GOV.UK: RSH takes enforcement action against Concept Housing Association

• Concept must commission a third-party insolvency expert, get an independent review of board skills, and provide health and safety assurance.
• Hexagon Housing Association is under investigation and has been added to the gradings under review list.

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has initiated enforcement action against Concept Housing Association after it failed to address serious operational and financial failings, including overdue financial statements and inadequate risk management. RSH is requiring Concept to commission an insolvency expert, review board skills, and provide health and safety assurance.

RSH is also investigating Hexagon Housing Association for potential serious failings in delivering the Governance and Financial Viability Standard. Hexagon has been placed on the gradings under review list, and the outcome will be confirmed in a regulatory judgement once the investigation is completed.

• Review Concept Housing Association's arrangements with external organisations for appropriateness as highlighted by RSH.
• Monitor Hexagon Housing Association's status on the gradings under review list for updates on regulatory judgement.
• Ensure compliance with RSH's requirements for independent reviews and health and safety assurance in Concept Housing Association's improvement plan.

This story highlights the importance of robust governance, financial viability, and risk management in social housing providers. Compliance officers must ensure their organisations meet regulatory standards and respond promptly to identified failings. The enforcement action against Concept Housing Association and the investigation into Hexagon Housing Association demonstrate RSH's willingness to use statutory powers when providers fail to comply, underscoring the need for effective internal controls and transparent reporting to avoid regulatory intervention.