Optivo and Southern Housing Group have announced that they have officially merged to form Southern Housing.
Legal completion was achieved this morning following formal registration with the Financial Conduct Authority.
Plans to merge the 2 not-for-profit housing associations were first announced in March 2022. Over the following months, both organisations engaged extensively with residents, colleagues and external partners. This included an intensive 6-week formal resident consultation over June and July.
Over 2,000 residents responded, with a clear majority expressing support for the merger. Having considered resident feedback alongside financial due diligence, both boards agreed to proceed with the merger, which is now legally complete having achieved the relevant consents.
Southern Housing will own around 77,000 homes and serve 167,000 residents across London, the South East, the Midlands and the Isle of Wight.
Sir Peter Dixon – until now chair of Optivo’s board – becomes the Chair for the new organisation, while Janet Collier – now former chair of Southern Housing Group’s audit and risk committee – becomes the Vice-Chair. Paul Hackett CBE takes on the role of Chief Executive.
Paul Hackett CBE, Southern Housing Chief Executive, said:
“Our aim is for this merger to be different to those that have gone before. Yes, we’ll be a larger organisation with 77,000 homes. But – by virtue of our similar geographies – we’ll also become more local. Consolidating our stock, colleagues and services means we’ll deepen ties in our key communities. Our denser footprint also means we’ll be a bigger, more strategic presence in more local authorities.
Article continues below this advertisement “Residents will be at the heart of the new association. Having worked alongside residents at Southern Housing Group and Optivo, I fully appreciate the wealth of valuable insight and experience they can bring. We’ve already worked with residents to co-create our Southern Housing customer service promise and they’ll be crucial in shaping the new organisation.
Now hopefully we can stop all the dosing. That goes on.
Hope the phones are answered quicker, 25 minutes to get through, then need to get back to you because the operator doesn’t know the answer, don’t hold your breath
we dunt want load of londoners comin here as most aint like us nor white no more
Polish a turd, it’s still a turd and roll it in as much glitter as you like. The island manger is as much use as a chocolate fireguard as are most of her staff.
As for southern housing ryde village. Should be closed due to dangerous practices and neglect.
Glad you kept it festive by mentioning the Island Manger.
Why should an award winning scheme be closed? What examples of dangerous practices and neglect have you seen?