Strategy, Policy & Research

Strategy, Policy & ResearchA clear strategic direction, supported by complementary policies, all underpinned by a thorough understanding of the world in which we are working.

Wouldn’t it be nice?

We can help you make progress towards that goal. We bring an analytical approach, and a drive for clarity. We can help clients cut out strategy and policy “clutter” that stops them being useful in day-to-day work. We will be challenging – and make you think hard about what you really really want.

Strategy Preparation

We can update – or develop from scratch – a range of strategies:

  • Development
  • Regeneration
  • Asset Management

Our view is that strategies needs to be clear, terse and easily developed into measurable action plans. To be effective they need to be seen to be relevant by staff in their day-to-day work. Setting a strategic direction is one of the main ways in which a Board and Executive Team control their organisation. It is important that they work.

Policy development

Development and regeneration departments need policies on delegated authority (covering quality and time as well as cost), property procurement, internal approval, inter-departmental working arrangements, Project team working, resident involvement, consultant and contractor procurement and so on.

The policy framework needs to support the strategic framework and be easy-to-use on a day-to-day basis. as with strategies, policies need to be clear, focused and concise.

With our mixture of decades-long experience of funding compliance issues, affordable housing custom and practice and professional project/programme management, we are well placed to offer support in this area.

Research projects

We undertake qualitative and quantitative research for clients. As well as undertaking research on our own account. The topics vary covering issues such as:

  • the financial assumptions made by housing associations when appraising projects;
  • housing standards;
  • attitudes to Client Charter;
  • availability of training opportunities in construction procurement.

We focus on small to medium-sized research projects.

View examples of our publicly-available research reports.

Governance & probity reviews & investigations

We have undertaken a number of reviews assessing the adequacy of the governance arrangements within affordable housing providers and/or their probity. Initiated by the regulator or the Board, such reviews need careful and sensitive handling.

Recent clients in this field
Greater London Authority / Ocean Housing / Constructing Excellence / Home Group / Homes & Communities Agency / LAPN / National Housing Federation / CABE /  Tower Hamlets Homes