Are evolving regulations an opportunity or overload for housing associations?

When it comes to the Modern Slavery Act, too many housing associations view supply chain transparency as a tick-the-box task. But let’s be clear, this is about more than just avoiding PR scandals. The updated act demands active monitoring and accountability, which means mapping your supply chain, auditing suppliers and being ready to walk away from unethical practices.

The harsh truth? Many associations still rely on outdated procurement practices that leave them vulnerable. Building genuine trust with suppliers, incentivising ethical sourcing and fostering partnerships are critical. The Modern Slavery Act isn’t just a challenge. It’s a wake-up call for housing providers to lead ethical supply chain innovation.

“The Social Value Act has often been dismissed as just another procurement regulation. But its potential is transformative”

SECR might not be mandatory for all housing associations, but voluntary adoption is no longer a choice. With the rise of environmental, social and governance (ESG) scrutiny, tenants and investors alike are demanding transparency on carbon footprints.

Here’s where SECR shines: it forces organisations to face the hard data. Do you know your Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions? Have you set credible reduction targets? Housing providers can’t afford to fall back on ‘we’re too small to report’. Adopting SECR practices now gives early movers a head start in the race to net zero, and positions them as forward-thinking partners for public and private funders.

The Social Value Act has often been dismissed as just another procurement regulation. But its potential is transformative. Housing associations are uniquely positioned to deliver real community benefits, from creating jobs and apprenticeships to supporting tenant well-being.

Unfortunately, some providers are still stuck in the old mindset of cost-first procurement. Here’s the reality: prioritising social value doesn’t just enhance tenant lives, it drives long-term financial sustainability. An engaged, supported community is a stable one, reducing arrears and turnover. Associations that ignore the act are not only missing opportunities, but also sending the message that they are out of touch with tenant needs.

Let’s address the elephant in the room: many housing associations argue that sustainability ambitions are nice in theory but impractical, given funding constraints, tenant resistance and supply chain complexity. Are these challenges insurmountable or just excuses?

Yes, retrofitting older housing stock and adopting renewable energy is expensive. But associations need to think bigger. Transition disclosure plans, enhanced ESG reporting and robust social value strategies can unlock funding opportunities that reward sustainability innovation. The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund is just the start. Private investors are actively seeking organisations with credible green credentials.

Tenant resistance stems from fear of disruption and costs. The solution is simple: involve tenants early. Co-designing projects and communicating long-term benefits, such as lower energy bills and healthier homes, can turn sceptics into advocates. Transparency isn’t optional; it’s essential.

Ethical supply chains are complicated, but not impossible. Digital tools for mapping and monitoring suppliers can make transparency achievable. Housing associations must also adopt ethical procurement policies and move away from lowest-bidder-wins approaches.

“Housing associations must stop viewing evolving regulations as burdens and start treating them as opportunities to innovate, differentiate and lead”

Many housing associations are managing to not just meet compliance targets but redefine what success looks like. Transparent ESG reporting and alignment with SECR and the Social Value Act demonstrate how to balance regulatory demands with meaningful impact.

It’s not about resources, it’s about priorities. Aligning regulations with mission-driven strategies is a game-changer.

So, where do we go from here? Housing associations must stop viewing evolving regulations as burdens and start treating them as opportunities to innovate, differentiate and lead. Modern Slavery Act compliance isn’t just an ethical obligation, it’s a chance to build trust and integrity. SECR isn’t just a carbon-counting exercise, it’s a business strategy to attract funders and partners. And the Social Value Act isn’t a box to tick, it’s a transformative platform for community engagement.

The real question is: will housing associations embrace this new era of sustainability or will they lag behind? The choice is theirs.

It’s time for housing associations to step up, embrace innovation and lead the way to a greener, fairer future. Sustainability isn’t just about surviving the present regulatory wave, it’s about thriving in the future.

Francesca Lee, chief executive and founder, SocialValueArchitect