What we have achieved
The Trust has carried out a series of reviews designed to improve purchasing and processes. Over the past three years, the following reviews have taken place:
- Management of empty properties
- Rent and income management
- 'Supporting People' services
- Finance procedures, sales and purchase ledger, treasury, management accounting
- Scheme 'handyperson' services
- Astraline procedures
- Leasehold customer service and staffing
- Human Resources for the future needs of the Trust
- How we deliver Information Technology services
- How we use our systems to improve customer services
These process reviews have been designed to actively improve our services to customers or to ensure that our resources are used effectively.
In addition, the Trust has challenged existing purchasing arrangements in the following areas:
- Insurance
- Loan deals
- Telephony (mobile and landlines)
- Computer hardware and software
- Printing and photocopying
- Web-based training initiatives
- Internal and external audit services
- Pest control
- Window cleaning
- Employment agency fees
- Purchase of 'white goods' (kitchen appliances)
- Training grants received from external agencies
- Gardening
- Cleaning contractors
- Purchase of furniture and soft-furnishings
- Repairs contractors
Through these activities, the Trust has saved (and continues to save) hundreds of thousands of pounds against the previous supplier arrangements.
The Trust gave a firm commitment, as part of its strategy, to re-invest savings into frontline services. Residents have put forward a diverse range of projects and have taken an active role in deciding which projects could be delivered. Residents have also been very active in delivering these on the ground.
Some examples are given on our 'How we've made a difference' page.
