Riverside has launched a five-year strategy focused on housing quality, customer services and care provision through to 2031.
The housing association said its 2026–2031 corporate plan, titled Brighter Future Together, sets out how it will improve the quality and safety of homes, strengthen customer service and expand its Care & Support services in response to changing housing and social care pressures.
The strategy introduces a new organisational vision – “Homes for the life you want to live” – and marks the first time Riverside has extended its planning cycle from three years to five.
Paul Dolan, group chief executive of Riverside, said: “This week marks a new era for us and an unwavering commitment to deliver better services, provide high-quality homes, support people in our society who need us the most and create an inclusive and passionate team to deliver for today and far into the future.”
Riverside said the strategy was shaped by consultation with more than 1,000 residents, colleagues and external stakeholders, which it described as the largest consultation exercise in its history.
The organisation said the plan was designed to help it respond to increasing regulatory demands, continued housing shortages and rising pressure on health and care services.
Under the strategy, Riverside has set out five goals for the next five years. These include improving the quality, safety and affordability of homes, making services easier to use, strengthening customer trust, expanding care and support services, improving staff culture and maintaining financial resilience while delivering new homes.
The organisation said it would continue investing in housing and services, including a commitment to make all homes energy efficient by 2030. It also plans to build about 5,000 homes over the next five years, with a further 8,000 expected by 2036.
Progress against the strategy will be reviewed twice a year by Riverside’s group board. The organisation said detailed delivery plans for each strategic goal would also be subject to regular review through its committee structure.
Dolan added: “What we have launched at Riverside is truly special. We had thousands of customers, colleagues and board members come together to celebrate this truly remarkable milestone at Riverside, building on the brilliant legacy of Riverside’s reputation as one of the country’s leading housing associations.”
Terrie Alafat CBE, chair of Riverside group board, said: “The team at Riverside should be really proud of our new strategy, Brighter Future Together, which brings to light our five new ambitions under our strategic pillars: homes, customers, care and support, and people.
“I’m so impressed by the work that has gone into this strategy – one that is truly customer- and colleague-centric and ambitious for the future of Riverside.”
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