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Annual reports play an important role in making organisations more transparent, so why are so many full of useless information, jargon and corporate bluster? It’s time to cast our eye over the latest batch at our popular masterclass.

The new Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard clearly states that Registered Providers must ‘annually publish their performance against the tenant satisfaction measures’ and ensure the information is ‘published in a manner that is timely, clear and easily accessed by tenants’.

Facts, figures and essential messages are hugely important. But when buried in an annual report, does anyone actually read them?

Common flaws include:

• Lots of unsubstantiated boasting (we are fantastic)
• Too much jargon and corporate bluster
• Pointless meandering introductions from the chair
• Spellbinding graphics that contain no actual information
• Zero comparative data – a claim of 95% customer satisfaction looks great until you are named and shamed by your residents in the national media
• No sign that tenants have been asked what they want to see in these reports (in fact it is often impossible to discern the intended audience at all).

But this is your chance to prove us wrong. HQN is inviting organisations to send us their latest publications so we can provide constructive feedback as part of our popular interactive masterclass.

We have been tracking the quality of annual reports for the last few years and the question is, are they getting any better? We are seeing signs of improvement but, for many, there’s still a long way to go.

Led by HQN chief executive Alistair McIntosh, our virtual workshop will give you everything you need to transform your annual reports from a glossy and vacuous PR exercise into something truly worthwhile and regulator approved.

What you’ll get out of this session:

• Understand what the Regulator of Social Housing is looking for in terms of transparency, influence and accountability and how your annual report can help meet those requirements
• Get some top tips on producing effective annual reports – from learning how to write attention-grabbing copy to exploring new formats
• Hear experiences and case studies from sector colleagues
• Have a chance to quiz the experts.

Who should attend?

This event is essential for anyone involved in the annual report publication process, including:

• Chief executives
• Board members
• Directors
• Communications, PR and marketing teams
• Resident engagement teams
• Community development teams.

Alistair McIntosh, Chief Executive, HQN

Alistair McIntosh is one of the social housing sector’s most respected and best known personalities.

As founder and Chief Executive of HQN, he is regarded as one of the foremost advisers on governance and regulation, specialising in VfM and stress testing. His hands-on approach sees Alistair leading on all HQN’s in-depth assessment mock exercises and support work, designing and running the popular Iron Grip sessions and chairing/speaking at conferences and events.

Career highlights include setting up and running the National Federation of ALMOs, leading the popular consultation on the regulatory standards for housing, and developing an approach to VfM that won praise from the housing minister.

A regular contributor to the housing press, Alistair’s columns are known for their humorous, pointed and painfully accurate assessment of the state of social housing.

Verity Gleave, Head of Marketing and Communications, Stockport Homes Group

Verity is a Comms professional with a wealth of knowledge in the Housing sector with a keen focus on ensuring customer friendly, engaging publications.

Her experience of developing Annual Reports for numerous housing organisations uses customer insight and feedback to meet the diverse needs of the audience.

From digital to traditional print and everything in between, Verity will share the journey that Stockport Homes have been on in evolving their approach to developing and sharing their Annual Report, and how this may be enhanced further with the Housing Regulator requirements.

If you are unable to attend an event or public training course, please let us know in writing (email is fine) at least 48 hours before. Please email [email protected]

Otherwise, a cancellation fee of £60 plus VAT will be chargeable.

If you are using a package place to attend and do not inform us within the agreed time frame, then a place will be taken to cover your non-attendance.

Cancellations must be made in writing, and will be acknowledged by HQN Limited.