Homes in Sedgemoor (HiS) was established in 2007 and is an Arm’s Length Management Organisation (ALMO), managing approximately 4,000 homes on behalf of Somerset Council.
DTP was commissioned by HiS to undertake a Board effectiveness review, in line with the organisation’s chosen code of governance. We were asked to consider the performance of the Board and Committees, roles of Board members, meeting reports, the relationship between the Board, Executive and Council and key governance documentation.
Start up
We held a start-up meeting to agree key contacts, information requirements (and sources) and key stakeholders with whom we would need to engage. A timeline for reporting was also agreed.
Desk-top analysis / structured interviews
We conducted desk-top analysis of a range of governance documentation to inform our review. We observed meetings of the Board, Audit and Risk Committee and reviewed documentation from the Sedgemoor Tenants Assurance Committee. Board and independent Committee members completed a questionnaire to gain their views of governance effectiveness. This was followed up by one-to-one interviews with all members, involved tenants and key lead officers from the Council. We also undertook a collective discussion with the executive team. The aim of all of the discussions was to gain further insight into the operation and effectiveness of the Board and governance, along with members’ skills, experience and knowledge.
Analysis, review and reporting
We used our findings and analysis to produce a report which made recommendations for strengthening and improving governance. We did not find any areas of non-compliance with the NHF Code of Governance. We presented our report to the Board in May 2024 and are working with HiS to assist them to implement some of the recommendations from our review.
The review has given HiS a firm platform to take forward its governance effectiveness in the knowledge that any changes it makes will further strengthen what is already a strong basis for governing the organisation.
Ben Lane, Company Secretary and Director of Finance and Performance