More than 240 associations sign up to Sector Scorecard pilot

More than 240 housing providers have pledged to take part in a pilot scheme of the ‘Sector Scorecard’, which is designed to establish a recognised set of benchmarking criteria for the sector.

Over the next year, these providers, which jointly own more than 1.5 million homes, will record data against 15 different criteria to provide a benchmarking service.

The housing regulator is understood to be considering using the metrics in its assessment of housing associations’ Value for Money. The project has been backed by housing minister Gavin Barwell and was referenced in last week’s Housing White Paper.

The Sector Scorecard will measure 15 indicators across five general areas focusing on: business health, development, outcomes delivered, effective asset management and operating efficiencies.

It has been devised by an Efficiency Working Group comprised of 15 landlords and has the backing of the National Housing Federation and the Chartered Institute of Housing.

Mark Henderson, chief executive of Home Group and leader of the project, said: “The response to the scorecard has been phenomenal. We’ve had sign-ups from large and small providers, those in rural and city areas, those with general needs stock and some with supported housing functions.

“It’s encouraging to know the scorecard is being well received in government but I want to make one thing clear: this is a move by the sector, for the sector, and we’re running the pilot to ensure the metrics represent the diversity in the sector.”

Providers can still sign up to the pilot by emailing sectorscorecard@homegroup.org.uk.