Governance
We ensure that fully effective governance is operating at all levels of the organisation. It is robust, adds value and offers genuine opportunity for residents to influence and scrutinise bdht’s strategy and service delivery.
bdht is regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) who provides all registered housing associations with a Governance (G) rating, Financial Viability (V) rating and a Consumer (C) rating. Bdht’s current ratings are:
C rating to be determined as this is a new regulatory standard which came into effect in April 2024.
For further information about what each grading means and how they are assessed, click the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-we-approach-regulatory-judgements-and-gradings
In order to comply with the RSH Consumer Standards set out in the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, we have appointed John Whitwam (Director of Housing & Communities) as our dedicated lead for Consumer Standards and Graeme Anderson (CEO) as our lead for making sure we’re compliant with our health and safety obligations for tenants.
Read our Resident Engagement Framework (pdf), which sets out how we listen to residents, involve them in shaping services and act on the feedback they share with us.
At bdht, we operate a Board and Committee structure designed to support effective governance, robust oversight, and informed decision?making.
The Board retains overall responsibility for the bdht’s strategic direction, performance, risk, and compliance. To support this role, the Board has established a number of Committees. Each Committee operates under Board?approved terms of reference, which set out its role, responsibilities, membership, and reporting arrangements. Committee Chairs report regularly to the Board on activity, key issues, and recommendations.
The Committees provide an opportunity for more detailed and in?depth scrutiny of specific areas of the bdht’s operations and responsibilities.
Committees do not replace the authority of the Board. Final accountability and decision?making remain with the Board.
Our Board and Committee structure is as follows:
The Committee supports the Board in meeting its statutory and regulatory responsibilities by providing independent scrutiny and assurance. It oversees risk management, internal controls, business continuity, health and safety, audit arrangements, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Committee also ensures that bdht has an effective confidential reporting (whistleblowing) process in place, allowing staff to raise concerns in confidence.
Committee Members are as follows:
The Committee supports the Board by ensuring effective arrangements are in place for the customer voice to be heard and acted upon. It provides assurance that service delivery standards are being met for all customers and that bdht complies with the Consumer Regulatory Standards and the Housing Ombudsman’s expectations.
Committee Members are as follows:
We also have a Customer Insight Panel who assist the Committee by providing formal scrutiny of service delivery performance to improve outcomes for customers and deliver value for money. For more information about our Customer Insight Panel and resident engagement activities click here.
The Committee supports the Board by overseeing financial viability and performance, treasury management, capital investment, development activity, and the delivery of value for money.
Committee Members are as follows:
The Committee supports the Board by overseeing governance arrangements, Board development and training, remuneration for non?executives and staff, pay equity, and strategic human resources matters.
Committee Members are as follows: