A Project Manager and 2 Project Officers will work with Lambeth Living’s Central Income Team and will primarily focus upon the impact on Lambeth tenants on the key Housing Benefit reforms, most notably under-occupation deductions and subsequent introduction of Universal Credits.

A Project Officer will be co-located with the Housing Needs Team and work with their officers in supporting Lambeth tenants who are impacted by the Benefit Cap.

Approximately 2800 tenancies are likely to be impacted by the under-occuaption criteria and face the possibility of benefit reduction of between £14 and £25 each week  (a total of up to c£2.4million per

annum).

Qadeer Kiani said: “We are delighted to be given such as major responsibility by Lambeth Living and look forward to delivering both service and financial benefits to the ALMO."

Here you will find the latest information on our company and any related business issues.

QK Associates completes study on Shifting Attitudes to Flexible Resourcing in Housing Services. As part of this research QK Associates spoke to over 40 housing providers in the South East to find out how they are gearing up to meet the challenge of the current economic climate. The research amongst other things found that acute scrutiny by the media over Council expenditure in what the media describes as ‘expensive luxuries’ has led to the reduction in the number of consultants employed and tight controls over any expenditure of this type. But the report reveals that there is a shocking lack of confidence in the services provided by many consultants with complaints about costs, failure to add value, a tendency to hang around and become part of the furniture, lack of knowledge transfer, and firms sending CVs of people who have neither the skills nor ability to undertake the work. Even at a basic level there were issues about difficulty in contacting the lead consultant. But the biggest issue was the cost; ‘what we need’ said one Chief executive ‘is a guaranteed outcome for guaranteed money’ , another Director said they were taking a very firm stance with consultants and refusing to pay if the work was not up to scratch. 

Recent research by consultancy firm QK&Associates across 40 housing providers in the South East has revealed that many feel that consultancy services do not provide Value For Money.  In the current economic climate and media scrutiny expenditure on consultants and interim managers is under pressure across the housing sector and the fact that many customers do not feel they get what they pay for is a wake up call to the consultancy firms.

Acute scrutiny by the media over Council expenditure  in what the media describes as ‘expensive luxuries'  has led to the reduction in the number of  consultants employed and tight controls over any expenditure of this type. But the report reveals that there is a shocking lack of confidence in the services provided by many consultants with complaints about costs, failure to add value, a tendency to hang around and become part of the furniture, lack of knowledge transfer, and firms sending CVs of people who have neither the skills nor ability to undertake the work.  Even at a basic level there were issues about difficulty in contacting the lead consultant. But the biggest issue was the cost; ‘what we need' said one Chief executive ‘is a guaranteed outcome for guaranteed money' , another Director said they were taking a very firm stance with consultants and refusing to pay if the work was not up to scratch.

Qadeer Kiani , Managing Director of QK&Associates,  who commissioned the report said "we are not entirely surprised by the findings". However, whilst there are consultants who do short change their clients and are only interested in making 'quick bucks', there are also many consultancies such QK & Associates who pride themselves on service excellence and value for money.  We are already speaking with a number of our clients regarding delivery of some services on a payment by results basis only and will be looking to develop this model over the coming months. The market is giving us a very clear message and I and my Board will be responding with greater clarity on how we control quality and costs."

Notes

This report has been generated following research across the Housing Sector between 6 Aug and 7 Sept 2010. It was carried out on behalf of QK & Associates Ltd by Mary Hope, an HR professional who works within QK & Associates team. QK & Associates provide consultancy and interim solutions housing sector and are committed to providing;

• Real improvement -simple but pragmatic solutions
• Business efficiency - bringing commercialism and innovation
• A no nonsense style

An ability to work in partnership with in house staff.

 

Reaching for the Stars - September 2010

QK Associates were celebrating after one of their key clients – Lewisham Homes - was awarded two stars with promising prospects by the Audit Commission.

QK Associates have been working with the South East London ALMO since August 2009 to support the ALMO achieving its core aim of two stars. Under in sourcing arrangement, Qadeer employed as the Interim Director of Housing managing Tenancy, Caretaking, Income Management, Leasehold and Customer Services. The entire garage portfolio of approximately 2,200 is managed by QK under a separate pilot contract. 

Commenting on the news, Qadeer Kiani said: “I am delighted that QK Associates have played such a pivotal role in the success of the organisation. We are grateful for being given the opportunity and would like to offer our sincere congratulations to everyone connected with Lewisham Homes”.

Andrew Potter – Chief Executive at Lewisham Homes: added: “I have found QK staff to be hard working, responsive and professional. They played an important role in us obtaining two stars and I would have no hesitation in considering them for future assignments or recommending them to others”.  

Hope at QK
Mary Hope has joined the growing list of talented individuals now working at QK Associates and will head up the Executive Recruitment and Development Support wing of the business. In spite of recession and redundancies the ‘war for talent' is not over. Skills gaps will continue to exist and finding people who will both fit into organisation and who can adapt themselves to the rapidly changing world and bring the organisation along with them will be tough. QK & Associates recognise that no matter how good your policies and procedures are the difference between doing ok and excellent is in your people and particularly your leaders. Commenting on Mary's arrival, a delighted Qadeer Kiani said - "Having some one of Mary's experience and track record will enable QK & Associates to now offer holistic staff recruitment and retention solutions to our clients. Our offering and products are designed to not only enable organisations to recruit the best but also to ensure that the new recruits are able to perform at their best" - June 2010.

Barry on Board of QK Associates   

Barry Simons is set to become the first non Executive Director on the Board of QK Associates Limited. Barry will formally take up his new post in November this year and will guide and assist the company with its ambitious growth plans. Speaking on the new appointment, Qadeer Kiani, Managing Director of the Company, said  

“I am delighted and privileged to welcome someone of Barry’s standing and profile to QK Associates. His appointment represents a major landmark for the company and his experience, profile and integrity will provide the foundations for QK Associates to become a genuine alternative in the public sector market place” July 2009

House Fix Direct 

QK & Associates have teamed up with the Owen Agency to develop a very cost effective repairs reporting tool - House Fix Direct. This new product  provides an ideal opportunity for Social Landlords to:

• Offer choice
• Improve access
• Enhance customer care
• Meet and exceed regulatory requirements
• Achieve value for money
• Deliver continuous improvements

We have used our combined experience and expertise of public sector housing and IT based solutions, which span over 20 years, to ensure that for a relatively small amount of investment, our clients will be able to achieve real service and financial improvements. Having searched the market, we are confident that the House Fix Direct is unrivalled both in terms of price and quality. December 2008