Social housing organisations must be innovative in the development of their benefits packages if they are to woo commercially astute professionals to meet the challenges of operating in an environment of decreasing central funding, says FSS, the specialist recruiters within the social housing sector. The need to source funds through commercial channels has led to a growing demand for mid to senior level finance managers with private sector experience.
As the entire sector undergoes a fundamental change, Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) and Armís Length Management Organisations (ALMOs) have recognised that experienced private sector finance executives can bring a wealth of commercial experience and skills necessary to proactively source private funding.
To attract high calibre candidates RSLs and ALMOs should look beyond offering comparable salaries. Flexible benefits will be a critical component of any package as potential candidates from the private sector may be looking for a better work / life balance, reduced core hours, family-friendly working practices and a potentially less pressured environment. With this in mind, consultants from FSS Finance Public Sector are spending a considerable amount of time educating candidates in the advantages of working in the social housing sector.
Bernadette Cullen, account manager for housing at FSS, says: ìCommercial management and treasury management are the key roles for which RSLs and ALMOs are recruiting. Experienced managers are required for their analytical, negotiating and influencing skills and to challenge the status quo. The benefits packages now on offer are starting to compete with the private sector.î
FSS Finance Helping to Champion Change
Social housing organisations must be innovative in the development of their benefits packages if they are to woo commercially astute professionals to meet the challenges of operating in an environment of decreasing central funding
