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Helping Housing Associations Navigate Strategic Risks in 2025

By Helen Scurr · 23 January 2025

Inside Housing, one of the Housing Sector’s most prominent publications, has this week published the results of their 2025 Risk Register survey. In her extensive article, Kate Youde looks at the financial reports of 100 of the UK’s biggest housing associations, revealing the biggest Housing Sector challenges in 2025

The report lists the key concerns and strategic risks which include (and you won’t be surprised by this): data quality and security, asset management, customer service and satisfaction, compliance, and recruitment and retention of staff. But rather than dwell on the problems – let’s look at effective and practical solutions.

At ARK Consultancy, we understand these challenges because our people have vast experience of working in social housing. For more than 35 years, our Directors and Associates have worked alongside housing associations and local authorities, providing the support needed to navigate the ever-changing landscape of our sector.

Tackling Asset Management Challenges with Intelligent Data

The survey reveals that 67% of housing associations see asset management as a major strategic risk. Common issues include poor-quality data about housing conditions and concerns about the well-being of residents. To make smarter decisions about maintaining and investing in assets, having accurate and reliable data is essential.

At ARK, we work with organisations to improve their asset management strategies. Our industry leading Strategic Asset Performance model (ASAP) is a powerful tool that helps housing providers assess their portfolios and align investments with organisational priorities and resident needs. By using ASAP, landlords can make informed choices, cut costs, and enhance compliance.

Data quality is at the forefront of the Regulator of Social Housing’s new Consumer Standards, which were published on 1 April 2024, not least in the Safety and Quality Standard, for which the first required outcome is centred on Stock Quality and reads: ‘Registered providers must have an accurate, up to date and evidenced understanding of the condition of their homes that reliably informs their provision of good quality, well maintained and safe homes for tenants.’

We have a team of friendly specialists ready to help you ensure your data is reliable and giving you the insights you need to make those strategic decisions.

Find out more about our asset management services and ASAP here.

Staying Ahead with Compliance and Governance

Compliance is another big concern, with 44% of housing associations identifying it as a critical risk. The new Consumer Standards, along with the Decent Homes Standard, are putting extra pressure on organisations to keep up.

ARK Consultancy’s Strategy and Governance services are designed to make this easier. Whether it’s keeping you up to date with new regulations, carrying out a mock inspection, facilitating an organisational FITness test, or helping you build a strong compliance framework, we provide practical solutions to help your organisation stay on track.

We support the recruitment and training of board members to strengthen governance and leadership, making sure your board is equipped with the skills and knowledge required to navigate sector challenges. Our expertise ensures that you can meet and exceed the needs and expectations of residents while managing risks effectively.

Contact us to find out more about how we can help with compliance and strategy.

Bridging Workforce and Skills Gaps with Interims and Recruitment Support

Nearly half of housing associations are facing recruitment and retention issues, according to the survey. Skilled professionals are essential to managing risks like data governance and customer service, but attracting and retaining the right people remains tough.

ARK’s recruitment and interim services are here to help. Whether you need an interim manager to step in quickly or assistance finding the right long-term candidate, we’ve got you covered. Our team has a proven track record of matching housing sector professionals to the roles that need them, ensuring expertise, stability, and continuity when you need it.

Learn more about our recruitment and interim services here.

Why Work with ARK Consultancy?

At ARK, we combine a deep understanding of the housing sector with practical, tailored solutions. We know the pressures you’re under and are committed to helping you manage risks while continuing to deliver excellent services for residents.

When you work with ARK, you can:

  • Improve your asset management with smarter, intelligent, data-driven strategies.
  • Stay compliant with evolving regulations.
  • Attract and retain the right people for your organisation.
  • Tackle head-on the biggest Housing Sector challenges in 2025

Contact us today to discuss how we can support your organisation in 2025 and beyond.

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