Nigel Wright, Chair
Foreword
In introducing our annual report for 2021/22, it seems appropriate to reflect on the last two years during which we have all faced considerable challenges affecting our tenants, customers, colleagues, partners and the business environment.
This time last year, we were still in the midst of Covid-19 when we successfully orchestrated some profound changes to our operating model and delivered against our key strategic aims.
This year we have seen the emergence of new challenges which continue to evolve at a seemingly unprecedented rate. Our local, regional and national environment has seen significant economic challenges unfold.
We know that with inflationary pressures such as rising prices, interest rates and energy costs, our tenants, customers and colleagues will need support to face these challenges.
Among our achievements in the last year was the completion of our merger with Reside Housing Association in October 2021. This further consolidated our position as one of the UK's largest provider of high-quality supported housing for people with a learning disability, autism, an acquired brain injury or a mental health condition. We welcome all new tenants, colleagues and partners to the Group.
Looking forward, we recognise we need to continue to respond to a different and more dynamic operating environment where geopolitical tension is creating international uncertainty. The economic and political situation at home makes forecasting and business planning particularly challenging.
In this context, we will continue to remember our core purpose while also looking forward to new opportunities. At the centre of this is our commitment to partner with our tenants and customers to ensure we offer the best services we can. We will continually strengthen our relationship, build transparency, accountability, and our collaborative working approach, and empower tenants and customers to engage in and influence our work.
Our focus will remain on ensuring we take the time to listen and collaborate with all our stakeholders. Our six business streams will concentrate on delivering services to a wide range of tenants and customers, each delivering a business plan that reflects the needs of those we serve. Collectively they will ensure we achieve our overall strategic aims and priorities.
We will continue to deliver new homes to increase the supply of affordable housing, ensure our existing stock is maintained to a high standard, support individuals and communities to have independence, assist people through homelessness, support our social purpose through commercial activity and assist people in having the best chance of being healthy, happy and safe.
On behalf of the board, I would like to thank all of our tenants, customers, employees and partners for your continued commitment and trust in us, and to my fellow board and executive colleagues for their enduring hard work and unwavering dedication to our core social purpose and mission in the face of unprecedented change.
This annual report captures the overall resilience of Progress Housing Group and the positive impact we have on the lives of our tenants, our customers and our communities in the face of significant challenges. We hope you enjoy celebrating these achievements with us.
Nigel Wright, Chair