During times of national austerity, optimising resources to achieve better services for customers isn't just value for money, it's good business sense.
At One Vision, we encourage our staff to be mindful of value for money in all that they do. We undertake a VFM assessment of all our services every six months, making sure that each team is fully aware of their costs and how to manage them.
While others are outsourcing, we realised we could provide better value by in-sourcing our work. We have invested in staff training to make sure we're getting the best out of our own people, rather than relying on others. We now take responsibility for surveys, asbestos management, call handling, procurement and grounds as well as repairs and maintenance.
In 2010 we created One Vision Housing Property Services (OVHPS) to take control of our repairs and maintenance services to existing customers. In future, we hope there may be opportunities to expand the work of OVHPS, both within the borough and outside Sefton, to boost our income and help us to invest in our homes and services.
Tenants themselves have a role in helping us demontrate value for money. Tenant inspectors, service review groups, the scrutiny panel and our board members all play a big part in making sure we offer customers the best service at the right cost.
Given the tough times ahead, our own tenants will be required to seek value for money in every area of their own lives – and this includes demanding the best from us as a landlord. The economic climate means that they are more commercially aware than ever before, and their expectations are higher too.
We responded to cuts in grant funding by developing a business plan which will allow us to support provision and renewal of social housing. Our model requires that we provide excellent landlord services and new financial capacity for partners within the One Vision Partners group; the result will be 200 new homes.
Since undergoing stock transfer from Sefton council in 2006, we have secured efficiency savings of £33.5m – a direct result of successful value for money and procurement strategies. From resident involvement and the tenants that scrutinise our services, to champions among our staff, value for money strategy has played a big role.
As a housing provider, we are always looking for ways to improve our services and make the most of our money for the benefit of our customers. Our people are motivated by a culture that puts our customers at the heart of everything we do.
How to succeed in creating value for money: three top tips
• Invest in staff – they are your best asset
• Make value for money the responsibility of everyone
• Use the supply chain – get your customers and others involved in scrutinising your service
Tracey Liggett is strategic director of corporate services at One Vision Housing
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