Social housing provider, Riverside, has launched a new five-year corporate strategy, which sets out the company’s plans for improving the quality and safety of homes, strengthening customer service and providing sector-leading care and support services to meet changing sector and societal demands.
As part of the plans, Riverside will look to build around 5,000 new homes over the next five years, and 8,000 expected to be built in total over the next 10 years.
The strategy, ‘Brighter Future Together’,sees Riverside commit to building new partnerships, as well as look to improve trust with customers by improving services and creating safe homes and communities.
Through the strategy, Riverside says it will be best placed to navigate new challenges, including rising regulatory expectations, an ongoing shortage of housing and increasing pressure on the health and care sectors.
Between 2026-2031, the organisation will focus on delivering five strategic goals:
- Every customer has a quality, safe, affordable and healthy home that they can be proud of
- Services are reliable and easy to use, customers have a voice and trust Riverside
- Riverside leads the sector in advancing care, support, reducing stigma and promoting inclusion
- Riverside staff thrive in an inclusive, high-performing culture and are proud to put the customer first
- Riverside delivers as many homes as it can with a commitment to remain financially resilient
The strategy marks the first time that Riverside has extended its planning cycle from three to five years, and it has been shaped by the views of over 1,000 customers, colleagues and external stakeholders, the largest-ever consultation exercise undertaken by Riverside.
Paul Dolan, group chief executive officer of Riverside, said: “What we have launched this week at Riverside is truly special. We had thousands of customers, colleagues and board members come together to celebrate this truly remarkable milestone at Riverside, building on the brilliant legacy of Riverside’s reputation as one of the country’s leading housing associations.”
“This week marks a new era for us and an unwavering commitment to deliver better services, provide high-quality homes, support people in our society who need us the most and create an inclusive and passionate team to deliver for today and far into the future.”
Terrie Alafat CBE, chair of Riverside Group board, added: “The team at Riverside should be really proud of our new strategy, Brighter Future Together, which brings to light our five new ambitions under our strategic pillars: homes, customers, care & support and people.”
“I’m so impressed by the work that has gone into this strategy – one that is truly customer- and colleague-centric and ambitious for the future of Riverside.”
