East Midlands housing association regains G1 status

In particular, RSH said that Tuntum had shown improvement in managing health and safety risks to its tenants, safeguarding of tenants, and understanding of the quality of its homes.

Tuntum has invested in improving the use and presentation of data on its tenants and homes, as well as in the quality of reporting to its board. “These improvements mean the board can make better informed decisions about risks and the future of the organisation,” RSH said.

The regulator also said it had seen improvements in how board members “proactively challenge” the executive team and seek assurance over Tuntum’s approach to managing key risks.

Further planned improvements in the association’s governance include delivering remaining actions from its external assurance reports and ensuring that board recruitment aligns with future skills and experience requirements.

Tuntum’s V2 financial viability rating remained unchanged, based on RSH’s most recent stability check in November 2023.

At the time, the regulator said Tuntum had an “adequately funded” business plan, but noted that it was “operating with a low level of financial headroom” and planned to increase debt to fund development.

The landlord welcomed its governance upgrade, saying although its rating has always been compliant, it needed to improve some aspects.

Ms Simei said: “We are really encouraged that our hard work and renewed focus has resulted in a strengthened governance framework which has been reflected in our re-grading.

“As an incoming chief executive, the responsive engagement process with the regulator over the last few months has been an invaluable experience.

“At Tuntum we look forward to launching our new corporate strategy in the coming weeks; a strategy that has been co-created by many voices and informed by the experience of our journey back to G1.”

Junior Hemans, chair of Tuntum, said: “We are very pleased that Tuntum has regained its G1 rating, and I would like to personally thank the board, senior leadership team and involved customers for their contributions and support.

“We remain focused on continuing improvement and delivering our new corporate strategy.”

Inside Housing spoke to Ms Simei earlier this year following her appointment as chief executive. At the time, she said a lot of headway had been made on the way back to a G1 rating and that she was working closely with staff and the regulator.