A new engagement plan for the association found it is prioritising tenant safety through a comprehensive action plan.

Following the identification of gas servicing issues in May 2023, Bridgewater Housing Association (BHA) proactively self-referred to the Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) and implemented a series of measures to address concerns and enhance its safety practices. The SHR implemented a review of the Association’s regulatory status in October 2023 and this review is now complete.

Bridgewater welcomed the move as a “positive step” and noted that several of the issues considered in the SHR’s review have not been taken forward by in the revised engagement plan due to the hard work of and the positive and proactive approach by its board and staff.

The revised plan focuses on tenant and resident safety and in particular gas servicing. All outstanding gas safety checks were completed shortly after the issue was identified and the association has commissioned an independent review of its broader tenant and resident safety practices, recognising the opportunity to further elevate its processes.

Bridgewater said it is committed to actively implementing any recommendations of the independent review, with the audit covering gas, electrical, fire, legionella, asbestos, and lift safety, alongside mould and damp management. Policies and procedures have been updated, and the independent audit of tenant and resident safety commenced in January 2024, with key areas reviewed by April 2024.

The SHR’s updated engagement plan recognises Bridgewater’s “open and constructive” approach in tackling the identified issues. This commitment to transparency and collaboration is at the heart of the Association’s ongoing efforts. Regular dialogue and engagement with the SHR ensure that actions taken are effectively addressing regulatory requirements and resident concerns.

“We continue to take proactive steps to strengthen our approach to tenant and resident safety,” said Andy Thomson, CEO. “We are confident that these initiatives, coupled with our ongoing open and positive collaboration with the SHR, will ensure that Bridgewater continues to provide a safe and comfortable living environment for all tenants and that we will meet our regulatory requirements fully in the coming months.

“We have already made significant progress as the revised Engagement Plan shows and there will be no impact on our residents or the quality of services we provide during this process.”