HCA undertakes reshuffle as future is decided

The Homes and Communities Agency has asked staff to re-apply for roles ahead of the soon-to-be released results of a government review into its future. The shake-up is intended to ensure the 900-strong agency is focused on using its £5bn investment and lending capabilities to increase housebuilding. Estates Gazette understands that there have been no compulsory redundancies as part of the reshuffle, though staff were able to apply for voluntary redundancy. Others were directly appointed to posts. Everyone who did not apply for redundancy or who was not automatically appointed had to reapply, after a consultation in the summer. An HCA spokesman said: “We have a strong track record of delivery but much more needs to be done to increase the rate of construction through a whole series of measures, including encouraging new entrants and modern methods of construction. “We are putting in place a new operating model as part of a business transformation programme. Staff at all levels will be applying for new roles in the structure and we will be bringing in new skills and capacity to complement existing staff resources.” The review into the HCA’s operations was enacted in early 2016 and is expected to offer more clarity for the organisation’s future. At the moment it has the dual role of regulating housing associations and providing funding to the private sector to enable housebuilding. After joining the HCA as chief executive in 2013 Andy Rose helped to establish the agency’s investment function. He left in January 2016. Former deputy mayor of London Edward Lister was appointed chairman in June 2016, and the organisation is looking for a new chief executive, chief financial officer, chief investment officer and chief risk officer. What the HCA review is considering • Are the purpose and priorities of the HCA clear and correct for the future? • How effectively does the HCA carry out its functions and how could it do so more effectively? • What skills does the HCA require for the future and does it have these? • How efficient is the HCA in delivering its objectives and in what ways this could this efficiency be improved? • To send feedback, e-mail alex.peace@estatesgazette.com or tweet @egalexpeace or @estatesgazette