The supported housing sector – in which Zetetick Housing operates – offers accommodation to a range of vulnerable people, such as those who find themselves homeless, ex-offenders or individuals with a learning disability, and has been under the spotlight for some time.
In a number of recent government reports, specific concerns have been raised about the exempt accommodation system – a sub-sector of supported housing. The Charity Commission have also recently warned charities offering lease-based supported accommodation that they must be “more aware” of the risks around the sector.
As a registered charity and provider of specified, exempt accommodation, working specifically with those with learning disabilities, autism and/or mental health issues, we wanted to share our take on the concerns raised. We acknowledge the lack of regulation in the sector and, agree that unfortunately, unscrupulous providers have taken advantage of this. This has a reputational impact across the sector – including upon those, like Zetetick, who go above and beyond for those they support.
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A robust and sustainable model
Zetetick provides homes to 160 tenants across London and the Southeast and have been delivering quality supported housing to our tenants since 2007. Our model is robust and sustainable.
Values led
Our Bedrock values – Belonging, Empathy, Determination, Respect, Openness, Care and Kindness – are fundamental to all we do and each action we take. We are individually and collectively committed to putting these values into practice.
Tenant focused
Our tenants are not just central to what we do – they are the very heart and soul of our charity. We work to serve them, and it is their right to well-being, happiness and comfort that guide every action and decision we make. Our goal is to create a safe, warm and caring environment where our tenants can thrive. We take great pride in going above and beyond in our operations to achieve this, through our intensive housing management, tenant engagement program and a deep commitment from all at the organisation.
Improved governance
The charity has, in recent years, gone through a thorough governance review. Our experienced leadership team, both in terms of executive and non-executive directors, ensure we fulfil any legal obligations. We keep reserves at a level that will allow us to continue working in the face of unforeseen circumstances and a challenging economic and political climate, which protects our tenants’ homes.
Strong partnerships
We work in partnership with CQC registered care providers and local authorities, to provide all the care and support our tenants need to be able to live comfortably in their own homes. Each care provider goes through a stringent onboarding process to become a partner.
Final thoughts
Since 2007, Zetetick Housing has worked tirelessly as an organisation to reach vulnerable people, and provide the housing support they need within the framework of supported housing, and as an exempt provider. We endeavour to work as closely as we can with the Department of Work & Pensions, to verify our activities even though it has at times proven a difficult sector to be in.
We very much welcome the incoming changes of improved regulation and powers of housing benefits teams, if that means that it is easier for us to do our job of helping people who are marginalised find their home, and be part of their right to a good life within it.
We hope that these proposed changes as laid out in the Supported Housing Regulatory Oversight Bill make it easier for organisations like ours to prove their best practice and that it provides a level playing field to smaller organisations such as ours.
If you’d like to find out more about the work we do, then please head to our Frequently Asked Questions where you’ll find the most commonly asked questions, answered.
Alternatively, you can contact us and we’d be happy to speak with you.
