Sapphire Independent Housing

06/10/2026

🏠 Supporting smaller housing associations

Smaller housing associations play a vital role in their communities—providing homes, delivering local services and building strong relationships with residents.

The National Housing Federation has brought together information and offers to help smaller housing associations access valuable support, strengthen their organisations, and keep delivering for the people and communities they serve.

Whether you work for a smaller housing association, collaborate with one or simply want to learn more about the support available, explore the resource below:
🔗 https://www.housing.org.uk/about-us/member-offers/smaller-housing-associations/Opens

At Sapphire Independent Housing, we recognise the importance of collaboration, shared learning and practical support across the housing sector. By working together and sharing useful resources, housing organisations of every size can build resilience, respond to emerging challenges and create positive outcomes for residents.

Our new offer to smaller housing associations sets out how the NHF will support smaller housing associations through more tailored resources, better networking opportunities, and a greater voice in our influencing work.

30/09/2026

A new National Housing Federation report highlights progress—and persistent gaps—in equality, diversity and inclusion across England’s housing associations.

Drawing on data from 185 organisations, the report found increased representation of women, disabled people and Black board members. However, significant disparities remain, particularly within executive teams and in the representation of disabled people across the workforce.

The findings reinforce the importance of inclusive recruitment, strong leadership and using workforce data to drive meaningful action.

Read the full 2026 report:https://www.housing.org.uk/globalassets/images/edi/edi-national-data-report-a4-2026-v5-accessible.pdf

10/09/2026

🌟 Exciting news for the housing sector! 🌟

The updated NHF Code of Governance for 2026 is now available. It’s packed with essential guidelines and best practices that can make a significant difference in how organisations operate and serve their communities. If you're involved in governance or interested in housing policies, this document is a must-read.

Check out the document here:

https://www.housing.org.uk/globalassets/files/governance/nhf-code-of-gov-2026-v9-accessible.pdf

Let’s work together to create a more transparent and effective governance framework! 💪🏘️

02/09/2026

Update on Building Safety Initiatives! 🚨

A new funding opportunity has been announced to support the remediation of high-risk buildings under 11 metres tall. This initiative aims to improve safety standards and address critical maintenance issues in our communities, focusing on buildings that may pose safety risks to residents. 🏢

High-risk buildings often face challenges such as fire safety concerns, structural integrity issues, and outdated materials that could endanger residents. This funding can provide essential resources to bring these buildings up to code and ensure a safe environment for all inhabitants.

Residents living in these buildings should note this funding opportunity; it may improve living conditions and provide peace of mind. Individuals and community groups should spread the word and ensure those who need assistance know about this initiative.

For further details on eligibility criteria and application processes, information can be accessed here: https://www.housing.org.uk/news-and-blogs/news/new-funding-available-for-remediating-high-risk-buildings-under-11-metres/

MHCLG has announced new funding for high risk buildings under 11 metres. Applications opened on 17 August 2026 and will remain open for eight weeks.

26/08/2026

SAPPHIRE COMPLETES NEW HOMES IN HOUNSLOW

Sapphire Independent Housing has just completed 9 new homes for social rent at Sparrow Farm Drive in Hounslow. These are part of an ongoing partnership between Sapphire, the GLA and the Borough. A further 24 homes are on site with more to come in subsequent phases of development. Ermine Contracts built the homes at Sparrow Farm Drive.

Heather Thomas, Chief Executive of Sapphire Independent Housing, said, “This is an important day for the new residents of these homes and for Sapphire. We are a small housing association, and this partnership with Hounslow and the GLA is enabling us to grow in a way which enables us to provide much-needed good-quality rented homes in Hounslow”

By 20th August, Sapphire had signed up three tenants for the new homes, with six more to be allocated from Hounslow’s waiting list.

About Sapphire Independent Housing - Sapphire is a smaller housing association that has been operating for over 50 years, providing supported housing, general needs and shared ownership homes in North West London. We became a preferred partner of the Borough in 2018 and established our partnership following a successful bid to develop new homes on 19 ex-council garage sites!

21/08/2026

Big News: Every Rough Sleeper in England to Be Offered Accommodation This Winter!

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a bold new plan to end rough sleeping across England, aiming to get everyone off the streets by Christmas.

The government is investing £442 million to provide emergency accommodation and practical support for health needs.

Over 1,000 permanent homes will be delivered in the next three years, with intensive wraparound support for those in need.

Burnham said, “We did it in the pandemic. We can do it again.”

Let’s support this initiative and help make sure no one is left out in the cold this winter. 🏠❤️

For more information, visit https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgvy2n6grno

29/07/2026

We are excited to share that we have recently submitted our Hounslow small sites project for consideration in the Building Awards 2026, specifically in the category of 'Housing Project of the Year.' We are thrilled to announce that our project has been shortlisted for this award!

This recognition highlights the hard work and dedication of our team in creating innovative housing solutions that address our community's needs. For more details on the shortlist and the awards, please visit the link:

Building Awards 2026 - Shortlist 2026

22/07/2026

🚨 Exciting News from Westminster! 🚨

Andy Burnham has officially become the 59th Prime Minister of the UK, and his new Government is already setting important priorities, especially in the social housing sector!

A significant initiative is underway aimed at addressing the issue of rough sleeping, encapsulated in a comprehensive 10-year plan designed to tackle this pressing social problem. The plan is backed by a substantial £340 million investment, underscoring the commitment to finding sustainable solutions for those experiencing homelessness. This funding will be directed toward a range of supportive measures, including providing housing, mental health services, addiction support, and employment opportunities for individuals facing homelessness.

The Government are also excited to share the list of key members who will be instrumental in advancing the agenda within the sector, and these include:

🌟 John Healey, our new Chancellor, brings invaluable experience from his time as Shadow Housing Secretary, including an understanding of our sector's financial challenges and the economic value of social housebuilding.
🌟 Angela Rayner returns as Secretary of State for Housing, committed to providing long-term certainty for our sector.
🌟 Matthew Pennycook remains as Housing Minister—great news for continuity!
🌟 Miatta Fahnbulleh joins as Secretary of State for Energy, showing strong public support for our sector's decarbonisation efforts.

Andy Burnham has emphasised housing as a top priority for his administration. We look forward to collaborating with him to launch the largest social housebuilding programme since the post-war era and protect our existing social homes.

Here's to a new chapter in UK housing! 🏠✨

15/07/2026

Attention Social Housing Landlords!

Have you checked out the latest guidance on Awaab’s Law Phase 2? This essential document provides valuable insights and updates that can help you navigate your responsibilities.

Stay informed and ensure you’re meeting your obligations to your tenants. Check it out here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/awaabs-law-phase-2-guidance-for-social-housing-landlords

Let’s work together to create safe, healthy living environments for everyone! 🏡💪

Guidance to help social landlords understand and navigate their responsibilities in relation to Awaab’s Law.

01/07/2026

🏡 Exciting News for Affordable Housing!🌟

The Social Housing Bill has been introduced to transform the social housing landscape in the UK! 🎉 This legislation focuses on:

✅ Strengthening tenant rights
✅ Ensuring safe and high-quality living conditions
✅ Promoting the development of affordable housing
✅ Encouraging community involvement
✅ Establishing better regulatory oversight

This is a crucial step toward ensuring that everyone has access to safe, affordable homes. Let’s embrace this opportunity for positive change in our communities! 💪✨

For more information, visit - https://www.housing.org.uk/resources/the-social-housing-bill/

The Social Housing Bill is progressing at pace through Parliament. Described by the government as “the next step in the delivery of our decade of renewal for social and affordable housing”. This webpage summarises the key reforms in the Bill.