How we are governed
Our Parent Board plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective governance and strategic direction of the organisation and ensuring that we operate efficiently and effectively to meet our goals and serve our communities. Our subsidiary boards govern the activities of our four subsidiary companies with several committees informing and influencing decision making. This includes our two tenant committees, which were newly formed in 2024.
Our Executive Team oversees the management of the day-to-day affairs. Membership consists of the Group chief executive and four executive directors. Our Executive Board operates with the formal delegation from the board and meets quarterly or as required.
Members of the Progress Homes Tenant Committee with NED Neil Townsend, helping shape how we are governed
Regulatory compliance
Maintaining regulatory standards and ensuring transparency are paramount for any responsible organisation. Our commitment to these principles is reflected in our robust approach to compliance and openness. Our current compliance rating awarded by the Regulator of Social Housing is G1/V1.
Each year, the board receives a self-assessment against the Regulator of Social Housing’s Regulatory Standard. This sets out how we comply with each expectation and details the evidence to support this for added assurance. In addition to this, the board and its committees receive regular reports against compliance on different elements of the standards.
Compliance with the standards is something that we consider throughout the year. For us, compliance is just the starting point, and we are always looking at ways we can continually improve. We have regular meetings to discuss the requirements and an action plan that we monitor through our risk system.
This year we reviewed our Transparency Policy in line with the regulatory changes. The policy is available on our website so that stakeholders can read our position statement and understand the information available to them.
Our tenant committees are pivotal to regulatory compliance
Managing risk
There are many challenges facing the social housing sector. We manage risks at board level (strategic risks), at business stream level and at operational level.
The uncertainty of the country’s economy, combined with increasing and competing demands, present various financial and business continuity risks. Increased energy costs, interest rates, supply chain risks, increased investment in areas such as net zero carbon and a downturn in the housing market are all examples of areas that could result in a reduction in operating surplus.
In addition to closely managing costs and contracts, we have also introduced additional support for tenants as we recognise the impact that the cost-of-living crisis is having on them. Our Tenancy Sustainability Service is one example of the support put in place.
Failing to understand what our tenants want and need would have a serious impact on our ability to deliver quality and timely services. Therefore, we continue to offer a range of tenant engagement, insight activities, and have a clear complaints process in place.
The health and safety of our employees, tenants and customers remains a key priority. It is acknowledged that failures in property compliance, the quality of our stock or general health and safety breaches could put people at harm. We have invested in all these areas by employing specialist skills and procuring specialist IT systems to help manage important data.
Cyber risks and data breaches are increasing for all businesses as criminals develop and use complex and sophisticated methods to attack even the most prepared organisations. We continue to invest in this area to prevent attacks where possible and ensure the impact is kept to a minimum.
Using digital tools to provide support
Our commitment to carbon reduction and sustainability
We are taking major steps in our environmental sustainability journey to not only reduce our operational impact but also to benefit our tenants. Our environmental sustainability services focus on increasing energy efficiency and building sustainable, safe, affordable, and healthy communities.
We have achieved this by implementing energy efficiency measures, such as installing energy-efficient heating systems and embracing renewable energy sources.
These initiatives not only make homes warmer and more sustainable but also help combat fuel poverty while providing physical and mental health benefits. Our corporate environmental efforts also include reducing waste and improving green spaces for nature.
This year, we have continued to deliver our Environmental Sustainability Strategy. This strategy covers all business activities, including existing and new homes, engaging with tenants, fleet transport, and office operations.
We are working towards the government's targets ensuring that all our homes are rated EPC C by 2030 and produce zero net carbon emissions by 2050. This means removing the same amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as we produce.
Throughout the year, we have launched several initiatives to reduce our long-term impact on the environment and address fuel poverty among tenants.
During 2024/25, we:
- set up a tenant group, Keen to be Green focused on sustainability that meets every six months to discuss our green efforts and receive feedback from tenants
- continued to improve the energy efficiency of our properties through an investment programme that covers insulation, energy-efficient windows and doors, and fuel-efficient heating systems
- completed a programme to upgrade the heating system at Saltcotes by installing high-heat retention storage heaters and new unvented cylinders
- increased the percentage of properties with an energy performance certificate to 81.1%. Improved our overall energy efficiency by increasing our standard assessment procedure (SAP) to 72.69
- worked with United Utilities on a fully-funded scheme to fit water saving devices at 418 properties to conserve the equivalent of 18,500 litres of water per day
- completed the second year of a two-year Department for Energy Security and Net Zero social housing decarbonisation programme
- successfully bid for £5.85 million Warm Homes funding to retrofit over 400 properties over three years
- developed a standard process for approving solar panels and electric vehicle charging installations
We are working to help our tenants affordably heat their homes and reduce fuel poverty by improving energy efficiency. This includes better insulation, more efficient heating systems, and renewable energy sources. These efforts also reduce our carbon footprint, cut waste, and improve natural areas.
We have made significant progress in improving energy efficiency in our buildings. For example, we are delivering three communal LED lighting upgrades at Derby House and Tuson House independent living schemes and one of our supported living schemes, with estimated energy savings of up to 70%.
We have also upgraded the heating systems at Ashwood Court and Charleston Court independent living schemes, including replacing gas boilers, building management systems that can be accessed remotely, and improving controls in the flats.
Zero Carbon Club
We are actively involved in zero-carbon partnerships to reach zero-carbon targets. As part of the Vantage Zero Carbon Club, we collaborate with 43 registered providers and local authorities to share best practice and maximise value for money in retrofit projects. The group represents approximately three quarters of a million homes across the UK.
Additionally, through our new contract management standard, we require contractors and suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of work on our behalf.
We will continue sharing best practice with the government, other housing providers, tenants, and supply chain partners.
Our tenant, Mrs Rouke, shared her enthusiasm with us after experiencing our energy-efficient upgrades
“My property is older and can get quite cold, making heating very costly. I am looking forward to seeing how the work carried out - cavity insulation, new double-glazed windows, doors, and solar panels - can help keep my home warm and reduce my house bills.”
Our commitment to social value
We are dedicated to creating positive social impact within our communities. We focus on enhancing the quality of life for our tenants by providing affordable housing, supporting local employment, and building community engagement.
Our initiatives include investing in community projects, promoting sustainable living, and ensuring that our operations contribute to the overall wellbeing and development of the communities we serve. We are committed to delivering social value through continuous improvement and collaboration with local partners.
Our services include help finding employment, training opportunities, money advice, homelessness support, refuge accommodation, support for older people, technology-enabled care, specialist-supported living accommodation, and more.
As a result, these initiatives help to reduce social anxiety, increase productivity, decrease crime and improve employment retention and financial stability.
You can read more about how we measure the positive impact of our services on the wellbeing of individuals and communities here
Our commitment to value for money
Our tenants want good-quality homes and services but expect us to be as efficient and effective as possible to keep costs down. We take a comprehensive approach to achieving value for money (VFM) through the VFM Strategy and annual position statement. Our board is committed to ensuring that VFM is embedded in both our culture and decision-making processes.
Investing in new gutter cleaning equipment, which removes the requirement for costly scaffolding
Our commitment to EDI
We are committed to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) at the very heart of our culture. We strive to create an environment where everyone can succeed and grow together. Valuing diversity of experience is embedded in our vision and values, in our governance and strategic decisions; in how we shape services and champion positive change, and in how we support each other, our tenants, and our customers. This is all supported by our EDI Strategy and EDI working group.
This year, we were delighted to share our first Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Annual Report.
In our report, we outline our approach to EDI and highlight the impactful work and achievements we have made over the past year to reduce inequalities and promote diversity within our organisation and in the communities we serve.
Proudly supporting Typhoons RUFC at Preston Pride — celebrating inclusion and community
Celebrating community and culture at a 'Food do you think you are' event
Celebrating community and culture at a 'Food do you think you are' event
“Equality, diversity and inclusion are themes which run through Progress Housing Group, underpinning our services and shaping our ethos and approach. We are committed to continuing this journey to build on the excellent work already undertaken at the Group and achieve our aims.”
Maggie Shannon, Non-Executive Director and EDI Board Champion
Financial performance and operating review
We want to deliver sector-leading services, meaningful customer engagement and homes and neighbourhoods where people can flourish. To do this for the long term we must also demonstrate sustainable financial strength to our funders. This means finding the right balance between our social purpose and our commercial focus.
Our financial performance for the year remained strong, delivering an operating surplus on our day-to-day activities of £21 million.
This is an increase of £6 million from £15 million last year, due to careful cost control and efficient use of resources. This strengthens our ability to invest in safe, affordable homes and better services for our tenants and customers.
Delivering sustainable financial strength means doing the basics well, including collecting rent from our tenants and minimising the time our homes sit empty. Our rent arrears for the year for current and former tenants stood at 5.2% against a target of 6.8%. The rent lost due to vacant properties was 7% which was slightly above target of 6.9%.
A national voice
Gas Safety Week
We support the annual national gas safety campaign to help promote gas safety and keep people safe.
National Social Housing Safety and Compliance Week
National Social Housing Safety and Compliance Week is an annual event highlighting safety and compliance at all levels within social housing. We pledge to keep our tenants safe by maintaining and continuously improving home safety standards.
Starts at Home
Starts at Home is a national day of action where campaign supporters unite to showcase the value of supported housing.
Stop Social Housing Stigma (formerly known as the ‘See the Person’ campaign)
We are proud to actively support the national tenant-led campaign aimed at challenging stigma and presenting a positive image of social housing and its tenants.
We are one of 12 ‘pioneering travellers’ to support the group’s work with Durham and Sheffield Hallam Universities, the Chartered Institute of Housing, TPAS and YD Consultants to develop a Tackling Stigma Journey Planner.
Purple Tuesday
The Group supports Purple Tuesday, a social movement and change initiative working to improve the customer experience for people who are disabled and their families 365 days a year by committing to changing at least one practice a year that will lead to greater inclusion and accessibility.
Learning Disability Week
We support Mencap's annual Learning Disability Week.
Supporting Carers Week
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face, and recognise their contribution to families and communities throughout the UK.
Supported Housing in Partnership (SHiP)
We are a member of SHiP.
White Ribbon and 16 Days of Action
We support the annual White Ribbon and 16 Days of Action campaigns to end domestic abuse.
Anti-Slavery Day
We support Anti-Slavery Day annually as part of our Modern Slavery Statement.
RWP is a member of Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG)
Pledges
We have undertaken several pledges aligned with our shared vision and values
Age-friendly Employer Pledge
The Group has signed the Age-friendly Employer Pledge, a free nationwide programme launched by the Centre for Ageing Better to improve the recruitment, retention and development of older workers.
Disability Confident Employer
Disability Confident organisations play a leading role in changing attitudes for the better.
CIH Make a Stand pledge
We have pledged to Make a Stand against domestic abuse. The pledge has been developed by the Chartered Institute of Housing in partnership with Women’s Aid and the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance to enable housing organisations to make a visible commitment to support people experiencing domestic abuse.
Dementia Friends
The Group supports Dementia Friends, an initiative by The Alzheimer's Society, to change people’s perceptions of Dementia.
National Housing Federation (NHF) Commitment to Refer
We have signed up to the NHF's Commitment to Refer to make a positive, public statement that shows housing associations are serious about ending homelessness.
Harry's Pledge
The Group has committed to working towards Harry's Pledge, which includes making our offices and community spaces as accessible as possible, installing ‘Changing Place’ toilets in any new offices that are open to the public, and being a carer-friendly employer.
Homes for Cathy commitments
We have united with other housing associations and homelessness charities to help end homelessness and we have signed up to nine Homes for Cathy homelessness commitments, developed with Crisis, which guide and benchmark best practice within our organisation.
South Ribble Dementia Community Connection
Progress Lifeline and Key Unlocking Futures are members of the South Ribble Dementia Community Connection as part of our commitment to improve the lives of those living with dementia and their carers.
Respect ASB Charter
We have signed up to the Respect Anti-Social Behaviour Charter for housing. The purpose of the charter is to improve the anti-social behaviour services of housing bodies.
Chartered Institute of Housing Equality and Diversity Charter
We are committed to improving equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in our organisation, and across the housing sector.
Other commitments
Brighter Futures
Our Brighter Futures programme offers fully paid job placements for six months to give our tenants a stepping stone into paid employment.
Learning Disability England
We are a member of Learning Disability England.
Learning Disability and Autism Housing Network
We are a founder member of the Learning Disability and Autism Housing Network.
Modern slavery
We are committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all our corporate activities and to ensuring that our supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.
DFN Project SEARCH
DFN Project SEARCH is an international transition-to-work programme committed to transforming the lives of young people with a learning disability and autistic people.
Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG)
RWP is a member of VODG.
Zero Carbon Club
With decarbonisation at the heart of the social housing sector's agenda, 43 housing providers have joined forces to create the Zero Carbon Club. The group represents approximately three-quarters of a million homes across the UK.
Awards
Accreditations
Progress in numbers
146
new-build homes
£7m
invested to make sure our homes are safe
10,000
people supported by Key Unlocking Futures
3,861
supported living properties across the UK
£5.85m
successfully secured in Warm Homes funding