Annual Assurance Statements are an important way for social landlords to assure themselves that they comply with regulatory requirements and legal duties. All social landlords need to submit an Annual Assurance Statement to the Scottish Housing Regulator by 31 October this year.
Michael Cameron, the Regulator’s Chief Executive, was speaking at Scotland’s Housing Network’s Scrutiny and Value For Money Practice Exchange in Glasgow. Michael told delegates that the Statement is a useful tool that should help governing body members and committees consider the questions to ask of senior managers.
Michael said: “Perhaps more important than the Statement itself, is the fact that your boards are getting the right levels of assurance in a way that works for them and your organisation. This is all about effective relationships between the governing body and senior staff, characterised by constructive challenge, collaboration and openness. This has never been more important.”
Michael shared tips on what landlords’ Assurances Statements should include, discussed some of the approaches landlords are taking, and highlighted the Frequently Asked Questions available on the Regulator’s website.
Notes to editors
1. The Scottish Housing Regulator was established on 1 April 2011 under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010. Its objective is to safeguard and promote the interests of tenants and others who use local authority and RSL housing services. The Regulator operates independently of Scottish Ministers and is accountable directly to the Scottish Parliament. It assumed its full regulatory responsibilities on 1 April 2012. The Regulator consists of the Chair and seven Board members. More information about the Regulator can be found on its website at www.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk
2. SHR regulates around 160 registered social landlords and the housing activities of 32 local authorities.
3. SHR sets out how it regulates social landlords in its published framework – Regulation of Social Housing in Scotland.