Aspiring young professionals and those looking to change career paths are being encouraged to take their next step with the launch of a dozen new apprenticeship opportunities. Read more
As I reflect on 2020/21 one word comes to mind: resilience. I have been profoundly impressed and very proud – though not surprised – by the extraordinary response of all my colleagues to the pandemic. When we recruit for many of our roles, we value personal qualities above specific experience. People who are caring, dedicated, collaborative and determined to make a positive difference can very... Read more
When I reflect on 2020-21, the most satisfying aspect of our response to the pandemic was the adaptability demonstrated by so many teams and individuals. We adopted new ways of working, found creative solutions and provided essential services in the most challenging of circumstances. There are some really notable achievements of which we can be incredibly proud. Beginning the financial year in full... Read more
This was a year defined by COVID-19. For all of us, the pandemic changed everything. At Housing Plus Group it meant that we worked very differently, with clear priorities to maintain essential services for customers and to be a good employer. For me, 2020-21 has been a year of great pride. We pulled together across the Group, and forged even stronger relationships with stakeholders and community partners.... Read more
Having devoted 16 years to customers and colleagues of Housing Plus Group, Jan Goode said farewell as she went off into early retirement at the end of March 2021. For the past few years I have had the pleasure of working alongside Jan as part of the executive team and it is a great pleasure to take on the role of Executive director of housing along with my responsibility for care services. The... Read more
This report reflects upon a year like no other. Following the successful merger between Housing Plus Group and Stafford and Rural Homes at the end of 2019, our expanded Group was preparing to meet the challenges of integration, harmonisation and delivery against a hugely ambitious corporate plan. As we now know, there were even bigger challenges ahead. This financial year began and ended in lockdown.... Read more
As separate organisations, both Housing Plus Group and Stafford and Rural Homes were financially robust, delivering performances significantly above average in the sector. Together, we recognised that a new, combined business would have greater financial strength, enabling it to do more than either landlord could achieve alone. As well as achieving savings through refinancing opportunities, our... Read more
In 2019 we asked for your support for a merger between Housing Plus Group and Stafford and Rural Homes. You agreed that we should take the opportunity to build a bigger group, offering even better homes and services. Looking back on 2019/20, the year when we transformed our Group, I am proud of what we have already achieved together. We have increased our housing stock to 18,000 homes, establishing... Read more
This report has been prepared during a time of national challenge and reflects our year of change. For Housing Plus Group, 2019/20 was shaped by our successful merger with Stafford and Rural Homes. This was an exciting joining together of successful, neighbouring housing providers sharing very similar values and ambitions. Both our organisations were already providing great services. Together, we wanted... Read more
As important as our commitment to build new homes, the Group will focus investment in our existing housing stock by ensuring that homes are well maintained and benefit from ongoing improvement programmes. Our expanded scale means that we expect to invest more than £100m in improvements and repairs by 2023. Along with responsibility for repairs, maintenance and the safety compliance of 18,000 homes... Read more
