We have supported Clarion Housing Group for over 20 years, providing procurement support, Independent Partnering Advisor services, Strategic Cost Management and critical-friend consultancy across its national planned investment programme. Originally appointed by Affinity Sutton in 2009, our relationship continued following the merger with Circle Housing in 2016 and now extends through to 2036, supporting one of the UK’s largest housing associations in delivering long-term asset investment programmes.
Following the merger of Affinity Sutton and Circle Housing, Clarion Housing Group faced the challenge of integrating multiple contractor partnerships, delivery models and governance arrangements across a complex national programme. Maintaining consistency of service delivery, ensuring value for money, monitoring performance effectively and embedding a collaborative culture across a diverse supply chain were all critical priorities. Clarion also required a transparent commercial framework capable of supporting long-term investment planning, cost certainty and continuous improvement.
We provided independent strategic advice and commercial support to help Clarion develop and maintain a mature partnering model. Our services included procurement and contractor selection support, mobilisation of new partners, facilitation of strategic workshops and stakeholder engagement activities, and the introduction of collaborative governance structures.
A key element of our approach was the development of a bespoke open-book Target Cost Model, informed by detailed cost analysis and benchmarking. The model established agreed maximum prices, simplified valuations, reconciled actual expenditure and enabled savings to be shared fairly between Clarion and its delivery partners. We also introduced balanced scorecards, KPI monitoring, governance forums and regular partnership reviews to promote accountability, transparency and continuous improvement across the programme.
Our long-term involvement has helped Clarion Housing Group establish and maintain a robust, collaborative delivery model across its national planned investment programme. Through the successful integration of contractor partners, the introduction of structured governance arrangements and the development of transparent performance management processes, we have supported greater consistency, accountability and service quality across a complex supply chain.
The bespoke open-book Target Cost Model has delivered enhanced cost certainty, simplified commercial management and strengthened value-for-money outcomes. Its success led to wider adoption across the organisation following the merger, generating reported savings of approximately £2 million per year while providing a transparent framework for ongoing cost review and continuous improvement. Combined with our independent partnering advice and strategic cost management support, this approach has enabled Clarion to identify efficiencies, strengthen contractor relationships, maintain focus on resident outcomes and drive sustained performance improvement throughout its long-term investment programme.
