Success for RSL benchmarking group

In 2005, a few RSLs got together to discuss common issues for small providers, stock transfers and larger support providers of sheltered housing.

The group decided to formalise and agreed terms and references in order to create a vehicle for bench marking in 12 key areas in sheltered housing.

This group now meet quarterly and consists of Waltham Forest Housing Association, Willow Housing and Care, Riversmead Housing Association, Central and Cecil Housing Trust, St Pancras Housing Association, Innisfree and Catalyst Communities Housing Association. The benchmarking group was very pleased to be able to present a set of benchmarking data for the second year running and all agreed that these had proved invaluable in positioning and improving services across all areas.

As well as benchmarking data, the group also benefit from discussions covering good practice on areas specific to RSL sheltered housing.

Director of Operations for Willow, Mary Whitfield, said "I certainly welcomed the opportunity to discuss key performance areas with other organisations and the ability to compare and review performance has allowed us to improve our void turnaround figures."

Agreed discussion topics for good practice meetings over the next 12 months include: managing and learning from complaints; outcome monitoring and reasons for refusal of sheltered accommodation.

For further information on this RSL benchmarking group, please contact Jane Endersby, Older Peoples Services Manager, Catalyst Communities Housing Association, 020 8832 3320.