WG regulator intervenes at major N.wales housing group
Owen Hughes
THE Welsh Government social housing regulator intervened last week at a group that manages thousands of homes in North Wales.
Earlier in March it was revealed that chief executive Shan Lloyd Williams and Group Director of Resources Bryn Ellis had “stepped back” from their roles at Penygroes-based Grwp Cynefin after an internal review.
The group - which employs more than 300 staff members and manages 4,600 homes across North Wales and Powys. also referred themselves to the housing regulator in Wales - part of the Welsh Government.
The regulator has now released a report that has downgraded Cynefin’s ranking - saying it is “noncompliant” in governance and tenant services,
It added: “The Association partially meets the regulatory standards and is unlikely to be able to achieve the required improvements without regulatory intervention.”
The regulator said: “Regulatory intervention is required to ensure Grwp Cynefin addresses the identified concerns.
“The Regulator is working closely with the Association to develop/agree an improvement plan which will include independent reviews of its leadership and governance at Executive and Board level, as well as immediate improvements to statutory compliance.
“The Association will be expected to provide a formal indication of its commitment to the agreed improvement plan and its implementation.”
They added: “The Association meets the financial viability tests. However, increased regulatory oversight will be required as the financial implications of the improvement programme are assessed.”
Among the required actions the Board and Executive must:
■ Ensure it has the range of skills and experience and operates with appropriate culture and behaviours to make effective decisions to deliver the core purpose and values of the business.
■ Evidence full compliance with all governing documents and adopted Code of Governance.
■ Ensure Board decisions are based on fully up to date, accurate and comprehensive information, with consideration of options/recommendations and access to expert advice if required ■ Establish a risk management and Board assurance framework which is effective and can be relied on to provide the Board with the level of assurance it needs across the busin e s s .
This must include, but is not limited to, compliance across the business, that assets and tenants are not at undue risk and that under-performance in relation to tenant safety can be urgently corrected. ■ Evidence that up to date information about assets and liabilities is informing relevant strategic and related financial decisions, review evidence to provide accurate assurance that all homes meet the current Welsh Housing Quality Standard and that HHSRS hazards are being dealt with effectively.
A Grwp Cynefin spokesperson said: “Grwp Cynefin has recently undertaken an internal review, including around our asset management and how we keep records.
“Following this review, we took the decision to refer ourselves to the housing Regulator as it was clear we did not have the right records and process to provide the assurance that we comply with some standards.
“We have been working closely with the Regulator to develop a plan and make changes to our process so we can evidence compliance where we need to, including around safety and the Welsh Housing Quality Standard.
“The Regulator has confirmed that they are changing our grading to compliant (yellow) on financial viability and non-compliant (amber) for governance and tenant services.
“While we are naturally disappointed, we understand the Regulator’s reasons and are fully committed to working with them to build on the changes we’ve already put in place.
“Tenants should not be worried.
“Services in our communities will continue as normal and safety remains our top priority.”
Any tenant or customer with any questions should contact Grwp Cynefin on post@grwpcynefin.org or 0300 111 2122.