Message from Paul Hackett
I ’ ve been so impressed by the immense amount of work going on across AmicusHorizon and Viridian to ensure a smooth transition when we launch the new organisation .
And as we get nearer to Day One and the beginning of a new chapter , I think it ’ s worth briefly reflecting on why we ’ re coming together as one team .
Yes , by joining forces we ’ ll have greater capacity to build more homes , which of course is a great thing during this time of housing crisis . But it ’ s about more than that . One of the major differences that distinguishes this from other mergers happening in the sector right now is the amount of things we have in common .
To create a partnership which works , it ’ s vital both organisations have values and a culture which is compatible . And it ’ s been clear from the very outset that ’ s been the case with AmicusHorizon and Viridian .
Residents will remain at the heart of everything we do and this is what will set us apart and drive success . We ’ ve a common purpose and a commitment to providing excellent customer service .
Optivo is what our sector needs right now .
Awards success
Well done to Viridian ’ s Governance Team for winning the Excellence in Scrutiny Award at the TPAS Awards ( Southern Region ) 2017 .
The category recognised their excellent work in putting robust processes in place to allow residents to facilitate development and change .
If you haven ’ t voted , there ’ s still time ! www . ftbawards . com / award-category /
It ’ s great to see Viridian shortlisted in three categories for the 2017 First Time Buyer Readers ’ Awards too . The Awards are a fantastic celebration of the great efforts to help aspirational buyers on to the housing ladder .
Housing White Paper
The Government is currently consulting on the Housing White Paper which promises to ‘ fix Britain ’ s broken housing market ’.
It signals a more positive role for housing associations and we ’ re seen as a major delivery partner of mixed tenure homes .
The White Paper includes positive measures around rent certainty and planning and the timing is ideal for Optivo as we gear up to become one of the largest developing housing associations in the UK .
I ’ ve been asked to give evidence on behalf of our sector to the Public Accounts Committee . This is the parliamentary committee with responsibility for scrutinising value for money from public expenditure . They ’ re currently interested in the supply of affordable housing . This gives Optivo an early opportunity to influence Government policy .
Building our influence
We ’ re spending a lot of time building Optivo ’ s external profile so we can really hit the ground running when we reach legal completion .
I ’ ll be Chairing the g15 from September and Kate Dodsworth is already chair of the Chartered Institute of Housing London region . These key seats at the table further increase Optivo ’ s influence in the sector .
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