LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FUTURE

CONSIDERING OPTIONS

As part of our current work to up-date the Association’s Business Plan, we are looking ahead to the future and trying to decide whether Bridgewater should continue as a stand-alone organisation or whether we should either become part of a larger organisation or become part of a larger group of organisations.  I should say at this point that we are simply exploring the options and that the Board’s preference is to remain as a stand-alone organisation, independent but collaborating more.  (Option 2).  However before coming to a final decision, the Board would like to know what our customers think and would like to take their views into consideration before finalising our plans for the future.

At a recent strategy day, facilitated by an independent consultant the following options were considered.

1. remain independent,
2. remain independent and collaborate more,
3. partner with another RSL to form a group structure, and
4. merge with another RSL.

Remaining Independent

Remaining independent would mean that the Association would continue to operate the way it does at the moment with its own Board and determining its own direction and priorities.  Much in the same way as we do now.  Though the Association would need to ensure that it was financially viable over the long term and could continue to provide good services.

Remain independent and collaborate more

This would mean continuing to operate much in the same way as we do at the moment as an independent autonomous organisation but exploiting ways of reducing costs and improving services by working more with other Associations and other organisations.  Again the Association would need to ensure that it was financially viable over the long term and could continue to provide good services.

Partner with another RSL to form a group structure

This would mean continuing to be a Housing Association but being part of a larger group of Housing Associations with a “parent” organisation in charge.  This would mean some of the decisions that we currently take around investment and rents etc. potentially being taken by the “parent” organisation.  This could mean that because the Association was part of a larger group there could be economies of scale and could make savings in running costs.

Merge with another RSL

This would mean the Association becoming part of another larger Association and ceasing to be Bridgewater Housing Association.  All decisions would be made by the new larger organisation.  This would likely mean considerable savings being made in running costs.

We would like to hear what you think about these options and we have provided an opportunity on our web site for you to tell us.  Please click here to download a copy of our form, then use the contact form at the bottom of the page to send it.