Scottish Housing Regulator publishes updated Engagement Plan
CADDER “WORKING CONSTRUCTIVELY AND OPENLY”
CADDER Housing Association is “working constructively and openly” with the Scottish Housing Regulator in order to achieve what’s known as “compliance.”
That was the message from the Regulator having published an updated “Engagement Plan” for your housing association as it continues to engage with us over our governance and financial management.
The Scottish Housing Regulator exists to protect tenants’ interests and ensure the good governance of social housing landlords like Cadder.
There is a requirement for all housing providers to be “compliant” – in other words meeting the regulatory standards set out by the Scottish Housing Regulator.
The Engagement Plan which can be found on the Scottish Housing Regulator’s website www.housingregulator.gov.scot said:
“In 2019 Cadder identified governance weaknesses following an independent investigation. It developed an improvement plan to address the findings and is working to complete the remaining element of the improvement work, a culture change programme.
“In May 2022, Cadder instructed a further independent investigation following receipt of potentially serious allegations about the association.
“The independent investigation upheld some of the allegations, including that there was failure to operate within respective governance roles, a lack of transparent decision making, weaknesses in procurement and management of conflicts of interest. The report also noted the need for improvement in the strategic management of Cadder’s community centre to achieve its reopening and future viability.
“Cadder’s 2022 Annual Assurance Statement identified areas of non-compliance with Regulatory Standard 6 and confirmed it will develop an action plan to address this.
“Our assessment is that Cadder does not comply with Regulatory Standards 1 and 6 and we have concerns about its compliance with Regulatory Standard 3 in connection with the financial management of the Community Centre. We are engaging with Cadder to seek assurance about its compliance with regulatory requirements, including the Regulatory Standards, and its capacity and capability to deliver the improvements required.”
The Engagement Plan said we had developed some proposals to address the issues, including the recruitment of new members of the Board of Management through an independently-supported recruitment exercise. It added that we had commissioned an independent consultant to assist in the production and delivery of an action plan to address the findings of the independent investigation.
We are also in the process of preparing a Community Centre Business Plan, including an assessment of its viability in the short, medium, and long-term.
The Scottish Housing Regulator added: “Cadder is working constructively and openly with us.”
One of the issues raised in the Engagement Plan was your Community Centre – as mentioned above – which has been closed since the pandemic. We are endeavouring to re-open the Centre – which we recognise is highly valued by the community – as soon as possible.
Our Chief Executive Pamela Milne said: “Like every other housing provider we are deeply committed to serving our community through the delivery of high quality affordable homes, a good repairs service and an unwavering commitment to improving our neighbourhoods.
“We acknowledge the issues raised by the Regulator and are making huge efforts to reach compliance.
“We are grateful to the Scottish Housing Regulator for recognising that we are working constructively and openly with it through our committed Board and hard-working and professional staff.”
Cadder Housing Association 20 Fara Street, Cadder, Glasgow, G23 5AE
0141 945 3282