Portfolio Development Consultancy

 SPECIALISMS

  Interim Management

Recent Assignments have encompassed a wide range of project management work, which often involves working alongside existing teams, or providing additional senior level support during times of staff shortages or peaks in workload.

This can include assembling proposals, tenders and competitions; leading on negotiations with local authorities, tenants, the Housing Corporation, consultants, contractors and developers; reviewing systems, structures and procedures and recommending improvements and advising on marketing of shared ownership and other initiatives

  Project Management

Effective and proactive project management remains at the centre of much of the development workload of housing associations.  A comprehensive understanding of the issues and likely problems is fundamental if progress is to be made. Portfolio takes pride in being able to add value by providing an experienced project management service at every stage of a housing project, covering mixed tenure developments as well as those dedictaed for rent and intermediate forms of affordable housing.

  Planning & Affordable Housing

The link between the planning system and the provision of new affordable homes is taking on an increased importance.  Many housing associations now secure much of the land they need for new projects on sites that result from section 106 agreements.

As a chartered planner, Richard Broomfield has a thorough understanding of the different requirements of local authorities, social housing providers and developers.  Typical work might include

• Appraising projects - assessing and reporting on their viability
• Leading negotiations for affordable housing on section 106 sites, including drafting heads of terms and agreements;
• Facilitation and training to help develop links and understanding between housing, planning and other staff;
• Drafting planning policy and procedures;
• Providing a sensitive but independent link between the key players and local communities;
• Progressing rural housing schemes, specifically those that use "exclusion" policies;
• Advice on the implications of planning policy on development proposals, including maximising the potential of development opportunities.

  Management Consultancy

Portfolio has carried out a number of assignments that address practical, everyday problems faced by housing organisations.  These vary hugely in their scope and content. Often what is needed is a ‘fresh’ and independent examination. In other instances, the report may help the organisation to confront issues more clearly.  The solutions, directions and recommendations that emerge from these studies reflect the uniqueness of the problems and the organisation. Examples include:

• Carrying out a best value review of procurement controls;
• Determining the reasons why an RSL had difficulty meeting its maintenance budgets;
• Reporting on the operation and effectiveness of an Direct Labour Organisation;
• Advising on staffing structures and reviews, and assisting with their implementation;
• Training and development of new staff;
• Helping to identify, analyse and resolve difficult and often long-standing organisational problems.