FAQS
What is Hexagon Housing Association Ltd?
Hexagon is a charitable, not for profit housing association, based in Sydenham. We are a community based and locally focused association working primarily in the boroughs of Lewisham, Southwark, Greenwich, Croydon, and Bexley. We see our local focus as one of our greatest strengths allowing us to work in close partnership with our community partners. Hexagon manages circa 4,500 homes.
What does Hexagon do?
Hexagon’s core business is to provide permanent homes for general needs tenants. We do this with the assistance of Government subsidy and our services are generally targeted at those in housing need. We also provide shared ownership housing as an option for people trying to buy but who are unable to access home ownership without financial assistance. We also provide supported housing for approximately 550 Supported Housing tenants, most of whom receive support from third parties. In addition to providing core housing management and repair services to our residents, we provide a range of other support including help with getting into employment.
How many staff work at Hexagon?
Hexagon employs circa 150 staff who provide housing and related services.
What is Hexagon’s Mission?
Hexagon’s Mission Statement is:
“To meet housing needs in South London through our commitment to existing and future residents, local communities and the environment”.
What does the Board of Management do?
Hexagon’s Board of Management has overall responsibilities to direct Hexagon’s affairs. The Board deals primarily with strategic direction and policy. In general, the Management is delegated to the Association’s paid staff.
How is Hexagon formally constituted?
Hexagon is a charitable non-profit making organisation registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act. Our Rules are based on the National Housing Association’s Model Rules.
How many times does the Board meet in a year?
The Board meets six times a year to receive reports from the Officers of the Association. The meetings concentrate on strategic issues, risk management, and performance monitoring. One of these meetings incorporates the Annual General Meeting (AGM) which is held during September
Does Hexagon offer training?
Yes – we offer a 3-part modular training course for Board Members including, an Induction Course for Board Members. We also give the opportunity to attend external training courses provided by outside agencies often specifically aimed at Board Members who have a training need.
Does the Board have any sub-committees?
Yes, there are 3 sub committees. These include an Audit & Risk Committee, and a Performance Management Committee, which both meet four times per year. We also have a Remuneration Committee which meets twice a year.
The Board also appoints and has representatives on a wholly owned non charitable subsidiary called Horniman Housing Association. Horniman undertakes housing for outright sale and “gift aids” its profits back to Hexagon to allow us to carry out our core business more effectively.
How much time is required to be a Board Member?
We will expect the new Board Member to attend the six Board meeting. The meetings are held on Tuesdays, starting at 4:30pm, and usually finish by 7:30pm.
Board members who sit on the sub committees also attend those meetings, as referenced above.
In addition, Board Members will need to read the reports, which are available a week prior to meetings. Attendance at an autumn Away Day involves a Friday evening and a full Saturday commitment.
Board members are sometimes also involved in a final stage of our complaints procedure on a rota basis so this might involve one or two additional meetings per annum.
In addition, Hexagon occasionally holds official functions, such as opening ceremonies, tenant meetings, visits to sites, etc. Attendance at these is not strictly speaking required and attendance is dependent on individual availability.
Are Board Members paid?
Hexagon Board Members are paid £5,800 per annum. Board Members are also reimbursed for their expenses incurred whilst undertaking business on behalf of the Association.