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HQN consultancy work

In times like these, it can be difficult to know which way to turn. New policy initiatives come and go and housing providers, having been freed from their regulatory restraints, are dipping a cautious toe in the water to work out if things really can be done differently in the future.

But money is tight and resources are stretched – so it’s about doing more with less – and that sounds simpler than it really is. And whilst new approaches are being tested out, the day-to-day business of being a successful landlord has to continue.

That’s why HQN has brought together its wide range of support services in one easy-to-read ‘digest’- so that staff and tenants can see at a glance the kind of help that is available to both network members and non-members alike.

We’ve included details of the common types of support that provide – but each project and each client is different and unique.

What’s important to us is that it makes a difference and achieves the outcomes you need to improve your business.

Click here to download our support directory

Our work includes:

Performance improvement and inspection support

Led by Director (Performance Improvement) Gill Stead, our performance improvement team offers:

  • Inspection support, including mock inspections and short notice inspections
  • Service reviews and health checks, including for Housing Benefit and leaseholder services
  • Performance management support
  • Mystery shopping
  • Governance and board support
  • Equality and diversity compliance checks.

We have helped over 200 organisations and seen many of our clients go on to achieve excellent inspection results, win quality awards and deliver services of which they can be justifiably proud.

For further information please contact Anna Pattison via email at anna.pattison@hqnetwork.co.uk or telephone the HQN office on 0845 4747 004, or alternatively use our consultancy enquiry form.

Financial support

Our experienced team of finance consultants offer guidance and support on:

  • Financial analysis and modelling
  • Critical review of existing business plans
  • Strategic business plan development
  • Financial projections, calculations and forecasting.

We also design and deliver training on all aspects of housing finance and VfM: our training interventions can be pitched at any level within your organisation, from the boardroom to the frontline, and from finance professionals to operational staff.

For further information please contact Russell Helms via email at russell.helms@hqnetwork.co.uk or telephone the HQN office on 0845 4747 004, or alternatively use our consultancy enquiry form.

Asset management

Our experienced team is led by Wayne Hughes and has a track record of strong project management and in-depth understanding of local authority, ALMO and housing association asset management (operations, funding, regulation and inspection). It provides support tailored to your needs in every area, including:

  • Stock condition validation
  • DLO reviews and support
  • Procurement advice
  • Market testing.

For further information please contact Russell Helms via email at russell.helms@hqnetwork.co.uk or telephone the HQN office on 0845 4747 004, or alternatively use our consultancy enquiry form.

Strategic housing services

The range of services we offer reflects the diversity of the strategic housing function, supporting the development of strategy and policy (including affordable housing, private sector housing, homelessness and housing support):

  • Support to improve performance (including mock inspections)
  • Work at local, sub-regional and regional levels
  • Approaches to value for money
  • Choice-based lettings
  • Research projects ranging from assessing options for intermediate housing to the impact of local government reform.

For further information please contact Russell Helms via email at russell.helms@hqnetwork.co.uk or telephone the HQN office on 0845 4747 004, or alternatively use our consultancy enquiry form.

ALMO consultancy

HQN has a particular expertise here, having worked with prospective ALMOs from the very first round:

  • We have close ties with the National Federation of ALMOs
  • We keep abreast of all the issues affecting ALMOs, from governance to Decent Homes.

Our advice is strictly impartial - we have no links to any suppliers or purchasing organisations.
For further information please contact the Business Management Team via email at hqn@hqnetwork.co.uk or telephone the HQN office on 0845 4747 004, or alternatively use our consultancy enquiry form.

Large-scale research projects

HQN has been commissioned to undertake prestigious research on a range of issues including:

  • Assessment of all local authority homelessness strategies for CLG
  • Development of housing management specifications for the Housing Corporation
  • Analysis of why landlords improve, and toolkits to stimulate improvement, for CLG and the HC
  • Inspection of MoD residential holdings overseas for the National Audit Office.

For further information please contact the Business Management Team via email at hqn@hqnetwork.co.uk or telephone the HQN office on 0845 4747 004, or alternatively use our consultancy enquiry form.

View a list of our Consultants and Associates.