Orchard chosen by Phoenix to deliver core Housing Management system
Following a comprehensive procurement process, Orchard has been selected by Phoenix Community Housing to provide a fully integrated Housing business system.
The co
ntract, worth over £450,000 will utilise Orchard’s flagship business solution, Orchard Housing along with Orchard Mobile and Orchard Asset Management (powered by Keystone). The solution’s market-unique design makes it both a platform and a toolkit, putting functionality development directly in the hands of the client.
Phoenix chose the Orchard solution as it offered the best fit for the needs and aspirations of its business at all levels, from front line staff to the Board. Essentially, they were looking for a fully integrated Core Business System that would meet the needs of all departments. The solution has to be flexible in order to match Phoenix’s business requirements and enable them to transform service delivery to its residents.
Phoenix’s requirement for the solution arose from its existing solution being unable to deliver their needs going forward. Staff had simply lost faith in it. Indeed, an independent ‘health check’ by consultants identified that their existing systems and the way they were used, were not meeting the business needs of the organisation.
Commenting on the procurement, Nick Edwards, Head of ICT & Facilities, Phoenix Community Housing stated: “We chose Orchard because we believe it to be the best product for delivering our business aim of driving and supporting improvements for the benefit of our residents.
“For example, the new system will streamline services for residents, such as checking their rent accounts or booking repairs online.”
Phoenix was the first housing association in London to use the Community Gateway approach, which empowers tenants and leaseholders to take a central part in decision-making and to become shareholding members. Tenants and leaseholders elected by residents are the largest group on the management board, and also have powers to take local decisions through a structure of neighbourhood and special interest panels.
Phoenix aims for residents to take a lead in the area. They actively support local community initiatives to improve the environment and quality of life for all residents. Everyone is included: young, old, able-bodied or disabled, in work or not, carers and those studying or looking for training or employment, homeowners, tenants and leaseholders, and speakers of all languages.
Phoenix Community Housing is a not-for-profit, resident-led housing association situated in Lewisham, London. Following a positive ballot of all tenants, 6,368 properties were transferred from the London Borough of Lewisham in a large-scale voluntary transfer in 2007.
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