The DVfM Tool was launched exclusively to SHN members in March 2022. The tool provides data insights and benchmarking of cost, time and quality indicators at project level for new build social housing developments. It allows developing landlords to compare performance against their peers, learn from best practice across the sector and provides an opportunity to better understand the extent to which new build development is meeting the needs and aspirations of their tenants.

The tool meets the condition of grant for local authorities and RSLs to participate in a continuous improvement programme, as outlined in the guidance, which is available here.

By reviewing tenant satisfaction indicators alongside cost and time indicators, this tool will give landlords greater insight into the value for money of their development programmes.

This aggregated project level data will provide a robust, evidence-based assessment of the value for money within Scotland’s affordable homes supply programme.

Andrea Finkel-Gates, CEO, said: “Scotland is leading the way in the development of social homes in the United Kingdom, and I am delighted that we can play our part in supporting landlords to understand the value for money that their development projects are offering. Our tool has been developed in co-production with SHN members exclusively for Scottish social landlords and will use our tried and tested practice exchange and collaborative approach to continuous improvement.”

More information can be found on Scotland’s Housing Network’s website or by contacting data@scotlandshousingnetwork.org