Quality Assured Scrutiny

What is Quality Assured Scrutiny? Quality Assured Scrutiny is the framework of standards and new tenant scrutiny accreditation service from TPAS, HouseMark and CIH, three leading sector organisations championing co-regulation. The assessment framework for the Quality Assured Scrutiny accreditation has been developed with the expertise and experience of our organisations in consultation with a range of tenants and landlords right across the sector. 

What makes Quality Assured Scrutiny different? Quality Assured Scrutiny is delivered by TPAS, HouseMark and CIH, all of whom are committed to the principles of co-regulation, and supporting the sector to make it a success. Quality Assured Scrutiny accreditation is different because:
• We are independent and use tenant assessors as part of the assessment and moderation process
• Accreditation is offered from organisations you can trust: TPAS, HouseMark and CIH
• The process is a value-for-money development tool because we link into existing strategies and plans
• We understand and take account of your resources throughout the evidence gathering stages to minimise the requirement
• We have unrivalled expertise in working with a range of stakeholders, from elected members to need-to-reach tenants and client groups
• We support you in your continuous improvement journey

How does it work? You can register your interest in Quality Assured Scrutiny by emailing Helen.phillips@tpas.org.uk  or by phone on 0161 868 3523. We will be in touch to explain the process of self-assessment, evidence gathering, and our unique moderation panel involving tenant assessors, which helps assure a robust, independent, quality result. The process involves six stages and if accredited, the presentation of the award.
 
The steps are:
1. Preparation and self-assessment
2. Desktop review
3. Reality checks
4. Interim feedback and challenge
5. Final report
6. Independent Tenant Assessment Panel
7. Award
 
How will Quality Assured Scrutiny provide support to my organisation? The Critical Success Factors that form the basis of Quality Assured Scrutiny accreditation are explicitly collaborative and supportive, and are designed to leave a legacy of capability and resilience within your scrutiny arrangements. We see accreditation as more than a process – it’s a journey toward continuous improvement that links with your existing business plans and corporate objectives.
 
How long will the accreditation process take? Under normal circumstances, we would expect the process to take a few months from sign-up, to final award, taking into account each organisation completing their self-assessment and compiling the evidence.
 
How resource-intensive is this accreditation? We will facilitate your evidence gathering through a unique process that aligns desired tenant outcomes with evidence and ultimately with the accreditation assessment framework. By gathering evidence in this way, Quality Assured Scrutiny lessens the resource requirement while still providing a robust, outcomes-linked, independent assessment. 

How will Quality Assured Scrutiny take account of our organisations structure? Quality Assured Scrutiny was designed with the expertise of all types of landlords that have a wide range of governance and involvement structures – from elected member scrutiny, to dispersed rural providers, to national and international housing providers. Each accreditation is arranged with all your tenants and stakeholders in mind, so you can be assured of an inclusive approach and a rewarding accreditation experience for all. 

How long does the accreditation award last? When awarded, the accreditation lasts for three years. After three years, each organisation will be encouraged to re-accredit, based on the findings and action plan in the final report. This is all part of the continuous improvement journey, and Quality Assured Scrutiny will be with you every step of the way. 

What is the value of Quality Assured Scrutiny? The Quality Assured Scrutiny accreditation investment starts at £4,995* for standard accreditation and offers:
• Trusted support from TPAS, HouseMark and CIH – working together for you
• Clear, outcomes-linked Critical Success Factors
• Methods of gathering evidence that are sensitive to your organisational requirements
• A tailored approach for every size and shape organisation
• Highly skilled associates with expertise in working with need-to-reach tenants and stakeholders at all levels
• Quality Assured Scrutiny is a development tool that links to your business plans, strategies and outcomes – supporting your journey of continuous improvement
• Feedback every step of the way to provide assurance and support your tenant scrutiny arrangements
• TPAS, HouseMark and CIH all re-invest any surpluses back into the housing sector, so Quality Assured Scrutiny is an investment put to best use
 
How do I get started? To register your interest, contact TPAS at Helen.phillips@tpas.org.uk or simply ring 0161 868 3523, and we will be in touch right away. 

How can I learn more? Recently, all three organisations have come together to publish the briefing Tenant Scrutiny: Now and in the future, which is available for download here. The briefing takes a look at co-regulation and the role of scrutiny in ensuring the success of co-regulation, service and performance improvement, and driving up value for money. The briefing builds a strong business case for the independent assessment of scrutiny arrangements in the context of the changing policy and regulatory landscape, the introduction of HRA self-financing, and increased pressure on organisational resources and performance. The briefing is illustrated with case studies and examples of best practice, plus an appendix of online resources.
 
For further information about tenant scrutiny and co-regulation, we have compiled some web resources below:
DCLG (2010) Review of Social Housing Regulation, London, DCLG
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/pdf/1742903.pdf  

TSA (2010) Making Voices Count: reviewing practice in tenant involvement and empowerment(HouseMark), London, TSA
http://www.housemark.co.uk/hmresour.nsf/lookup/Makingvoicescount.pdf/$File/Makingvoicescount.pdf 

CIH (2009) Resident led self-regulation: enhancing in-house scrutiny and performance, Coventry, CIH
www.cih.org

HouseMark (2009) How to develop and monitor local performance indicators, Coventry, HouseMark
http://www.housemark.co.uk/hmresour.nsf/lookup/PIGuide.pdf/$File/PIGuide.pdf

CIH (2009) Leading the Way: Achieving resident-driven accountability and excellence
www.cih.org 

The annual report to tenants – HouseMark toolkit
http://www.housemark.co.uk/hmresour.nsf/lookup/AnnualReportToolkit.pdf/$File/AnnualReportToolkit.pdf

CIH Active Learning for Residents programme
www.cih.org

CIH Award in Resident Scrutiny
www.cih.org

*A supplement will be charged for organisations that are very large or spanning wide geographic areas. 

Contact us for a bespoke quote at 0161 868 3523