The external environment during the year remained extremely unstable not only because of the war in Ukraine but because of the cost-of-living crisis, high energy prices and the ever-increasing rise in inflation which threatens to bring the UK economy into recession during 2022. However, internally Arhag enjoyed one of its most stable years because of key senior management and Board appointments. Financial stability, the addition of 21 new units through an innovative partnering agreement with a local developer, strong safety compliance and improved performance on re-letting empty homes along with the re-establishment of relationships with our hub and external partners were some of the key highlights during the year. However, as always there is scope for improvement, especially on the delivery of our repairs service which remains one of the key priorities for the association. Appointment of new repairs and gas contractors, completion of the stock condition survey, formulation of the communication and asset management strategies, supporting our residents to cope with the cost-of-living crisis and beating the drum for Migrants and Refugees will be the challenges facing Arhag in the next year. However, with the organisation now in a more stable state than it has been for many years, not to mention in rude financial health, Arhag is more than able to meet and exceed these challenges next year and beyond. After nine years, I shall be stepping down as the Chair of Arhag at the AGM in September. During my tenure, and with the support of some great people, we have faced the many challenges posed and have together totally transformed Arhag into an organisation which is the envy of others. Our successes include: • Growing our stockholding by just over 60% • Creating a Hub partnership for migrants and refugees at The People’s Place • Exponentially increasing Arhag’s public relations and external profile • Being awarded six national awards for services including best Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) organisation two years in succession • Receiving the award of a successful consortium bid (six organisations) for £1m of Government funding from the Tampon Tax Fund • Becoming one of the founder members of the very successful London BME Chairs/CEO Forum - which is a key partner on both the 2025 Leadership Programme and the Development Consortium with London and Quadrant Housing Association I genuinely feel proud, privileged and honoured to have served the association for such a long time. I am confident that with the very talented Senior Management Team along with the extremely experienced and passionate Board at the helm, my successor will be able to take the organisation to even greater heights. I would formally like to place on record my thanks to the wider Arhag family and all those who have supported me over the past nine years and wish the association all the best in the next stage of its journey. Qadeer Kiani OBE Arhag Board Chair Annual Report 2021-2022 7
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