Helen White updates WHQ readers on its latest activities at the Regulatory Board for Wales (RBW).
ONS review
The new RBW always intended to hit the ground running – well, nothing could have helped focus our minds more about the role of regulation going forward than the announcement of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) review being extended to Wales. This is a big issue for the sector, with the implications of reclassification significant for numerous reasons, including the movement of historic borrowings into the public sector and ongoing borrowing potentially subject to public sector controls. The review will take place this Autumn and RBW is committed to taking a proactive approach in dealing with this issue.
How the sector is regulated will form part of the ONS review. We want to find the right balance to satisfy the ONS, while taking advantage of the opportunity to establish regulation that puts boards firmly in control of their businesses. This really crystallises the need for high quality and robust governance, with boards demonstrating the appropriate levels of skill and competency more important that ever. RBW is keen to drive forward a culture of constructive challenge and debate between the board and executives. We will of course be consulting on any proposals and look forward to shaping any changes with input from RSLs and other stakeholders.
Relaunching the Tenant Advisory Panel (TAP)
Tenants are quite rightly at the centre of the regulatory framework. The framework’s goal is that tenants and their families have decent, affordable homes and receive high quality services. The TAP was set up back in 2010 and has provided a link between RBW and tenants. RBW remains committed to putting tenants at the heart of regulation and to deliver on this commitment we have decided, in consultation with TAP, to review how it is currently operating and to see what can be done to make it even stronger for the future. To do this effectively, TAP has sought independent external advice to ensure all options for its future direction and support are considered. The regulation team is supporting TAP during this transitional period and leading on a recruitment drive for new members. RBW is excited about the opportunity this presents to TAP and is looking forward to forming a new relationship with the panel in the coming months. We would like to ask for your support to help us promote the opportunity for tenants to get involved with TAP. Please get in touch with Maria Round, regulation manager, Welsh Government for more details or if you are or know a tenant interested in joining TAP, contact Maria.Round@wales.gsi.gov.uk.
Value for Money
RBW has made a commitment to proactively support and enable associations to deliver better outcomes for tenants, customers and communities. To do this we have asked the Regulatory Advisory Group to lead a thematic review on Value for Money (VFM) as we do not currently have a comprehensive picture on progress being made in this area. Understanding how the sector is currently delivering VFM is key if the challenges presented by ongoing welfare reform and the difficult external environment are to be successfully navigated.
We are interested in all aspects of VFM not just cost. Feedback at the recent TAI 2016 conference tells us many within the sector share this view. We want to understand how associations are using VFM to drive service improvements to tenants and maximise social returns and social impact. The review will help us identify and develop good practice and offer advice and guidance to drive improved performance in this area.
In particular, we are interested in the strategic approach to VFM and how the issue is being embedded through the business planning process and driven forward at board level. RBW appreciates that there will be different approaches to securing VFM across the sector. We are keen to understand the extent to which boards are seeking to embed a continuous focus on VFM within the culture of the organisation and how this translates into practice through effective and efficient management of resources, assets and services to tenants.
Helen White is chair of the Regulatory Board for Wales (RBW)