L&Q GOVERNANCE REVIEW - Housing Trust

Descriptions

1. Introduction

a) On behalf of L&Q Housing Trust (L&Q), you are invited to submit a proposal to undertake a comprehensive external Governance Review.

b) L&Q has recently concluded its regulatory inspection, the first to assess compliance against the new Consumer Standards as well as the established Governance and Financial Viability Standards. The inspection resulted in a V2 - G2 - C2 grading and highlighted areas where improvements are required.

c) In line with its adopted Code of Governance, L&Q undertakes an externally facilitated Governance Review every three years, with the last review completed in 2023. The Group Board has agreed to bring forward the next review to provide early assurance of compliance with regulatory standards and the Code, while also addressing issues identified through the recent regulatory judgement.

d) L&Q is seeking a provider with proven expertise in social housing governance and experience of large, complex organisations. We are looking for clear, evidence-based recommendations to strengthen our governance structures at Board, Committee and internal governance group levels, ensure alignment with strategic priorities, embed resident accountability through our developing Assembly model, and maintain regulatory compliance. This review will also support L&Q's transition into its next five-year strategy period from April 2026, ensuring governance is fit for purpose to deliver on organisational objectives and the scale of change required.

e) The appointed provider will be expected to commence no later than 20 October 2025, with initial observations and interviews to be carried out in November. Document review and analysis will follow in November-December, with the final report and recommendations delivered by early February 2026.