial performance and successful stewardship through the worst stages of the pandemic had allowed English Rural to emerge with a renewed confidence in abilities and need to deliver on our purpose.
As the financial statements incorporated within this report show, the positive business and financial position enables investment that will support ambitious plans to deliver “The provision and management of affordable housing for local people in rural villages in England and to be an advocate for affordable rural housing”. The continued financial strength has allowed for the same level of development growth, whilst directing even more investment into services provided to residents as they face increased welfare and cost of living pressures. One element of this is the move to accelerate carbon reduction and improved energy performance for all homes, securing gains for the climate and resident finances.
One of the key themes coming to the fore during the year was the improved emphasis on working with residents to deliver accountable and transparent services; by advancing the new customer service focussed staffing model and developing learning from the resident focussed initiative, Together with Tenants. There is still some way to go before we achieve all that we hope to, but by investing in improved skills, culture and prioritising co-creation with residents, progress continues to be made.
Attention has also been focussed on value for money. Importantly, time has been taken to understand what this means for English Rural, our residents and our partners. As we strive to become a more effective and efficient business by embedding value for money expectations across the Association - the aim is to not simply focus on economy, but to understand what wider values are highly prized within our work. This year a separate Value for Money Statement has been produced and published to focus attention on this matter, appraising where we are, how we compare to others and what our aspirations are for the future.
It is never possible to capture all activity within annual reporting, but this report summarises each of our seven business ambitions. The appraisal against these ambitions providing some highlights on what has been delivered and what we hope to achieve next. Importantly, we always want to do better, so reference is also made to where lessons have been learnt and what steps are needed to make sure these improvements happen.
Our Seven Strategic Ambitions >>
