a responsible governance for social housing
TRANSCRIPT
O B J E C T I V E : Improving governance by helping board members better understand their rights/duties and social housing issues and challenges
CONTEXTIn the context of its CSR strategy, SDH wanted to reinforce the knowledge and efficiency of its diverse board of directors, which includes representatives of various sectors such as local authorities, tenants, business leaders.
A RESPONSIBLE GOVERNANCE FOR SOCIAL HOUSING
Good governance and fair relations with stakeholders
CSR AT SDH SDH has been committed to CSR since 2005 and has published CSR reports since 2008. Its current corporate plan, "United to 2016", is built upon CSR principles and the 5 dimensions of the EURHO-GR® framework. It includes precise CSR objectives which are translated into concrete actions, regularly monitored by managers.In order to support continuous improvement, SDH’s CSR maturity is assessed every year since 2011 by an external auditor, through an evaluation scheme based on the ISO 26000 standard; in December 2013, SDH scored 649 out of 1,000.
Société Dauphinoise pour l’Habitat (SDH)Location: Echirolles, FranceLegal Status: Non-profit housing companyNumber of staff: 222Number of dwellings: 17,414Contact: Philippe Fracchiolla – [email protected] Website: www.sdh.fr International CSR standards used: ISO 26 000; EURHO-GR®
DESCRIPTION OF THE GOOD PRACTICE
Tools used: > “Knowledge in social housing"> The board members’ guidebook> Code of Business Ethics
In order to strengthen board members’ skills, empowerment and to reinforce the business ethic, SDH has created 3 specific medium and material: the "Board member’s guidebook", "Knowledge in social housing" and the "Code of Business ethics"."Knowledge in social housing" is a series of thematic sessions held at the start of every board meeting. Each session focuses on one key topic (e.g. How is social housing financed? What are the challenges relating to the sale of social housing? Etc...), and includes a presentation followed by discussion and debate. Each presentation results in a factsheet included in the "Board member’s guidebook". This process improves the board’s knowledge in the field of social housing and stimulates reflection on the challenges of the business activity.
"The Board member’s guidebook", updated every year, is a tool providing operational support to board members. It provides them with guidelines and recommendations on their role in the company, and outlines their rights and duties.
"The code of Business Ethics" relies on SDH's values – respect, solidarity, professionalism and ambition – and on its Corporate Social Responsibility strategy. This document aims to ensure responsible and ethical behaviour on issues such as health and safety, responsible procurement, data confidentiality… The code targets both staff and board members, while also aiming to improve the relationship with stakeholders such as suppliers and tenants.
Key results and benefits
SDH Board members have achieved better knowledge of social housing issues. They also show higher awar-eness of their responsibilities and duties and act more transparently. Furthermore, ethical rules have been formally established for internal stakeholders’ relations to tenants, suppliers and among them.
More information > The Board Member booklet
> An example of "Social Housing Knowledge" factsheet
> The Code of business ethics
> The corporate plan