Unloved? Maybe, but here’s how social landlords should demonstrate their worth

When I think of the sector – its scale, size and impact – I get goosebumps. That is because we can effect such change for the better, in every aspect of our world.

Let’s face it, we are all embarrassed by the damp and mould exposé, something that should never have happened, however it arose. Something we with our huge resources and skilled teams should have gobbled up, taken in our stride and sorted. But we are where we are, and a kick up the proverbial can only do us good.

So I have been thinking: what can we do post-pandemic, to really live our worth?

Let’s maximise our capacity, really sweat our assets and push hard to realise our potential. Let’s do so through environmental, social and governance credentials where we can. Borrowing funds with promises to ensure long-term sustainability – and investment in equality, diversity, skills and employment – really is a no-brainer.

Using that capacity wisely to invest in assets, neighbourhoods and people. Keeping people safe, offering high-quality services and homes, with humility and respect, driving sustainability and innovation, and building all tenures mixing social, affordable and sale to help create brilliant places to live.

Let’s tackle our worst homes and be bold shaping our places.

Let’s work imaginatively with our local authority partners, with colleges and training providers, with our health communities and voluntary groups, supporting town deals, high street funds and levelling-up investment.

Let’s open ourselves up to challenge, to drive improvement. Let’s become hearing organisations, not just listeners. Let’s inspire our partners to do the same.

Let’s make sure every pound we spend creates good in some way, whether through jobs, learning opportunities or social impact. Let’s drive apprenticeships and training through our suppliers and contractors, let’s become a hub of learning, potential and opportunity.

And let’s create organisations our colleagues are proud of – agile, supportive environments where people are trusted and treated like adults, where they balance their working day, can pick up kids from school or go to the gym, come together to collaborate, and where presenteeism is a thing of the past.

Let’s also tackle what we see today, now. The mould and damp issue, keeping people safe, hearing our tenants and residents, encouraging our colleagues, and improving our service. There is literally no time to waste.

You may say we do all of this. And of course you may be right. But that shouldn’t stop us trying even harder.

So, let’s really live our label as community anchors. Let’s inspire ourselves and each other to be brilliant – pacey, vibrant, exciting and imaginative. Let’s never settle for anything but our best.

Let’s move mad.