A report has been set out to uncover whether the needs for support and guidance of small housing associations are being met.

The research, commissioned by the Housing Corporation and undertaken by Campbell Tickell, makes many recommendations and also identifies key areas associations believe need addressing.

The key recommendations in the report focus on: strengthening governance; access to support and guidance and partnership working and capacity building.

To strengthen governance the report suggests a range of ways associations can ensure a strong and experienced board; for access to support and guidance, the research concludes that smaller associations need more mechanisms to receive information; and to increase partnership working and capacity building, the document says the new regulator and agency, to be set up in early December, must act on current tools and develop them further.


Housing Corporation Chief Executive Steve Douglas said: "In the new emerging business environment for housing, action is needed with smaller associations in each of the recommended areas to ensure these organisations continue to be effective in meeting the diverse needs of the communities they currently serve."

Greenoak Housing Association Chief Executive Office Diana Kingdon said: "The report is excellent news as it provides an opportunity for smaller housing associations to access information more easily from a variety of sources. This will enable them to keep up to date with all the latest information so that they can operate efficiently and keep up with changes in legislation and good practice. It will also help to ensure tenants receive the best possible service."

(CD/JM)