Strong governance arrangements with regular reviews of risk & a clear line of sight are as important as ever for Boards to maintain assurance, especially when long term Development commitments are being made.

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In Wales many RSLs are either developing for the first time or ramping up their development programmes to meet the challenges of increasing supply. Several are diversifying into new tenures, and setting up subsidiaries and Joint Ventures; Development subsidiaries can present new or enhanced governance risks. Some have limited expertise in their Executive or Board teams, with skills shortages making it more challenging to acquire the skills needed. We face uncertain times. 

Many Registered Providers in England committed to large development programmes in economic circumstances that were quite different from those we find ourselves in today. Finance was available at good rates, Homes England grant allocation was confirmed, staff were in place, Local Authorities supportive. Many diversified into new tenures, setting up subsidiaries and Joint Ventures. Now we face (still) uncertainties around Brexit, market slow down, new or re-hashed Right To Buy proposals, skills shortages and pressure on Business Plan assumptions in the light of post Hackitt recommendations, all reflected in the Regulator’s 2019 Sector Risk Profile. Development risk is at the top of their concerns. 

Anthony Riley is an experienced Corporate Director, Development Director, NED, and governance and risk specialist. He uses this wide-ranging experience to help Boards and executive teams provide good governance over key risks and identify, crucially, how those risks overlay and interact with each other. His experience includes:
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• Running one of the largest Homes England funded development programmes (£135m budget and 1,000 completions p.a. including 250 Shared Ownership sales)
• Preparing and monitoring the Corporate Risk Framework
• Preparing for regulatory review 
• Managing a “mixed economy” Asset Management Service using both Direct Labour and Private Contractors
• Responsibility for all Compliance matters

Anthony is helping Boards review their governance arrangements, with particular reference to the responsibilities of Group Boards and commercial development subsidiaries. 

A Board workshop session with Anthony might include: 
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• Roles, responsibilities and relationships of parent and subsidiary boards 
• Skill sets, resources and external partnerships 
• Financial capacity and controls 
• How risks are identified and managed 
• Reporting arrangements and internal controls  ​

if you’re getting into development for the first time it really is about the skills that you need on your board and in your executive team, and understanding the risks that you’re taking on. If you need to bring in expertise to get those things that’s absolutely your starting point.”
Fiona MacGregor, Regulator of Social Housing

For an informal discussion to find out how we can offer an independent overview
of your current arrangements, please contact Kate Goodall on:
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T: 0121 285 6161 or E: [email protected]