5.
Business plan objectives and value for money
The Accord five year Business Plan (The Plan) sets out the organisation’s strategic objectives as determined by the Board
following consultation with customers, staff and stakeholders. The business plan translates Accord’s shared values into
corporate objectives and medium-term goals. As part of the business planning and performance scrutiny process Accord’s Board
undertakes strategic planning sessions which focus on short to long-term objectives and the effectiveness of these in meeting
the core values and purpose of the organisation. The VFM driver is clear throughout the Plan with clear links between the key
objectives and the VFM Strategy to ensure VFM is embedded throughout the organisation in a transparent and meaningful way.
The Plan consistently draws out the on-going growth aspirations of the organisation. Directorates within Accord are measured on
a range of key performance indicators relating to delivery as well as financial performance reviews factoring in VFM. The Board
remains mindful of the purpose of the organisation, its guiding principles and ethos balanced with a commercial approach to
ensuring effective use of its resources, recognising efficiency gains wherever possible and requiring on-going reviews of VFM
across all business units.
Business plan objectives are set in the context of Accord’s purpose which are the provision of homes, support and services for
those in need. Accord continues to deliver a range of new affordable homes which meet differing needs. For example, Accord has
worked closely with communities in localities to understand housing need and demand leading to schemes such as town-centre
regeneration projects providing much needed housing for rent and Shared Ownership, homes for families and for older people.
The organisation continues to deliver support and care services as it has done for over 50 years, firmly believing that providing
just a house is not always enough and the wider offer of support to sustain tenancies, help people in their own homes, with
their health and wellbeing is just as important. Objectives are therefore set in the context of a commercial approach to achieve
Accord’s social purpose.
As part of the on-going assessment of delivery of new homes and the management of existing units, Accord continues to carry
out detailed financial appraisals of the efficiency of stock and the return on investment in assets. This information supports the
delivery of both Accord’s Asset Management and Stock Disposal strategies, and ensures that funds are invested in a focussed
way, maintaining assets which will generate income for the future.
Objectives cover a rolling five-year period with an annual review to ensure they remain appropriate and relevant. The Board
undertakes a number of strategic planning sessions within the year which focus on short to long-term objectives and the
effectiveness of these in meeting the core values and purpose of the organisation. Flowing from the key objectives are targets
to assist in effective delivery which are measured through a range of mechanisms including financial performance reports and
delivery reports. This is done at every Executive Board meeting and the meetings of the Accord Board and its Committees to
ensure consistent and on-going scrutiny and challenge.
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Accord Housing Association