Riverside Group and One Housing, a complementary partnership
23 Jun 2021
Riverside and One Housing have been exploring the benefits of coming together as part of a single Group.
The Riverside Group and One Housing have announced plans to form a complementary partnership. This follows a shared recognition that we are better and stronger together; and that when we combine we will be able to do more for our customers and the communities we serve.
Initially there will be limited impact to our services resulting from this proposal, and no change to rents, service charges or tenancy terms.
As the plan to bring our two organisations together develops, we will aim to deliver better customer services, accelerated investment in our housing stock and improved tenancy sustainment services.
The two Boards agreed an outline business case for the partnership in June, paving the way for more detailed discussions and the creation of a comprehensive blueprint for how the relationship could work.
A formal consultation process will take place with customers as the plans are developed, and we will work with our involved residents to agree the details. We will also continue to discuss the proposals with colleagues and other stakeholders. Our aim is that One Housing Group joins Riverside by the end of the year. Our plans will progress following the approval of the shareholders of both organisations.
Terrie Alafat CBE, The Riverside’s Group Chair, said: “One Housing and Riverside are both major providers of social and affordable housing, with homes across the country. We have a lot in common, based on our strong values and a clear social purpose. This includes a deep commitment to delivering vital care and support services for elderly customers, those who are at risk of becoming homeless and people who are mentally ill or have learning disabilities.
“There has never been a greater need for our homes and services, but we operate in an environment which is getting tougher, as the challenges faced by our customers intensify and standards rise – especially those relating to building safety and carbon reduction. This has led us to discuss how together, through a bigger and stronger Group we can deliver more for residents, customers and communities.”
Caroline Corby, Chair of One Housing Group, added: “Delivering more is all about having the capacity to build more quality homes, deliver estate regeneration, be an excellent landlord, provide excellent care and support services and extend home ownership opportunities. That is our shared ambition and something we believe we can achieve by pooling our strengths and resources in this way.
“Our geography is complementary and there is a real opportunity for us to become a sector-leading national organisation with the scale and span enabling us to influence even
more, both nationally and regionally, whilst maintaining a focus on delivering great services locally.”
The proposal would see One Housing initially joining The Riverside Group as a subsidiary.
A strong customer voice
We will consult with both One Housing and Riverside Group customers about these proposals before a final decision is made, clearly setting out the implications of the partnership. We are also speaking with all relevant bodies who need to approve this type of merger and making sure they agree it is in the best interests of our customers.
We are holding a formal consultation beginning on 6 September and running for six weeks to seek your views and we would encourage you to get involved. We will write to you on September 6 to provide you with consultation information and a form.
To help ensure both One Housing and Riverside Group customers can have a say in the development of the consultation for the partnership, we are setting up a Joint Customer Advisory Panel.
Want to know more about our consultation on September 6? Download our leaflet now.