Conference to tackle new regulations on Value for Money and Social Return on Investment

Published by Claireaw for Board Development Agency in Housing

An innovative conference designed to help social housing landlords meet new regulations, by making cost efficiencies as well as be more aware of the social return on their Investments, is scheduled to take place on 9^th February 2012.

The conference developed by the Board Development Agency, is aimed at clarifying the requirements of the new regulations being introduced in April 2012, as well as issues arising from   the Localism Act and Social Value bills.

Speakers on the day will discuss ways to enable housing specialists to save money, which they can use to invest in improved social housing and enhancing community investments.

Keynote speakers will include:

• Chris White MP, who will discuss his Social Value Private Members bill and what it will mean to local authorities.
• Mick Warner, AD Assurance & Financial Analysis at the TSA, will speak on the new regulatory framework, value for money and what Economic Regulation means in England.
• Ron Huss from Enhanced Performance Improvements (EPI) will speak on how to apply the core principles of LEAN to identify and make value for money savings in housing.
• Hugh Laird, Director of the Board Development Agency, will discuss developing a methodology for establishing the Social Return on Investment - assessing your social impact and proving your 'Social Dividend’. As well as discussing developing Value for Money (VFM) Clusters - embedding VFM and social impact assessment locally.

Chris White, MP, said: “My bill will be a strong message to commissioners that they should look at measurement tools such as Social Return on Investment (SROI) in order to better appreciate the benefits that can be gained by communities through smarter commissioning of services, goods and works.

“Commissioners are part of our communities too, and there is a lot of work going on around social auditing and SROI which will help give commissioners the tools necessary to absorb the provisions of the bill and innovate appropriately.”

Ron Huss from EPI stated: “using techniques such as LEAN in social housing will give you a tool to analyse the company and make realistic cost reductions through efficiency improvements. By streamlining processes we develop the best possible outcome of lower costs whilst maintaining if not improving service levels.”

Hugh Laird said: “There is no better time to have this conference, with the current economic situation and changes to regulations in housing, cost efficiencies and social return on investments are essential for future success.  

“There will also be a number of powerful workshops at the conference, to help share best practice approaches and encourage discussion on the new approach needed for governance and the quest for value for money.”

The TSA statutory consultation makes it clear boards will need to act now to protect their organisation’s regulatory judgement.  Value for money changes to regulations will mean: “The regulator will also have an expanded role on value for money in Housing Associations. In future, the regulator expects boards to have a clear view of their risk appetite and associated risk management strategies, an informed view of their cost base and the factors affecting it, a strategy for making best use of their assets, and a plan for improving value for money that has been developed in a transparent way with input from stakeholders.”

The conference will take place at the Copthorne Hotel in Birmingham on the 9 February 2012 and is aimed at: Board members, Chief Executives, Finance Directors, Governance Officers or anyone interested in making a financial and social difference to their organisation.

The cost of attendance is £185 + VAT, however there is a 5% discount for the National Association of Governance Officers and a 15% discount off bookings made before the end of December 2011.

To book your place at the conference email bookings@boardagency.org.uk, or for more information go to www.boardagency.org.uk.

Ends.

Notes for Editors

The Board Development Agency was established in 2004 to provide services and products for the affordable social housing and social enterprise sectors. Empowering boards tenants, employees and decision makers to improve what they do and develop better and more sustainable communities.

EPI is a consulting company with experience of improving public services whilst reducing costs. For further information go to: http://www.epi-international.co.uk