You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles
Clarion adds regulatory expert to board ahead of new government clampdown
Clarion has appointed a regulatory expert to strengthen its board ahead of new laws facing the sector and four months after it was called out by Michael Gove for not meeting “fundamental standards”.
Rachel Fletcher, who is currently director of regulation and economics at Octopus Energy, joined the 125,000-home landlord’s board at the start of this month.
She will also serve on Clarion’s remuneration, nomination and people committee.
The UK’s biggest housing association has come under the spotlight in the past year for its performance. It has been found culpable by the Housing Ombudsman of severe maladministration on three occasions since last September and been criticised for its failings on the high-profile Eastfields Estate in south London.
READ MORE
In May, then-housing secretary Mr Gove wrote to Clarion saying he was “deeply disappointed” that the landlord is not meeting “fundamental standards” for its tenants.
The sector is also facing a raft of changes through the government’s Social Housing Regulation Bill.
Prior to Octopus Energy, Ms Fletcher spent three-and-a-half years as chief executive at Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority. Before that, she worked at Ofgem for 12 years in various roles.
She said: “I’m looking forward to supporting the group in providing a good service to all its customers and adapting to the new regulatory focus on customer service as the new Social Housing Regulation Bill continues through parliament.”
David Avery, chair of Clarion, said: “Rachel brings with her a wealth of regulatory experience from major sectors. This will be particularly welcome as we adapt to some of the changes being introduced in the new Social Housing Regulation Bill.”
The housing association suffered a major cyberattack in June, which is still affecting its systems.
Sign up to the Social Housing Annual Conference 2022
The Social Housing Annual Conference is the sector’s leading one-day event for senior housing leaders, which delivers the latest insight and best practice in strategic business planning. The conference will provide multiple viewpoints and case studies from a variety of organisations from across the housing spectrum, including leaders in business and local and central government.
Join your peers for a full day of intensive, high-level learning, networking and informed debate addressing the most crucial topics surrounding finance, governance and regulation to help the sector understand and manage the pressures it faces.
Find out more and book your delegate pass here.
