Have your say – our new Code of Conduct

The National Housing Federation Code of Conduct 2012, has been widely used by the sector alongside many documents that make up housing associations’ governance frameworks. During the review of the Code of Governance, we identified that a review of the Code of Conduct 2012 would be useful to support members.

The updated code of conduct has been developed in conjunction with one of the sector’s leading consultancy firms, Campbell Tickell and the Regulator of Social Housing, along with input from members that represent the diversity of the sector.

We’ve developed the code with the intention for it to be applied across organisations so that the same code can be used for board members, senior executives and staff.

The new code reflects the contemporary thinking in good governance that is reflected in the Code of Governance 2020. We have focused on making the code accessible, it is now considerably shorter which we believe will make it more digestible to the individuals it is intended to apply to.

There is a greater emphasis on behaviours as opposed to functions, and a greater emphasis on inclusion. There are new elements that cover the environment and although elements like this are ambitious, they are intended to raise individuals’ awareness around these important issues. Wellbeing is also a new addition to the content.

The code is written with anticipation that it may be adopted without modification by the vast majority of housing associations, however there may be those who wish to make adaptions to their individual unique circumstances, where organisations wish to develop the code themselves they are welcome to do so.

The draft code is available to download and NHF members can send their feedback by Friday 14 January using the following online form.