Senedd Statement of Opinion tabled calling for pan-Wales assessment of the housing needs of adults with learning disabilities

Leticia Gonzalez MS has today tabled a Senedd Statement of Opinion, supporting the call by First Choice Housing Association, for a pan-Wales Assessment of the housing needs of adults with learning disabilities. This is important because without this critical data, we cannot plan effectively for the care and housing of some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

FCHA is now urging Senedd Members across the political spectrum to lend their support by subscribing to the following Statement of Opinion: https://record.senedd.wales/StatementOfOpinion/545

Statement of Opinion – OPIN – 2026 - 0545 

This Senedd:

1. Supports the call by First Choice Housing Association for a pan-Wales assessment of housing needs, per local authority, for adults with learning disabilities.

2. Notes the absence of this data is contributing to a failure in the integration of care and housing for adults with learning disabilities.

3. Further notes that consequently, some of the most vulnerable people in society are being detained in hospitals, often hundreds of miles from their communities and families, with little or no plan for what will happen to them.

4. Calls on this Senedd to commit to working with Welsh Government to end this practice.

Image credit: Senedd Commission / Comisiwn y Senedd. Licensed under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

Regulatory Judgement: Green/Green for FCHA!

First Choice Housing Association has received the highest green rating from the Welsh Government’s Regulatory Judgement!

The annual judgement measures the effectiveness of Registered Social Landlords in managing their finances, service delivery, and governance.

Commenting, FCHA’s Interim Chief Executive Jason Wroe said: “This judgement is effectively a health check on the organisation’s ability to manage its core business prudently, effectively, and compliantly. These are the checks and balances that ensure that we continue to deliver services to our tenants that meet the highest standards.

“The judgement is testament to the dedication of colleagues across the organisation who work diligently to ensure that the services we provide meet the standards expected of us.

Whilst we’re naturally delighted to receive this Welsh Government stamp of approval, we won’t rest on our laurels. We provide housing to some of the most vulnerable people in society. That comes with a weight of responsibility and a duty of care to our tenants and their families. I’m fortunate to work with a passionate team who are committed to that work. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts and contribution of our partners who help us to achieve our mutual goals.”

Commenting on the judgement, FCHA Chair Matthew Wilde said: “I’m delighted that First Choice has received a Green/Green Regulatory Judgement from the Welsh Government. It is an acknowledgement of the work that has gone into strengthening the organisation’s governance and ensuring that First Choice is on a sound financial footing.

"It provides reassurance to our tenants, commissioners and partners that First Choice is well governed, financially secure and in a strong position to continue delivering for the people we support.

"The Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction and ensuring the right framework is in place, but it is our exceptional staff who deliver that every day. I would like to thank everyone across FCHA for the work they have done to help us achieve this judgement and, more importantly, to provide high-quality homes and services that help our tenants live with greater independence, stability and quality of life.” You can read the full regulatory judgement on the performance section of our website.

Read the full judgement

New Job! Support our tenants in their homes as a Housing Officer in North Wales

First Choice Housing Association is looking for a Housing Officer to help deliver high quality, tenant-focused services. The right person will be a knowledgeable and enthusiastic individual with strong values that match those of the organisation. This role requires you to deliver all FCHA’s housing management services whilst providing support and assistance to our tenants. You will require a relevant housing qualification (HNC/HND/CIH or Diploma). Knowledge of the social housing sector and the WG regulatory framework for RSL’s in Wales is also essential.

We are a developing organisation with excellent benefits. We know the importance of our people and their wellbeing and our flexible approach to work life balance is an essential part of our approach to caring for our staff. Our offices are based in Cardiff, but the role will be based in North Wales. You will be required to travel throughout the North Wales region with occasional travel to Cardiff for training etc.

Who we are

First Choice is at the forefront of the provision of specialised housing throughout Wales for vulnerable people with complex needs. The association is renowned for its tenant participation and we are committed to working in partnership with our stakeholders to develop best practice in development, management and maintenance of accommodation for people with additional needs.

The association works closely with Local Authorities, NHS Trusts and a wide range of support providers. As an all-Wales association we are in a strong position to meet the demand for our services and to provide innovative solutions to local issues.

Housing Officer: The Work

Work will include:

• To deliver a range of housing services relating to the management and letting of tenancies ensuring effective delivery of services to all tenants including responding to tenancy breaches and anti-social behaviour , allocations , nominations and voids and arrears.

• Provide support and assistance to tenants, ensuring appropriate information is given to make best use of their resources and accommodation.

• Establish and build excellent relationships with applicants, tenants and other stakeholders (i.e. police, support providers, local authorities) which enable a proactive and non-judgemental tenancy management and rent collection service to our customers.

You can find the full work in the Job pack below.

Work hours

Standard full time hours are 35 per week, Monday to Friday. Flexible working hours including generous time off in lieu arrangements. We also offer agile working with a blend of home/office working. A working from home allowance is also provided of £50pcm.

Salary

£32,582-£38,53 per annum

How to Apply?

Complete the job application and diversity form attached and email it to recruitment@fcha.org.uk

Please refer to the Job Description and Job Spec when applying.

Housing_Officer_NW-Job Pack.zip

Download ZIP • 1.83MB

Closing date - 22nd October at 8am

Interview date - 09th November

You can find all of the benefits of working for FCHA here:

https://www.fcha.org.uk/jobs

We look forward to receiving all of your applications!