Business Plan Expert Review

We provide expert and independent assurance that your business plan delivers for tenants and service users, while meeting the rigorous standards set by the Scottish Housing Regulator.

Introducing: 3 Perspectives on Business Planning

“3 Perspectives on Business Planning” is an innovative and comprehensive service designed specifically for Scottish Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), providing an expert review of business plans to ensure fairness for tenants and service users, while meeting the rigorous standards set by the Scottish Housing Regulator.

This service is delivered by a distinguished team of sector leaders who bring unique, complementary perspectives to strengthen your organisation’s strategic foundation. The team comprises Kirsty Wells, Assistant Director, alongside Associate Consultants Martin Wilkie-McFarlane and Ian Brennan. Martin is the former Chief Executive of Wellhouse Housing Association, while Ian is the former Director of Regulation at the Scottish Housing Regulator, ensuring you benefit from both operational leadership and regulatory expertise.

Our service offers RSLs great value:

Independent and holistic review of your existing business plan
Expert assessment against Scottish Housing Regulator guidance
Practical recommendations to enhance fairness for tenants and service users
In-depth feedback from three distinguished sector professionals
Three distinct yet interconnected perspectives, each adding value through specialist experience and insight.

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Perspective One: Strategic Governance and Tenant Voice (Kirsty Wells, Assistant Director)

Kirsty Wells, a leading consultant in social housing strategy and governance, brings a decisive focus on tenant engagement, fairness, and robust governance. Her review pays particular attention to:

How tenant and service user voices are captured, represented, and responded to in the business plan
The clarity, transparency, and inclusivity of your planning process
Mechanisms for ongoing tenant involvement in strategic decisions
Best practice examples from across the sector

Kirsty’s input ensures your plan reflects the lived experiences and priorities of the people your organisation serves.

Perspective Two: Operational Delivery and Community Impact (Martin Wilkie-McFarlane, Associate Consultant)

Martin Wilkie-McFarlane’s distinguished background, as a former Chief Executive, grounds his review in practical realities. He focuses on:

Deliverability of business plan objectives within resource and operational constraints
Assessment of risks and opportunities at community level
How business planning translates into meaningful improvements for tenants and service users
Alignment with sector innovation and local priorities

Martin’s perspective ensures your business plan is not just aspirational, but actionable, grounded in the realities of front-line service delivery.

Perspective Three: Regulatory Compliance and Best Practice (Ian Brennan, Associate Consultant)

With years of regulatory oversight and policy formulation as former Director of Regulation at the Scottish Housing Regulator, Ian Brennan brings an authoritative voice on compliance and risk. His review will cover:

Detailed assessment against current Scottish Housing Regulator guidance
Identification of any gaps, risks, or non-compliance issues
Recommendations for strengthening regulatory alignment, governance, and risk management
Advice on anticipating and responding to evolving regulatory requirements

Ian’s expertise protects your organisation from regulatory pitfalls and ensures your business plan meets, and exceeds, expectations.

“3 Perspectives on Business Planning” is your opportunity to strengthen the foundations of your organisation, preparing for a future where fairness, compliance, and impact go hand in hand. Whether you wish to assure your board, respond to regulatory scrutiny, or take your tenant engagement to the next level, our expert review gives you the clarity and confidence you need.

We invite Scottish Registered Social Landlords to engage with us and experience the unique benefits of a truly multi-faceted business plan review. Let us help your organisation deliver for tenants and service users—not just today, but for years to come.