The Role of Data in Social Housing: Fortem's Approach to Supporting Landlords with Asset Management

Data has become an essential asset in the world of social housing, providing insights that enable landlords to make informed decisions about how to best allocate their limited resources. Fortem, a leading contractor within the sector, plays a crucial role in helping landlords not only manage their data but also turn it into actionable intelligence. By focusing on the quality and use of data, Fortem aims to improve both asset management and better tenant outcomes. 

The Power of Intelligent Data in Social Housing 

In recent years, the importance of data-driven decision-making has gained significant traction across industries, and social housing is no exception. Intelligent and insightful data allows Registered Providers (RPs) to effectively manage their housing stock, make better decisions, and optimise their operations. As Fortem recognises, there is still progress to be made in this area within the sector. According to research by the Housing Ombudsman in 2023, 82% of RPs reported difficulties accessing critical reports, and 75% cited issues with existing data storage systems. 

These statistics highlight the ongoing challenge RPs face in accessing and managing their data effectively. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity for sector partners like Fortem to step in and provide much-needed support. Fortem understands that data plays a critical role in shaping decisions, especially when it comes to asset management. By leveraging the right data, landlords can optimise the performance of their assets, deliver better services to tenants, and allocate resources more efficiently. 

Fortem's Role in Supporting Landlords 

As a delivery partner in the social housing sector, Fortem is well-positioned to help landlords overcome the challenges associated with data management. Through its work, Fortem touches various aspects of a Registered Provider’s asset data, whether it's through repairs, servicing, retrofitting, or feeding back customer vulnerabilities. Each interaction with an asset or tenant adds to the data landscape that an RP can use to make better-informed decisions. 

Fortem's experience in the sector provides valuable insight into what best practices in intelligent asset management look like. The company recognises that its primary role is to provide excellent service standards, but it also sees an opportunity to go beyond that. Fortem partners with clients to help them interpret their data, transforming raw information into actionable insights. This, in turn, allows landlords to improve the performance and condition of their housing stock. 

To achieve these goals, Fortem emphasises the importance of working from a "single assured version of the truth" when it comes to data. In successful partnerships, both parties—contractor and landlord—must agree on the data being used and focus on using it to drive improvements. Without this alignment, the partnership risks becoming sidetracked by debates over whose data is correct, detracting from the shared goal of improving outcomes. 

The Future of Social Housing: A Collaborative Approach 

Looking ahead, Fortem sees significant challenges on the horizon for the social housing sector. Landlords are being asked to deliver more, to a higher standard, with fewer resources and under greater scrutiny. The funding models that support the sector may evolve to address these pressures, but that alone won’t be enough. The scale and pace of the changes required demand a more collaborative approach, where social landlords can leverage third-party expertise, innovation, and new technologies. 

Contracting partners like Fortem are positioned to bring these new capabilities to the table. Digital tools for property management, tenant engagement, repairs, and maintenance will enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of social landlords. These technologies will also provide greater insight, enabling better decision-making. By adopting these innovations, landlords can better meet the needs of their tenants while optimizing the use of their limited resources. 

However, for this kind of collaboration to succeed, relationships between social landlords and contractors need to be long-term and built on trust, transparency, and shared goals. Fortem believes that these partnerships should be structured to align risks and rewards, fostering an environment where both parties are invested in achieving the best possible outcomes. Only then can the sector truly realise the full potential of data-driven decision-making and innovative asset management. 

Conclusion 

As social housing faces increasing challenges, the role of data becomes ever more critical. Fortem is committed to supporting landlords by not only providing excellent service but also helping them harness the power of intelligent data. By focusing on data quality, collaboration, and innovation, Fortem aims to help landlords make better decisions, improve asset performance, and ultimately deliver better outcomes for tenants. The future of social housing will depend on leveraging technology and building strong partnerships to meet the growing demands on the sector, and Fortem is ready to play its part. 

By Dan Churton, Client Solutions Director, Fortem