Four Years Post Pandemic – Social Housing

23^rd March 2020, the world went into lockdown as the Coronavirus pandemic took hold across the globe. Little did we know this would be the start of a seismic shift in behaviours and attitudes towards everyday life; at work, school and home.

Individuals, business owners, social housing providers and many more were forced to pivot strategies overnight; in some instances, accelerating 3-5 year plans in a matter of days and weeks.

This short content series shines a spotlight on some of the sectors we work with and the advances we’ve witnessed since the pandemic before we conclude with our predictions for the future of the sector.

Social Housing

The social housing sector has undergone significant transformations which were largely accelerated by the lockdown measures put in place. As a result, several key trends emerged, shaping the landscape of social housing and influencing priorities and practices within the sector.

How digital developments have empowered tenants to connect

Digital communication channels have been amplified within the sector and this includes technologies such as portals, video conferencing and SMS which have all become a necessity when engaging with tenants. These platforms have enabled housing providers to maintain communication, provide support, and ensure tenant engagement during challenging times.

As digital platforms became indispensable tools for communication and operations, the threat of cybersecurity and IT vulnerabilities hit new heights. This forced housing providers to invest in robust measures to safeguard sensitive data and futureproof their systems from potential threats.

Data driven strategies enabling the social housing sector with the confidence to grow

The lockdown period magnified the crucial role of data in housing management and since then efforts have been intensified to ensure greater visibility and eliminate any gaps which exist. The increased focus on data insights and analytics has allowed housing providers to make informed decisions, improve operational efficiencies and service delivery, particularly in times of crisis, and allows housing managers to pivot strategies with much more confidence.

Spotlight on vulnerable tenant communities

The pandemic shone a light on the most vulnerable communities living in social housing. Housing providers recognised the need to prioritise tenant well-being and engagement particularly with changing circumstances, job losses, the inability to pay rent, and the disruption of community support systems particularly for the elderly. The focus on ‘knowing your tenants better’ has become a lasting legacy of the post-pandemic era especially with it being reinforced by regulatory bodies.

A shift in priorities in social housing

During lockdown green spaces and open areas took on greater importance providing much needed respite for tenants confined to their homes. This appreciation for natural environments has led to a renewed focus on integrating them into social housing developments to support fostering a sense of community.

The overnight shift to remote working posed many challenges for housing organisations as they grappled with the need to maintain operations whilst maintaining the safety of their employees. However, this paved the way for a more flexible and adaptable workforce, with remote and hybrid working models now becoming the norm.

What is driving the social housing sector of today?

One of the core priorities currently driving the social housing sector is compliance with the Regulations of Social Housing Consumer Standards. This takes into account crucial aspects such as Building Safety, ensuring Decent Homes, and measuring Tenancy Satisfaction. As deadlines loom closer, this has emerged as the top priority for housing providers today.

Compared to the pre-pandemic landscape, the focus on these standards has intensified, and reflects a heightened emphasis on ensuring the safety, quality, and satisfaction of residents within social housing properties.

What does the future look like for social housing?

The social housing crisis in the UK is expected to worsen over the next 12 months.

Despite efforts to address the housing shortage, forecasts from RSM UK indicate a projected decrease in housing construction over the next three years. This ongoing shortage poses challenges for both providers and residents within the social housing sector. As a general election looms, all eyes turn to the Government to address these issues, prioritising the construction of new affordable housing units as well as implementing policies to support those struggling to pay rent or secure a home.

Looking ahead to 2024, a notable trend is the increasing collaboration between For-Profit Registered Providers (RPs), new investors, and Investor-RP joint ventures. This suggests a shift towards more diverse funding models and partnerships within the sector, particularly evident during the developmental stages of projects. Providing it’s carefully managed, an injection of equity is likely to provide the sector with a much needed boost.

And finally, in line with broader technological advancements, the social housing sector is witnessing the integration of AI and the strengthening of data management platforms. These innovations aim to streamline operations, enhance decision-making processes, and improve overall efficiency within housing management practices.

By using AI and robust data management platforms, this signals a positive shift towards more data-driven strategies, enabling housing providers to optimise resources, enhance service delivery, and meet the evolving needs of residents effectively.

As the social housing landscape continues to evolve, adapting to regulatory requirements, addressing housing shortages, fostering collaborations, and embracing technological innovations will be pivotal in shaping the sector’s trajectory over the next few years.

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