Housing watchdog says FCHO is performing well

We’re pleased to share the housing watchdog has given First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) top marks for our leadership and financial strength following an inspection this summer.

The Regulator of Social Housing has given us top grades for how we run our organisation and our financial strength -  G1 and V1

We got a C2 rating for the way we are delivering for our customers  – one off the top grade.

The results mean FCHO is doing a good job, is proactive in listening and responding to your needs and has all the tools to continue investing in existing homes, building new ones and delivering quality services to our customers and communities.

The C2 rating recognised we are delivering for customers and referenced the work we are doing in driving improvements in repairs, anti-social behaviour and complaints handling, which we know are priorities for our customers.

These are now in hand following the implementation of our new corporate strategy.

“We are extremely proud of this excellent inspection outcome that reinforces FCHO is well run and in a strong financial position,” said our chief executive Mark Gifford.

“The regulator agreed with us on the areas where we can do better in the new customer category and has referenced how they are now being addressed at pace.

“It is important to add this is the first time FCHO has been assessed against the consumer standards.”

He added: "We're not complacent, though. You have told us in some areas we need to do better for example we're working hard to improve the speed of repairs, how we manage anti-social behaviour and delivering even better outcomes for our customers.”

What’s next?

We are continuing our work to remain a financially strong and well-run housing provider which delivers for its customers.

We are focusing on delivering our corporate plan, Our Plan 2026-2030.

This is all about:

·         Quality homes that are safe and sustainable

·         Excellent services that are responsive to what customers need, accessible and right first time

·         Working in partnership with customers and organisations to support strong communities that are welcoming and respectful.

Read more about Our Plan 2026-2030.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about our regulatory inspection, please contact our team websiteenquiries@fcho.co.uk.

Regulatory inspection frequently asked questions

When did the inspection take place?
•    The inspection took place in July this year. 
•    This was a regular check that we were expecting and it’s a routine part of how housing providers are assessed.

What did the inspection involve?
•    Our team submitted lots of documents which showed how FCHO works.
•    Inspectors attended a Board session and joined our Customer Performance and Scrutiny Panel meeting to see for themselves. 
•    They spoke to FCHO customers, our Executive team and Board members to understand more about FCHO and how we’re meeting the RSH standards.

How does the RSH grade housing providers?
The RSH grades housing providers across three standards using a 1-4 rating scale.
•    Grades 1 and 2 show a housing provider meets the standards
•    Grades 3 and 4 show a housing provider doesn’t meet the standards. 

What are the RSH standards?
The RSH assess housing providers against three broad areas, covered by the standards:
Governance
This is about how well we run our organisation, understand and respond to risks and deliver our objectives as a housing association.

Economic 
This is about how financially strong we are, how well we could cope with unexpected challenges and the way we manage our resources and get value for the money we spend.

Consumer
This is about how well we keep customers safe in your homes, listen to your views and act on them, understand FCHO homes and customers’ needs and how we manage your tenancy.

Read more at gov.uk

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