Developing for others

Part of the Group’s Development Strategy (which links through to both the Group’s core objectives and the Business Growth strategy) is based upon delivering local customer services. Circle will therefore look to work in partnership with other Registered Providers (RPs) and, where appropriate, to develop for others through providing Development Agency Services.

The basis upon which Development Agency Services are sought out by the Group is to drive added value benefits through the development function for other RPs, whilst utilising the assets and capacity of other RPs to maximise the level of afford new homes that are being delivered.

This approach is based on working in true partnership and as such clear geographical boundaries will be agreed with the partner RP to ensure that new homes are only being delivered in a geographical patch for one selected RP partner.

The Group will seek to prioritise the growth aspirations of existing Group members within agreed geographical boundaries and provide exclusive arrangements with Group partners in the core areas where they operate. These partners however will be flexible away from these core areas in terms of working jointly with other RPs or moving away from areas where it is appropriate to allow the Group to deliver homes on behalf of others. It can be seen therefore the Group is committed to maximising the delivery of affordable homes, the use of its own assets and capacity of others.

Circle will only look to deliver Development Agency services where this can be done on a “win win” basis. The Group will look to add value to the relationship through its existing development expertise and pipeline. In return, the Group will look to generate a fee income from the agency partner to again build the Group’s development capacity.

Working with Black and Minority Ethnic RPs

Circle is committed to working with Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) RPs and continuously seeks out opportunities for this to take place. The Group recognises the specialisation of the work that is carried out by BME RPs and is committed to the full inclusion within communities to developing the right homes with the most appropriate management services to create fully inclusive and sustainable communities.

The Group has a strategy of linking in with the Home and Communities Agency and their emerging Equalities Strategy to identify BME RP partners who may need Development Agency Services or other assistance that Circle may be able to provide. The Group has therefore to identify the exact needs of potential BME RP partners, both in London and the Eastern Region.

It is recognised however, that many BME RPs are now seen as mainstream developing RPs themselves, whilst in the Eastern Region there does not appear to be many BME RPs wishing to operate in terms of developing or managing housing stock. Despite this, Circle are committed to seeking out opportunities for working jointly with BME RPs across its whole area of operation.

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