Supporting a social housing provider to deliver C1 services

1284 Communications supported Rykneld Homes in the strategic planning and delivery of actions aimed at achieving a C1 grade. 

The Regulator was keen to see evidence of engagement with tenants. 

An action plan to increase the number of stock condition surveys being completed was also required. 

A comms campaign was drawn up and implemented seeing the number of residents granting access for the surveys increasing to the regulator’s required percentage. 

After a re-inspection in summer 2025, NEDDC was awarded a C1.

Inspectors noted that since its original inspection there was evidence of: 

• Enhanced effectiveness and transparency of communication with tenants, actively seeking feedback to shape essential services like repairs and complaints handling.​
• More opportunities for tenants to influence decisions, with meaningful involvement in service scrutiny and consistent delivery of fair, prompt responses to concerns and issues.​
• Significant improvements in property-level housing records and stock condition assessments, ensuring tenants benefit from safe, well-maintained homes.​

The achievement drew praise from the East Midlands Mayor, Claire Ward. 

She said: “Good quality housing is fundamental to people’s wellbeing. It’s more than four walls and a roof; it is a place of safety, stability, and belonging.

“For North East Derbyshire District Council to be among only a handful of local authorities in the UK to achieve this standard, and the first to be re-graded from C2 to C1, is a significant milestone and demonstrates the progress Rykneld Homes have made in strengthening services and ensuring that tenants receive the support and quality they deserve.”

1284 has also supported Rykneld Homes set its communications strategy for 26/27, arranged and managed several MP and VIP visits and secured speaker slots at national conferences.