Building on strong foundations

Hull City Council has used NEC Housing for many years. In 2019, with a major change programme ahead, they tested the market to check it was still the right system.

Here’s Emma Warwick, Head of Service for Business Development and Change:

“We looked at all the big players. We needed a partner that could deliver on our ambitions in the short term and also match our aspiration for the future. That’s why we chose NEC.”

Getting ready to move forward

The joint team spent the first 12-18 months getting fit for the future. This included completing six upgrades to bring them up to the latest version of NEC Housing. They also moved to our cloud, helping to improve security and resilience and reduce the pressure on their in-house IT team.

Gary Ventress is Hull’s Head of ICT Digital Strategy and Development:

“We opt for cloud-first where it’s right for us, and housing is a case in point. It was a really smooth process given the scale of the project.”

Hull then started to build on the new set-up. This included:

• using NEC Housing to send SMS notifications via GOV.UK Notify;
• using Housing Online to improve self-service; and
• exploring the functionality of further modules ready to introduce more positive changes on Advice, Allocations, Planned Maintenance and Service Charges.

Picking the right asset management system

When it came to asset management, Hull tested the market again and opted for NEC Housing Assets. They felt that a one-system approach would help them deliver more and better services for residents.

Jason Gould is Business Change Manager in Neighbourhoods & Housing:

“Extending NEC Housing to asset management is about knowing our tenants and their homes inside out. It’s also about keeping their voices heard in all areas.”

The team is now taking a fresh look at their assets processes so they can maximise the benefit ahead of go-live. That includes looking at where they can phase out spreadsheets, and manage contact from contractors better. They are also investigating where data can be used more proactively, complemented by other parts of NEC Housing – for example informing tenants about safety measures specific to their homes.

They’re also working with our housing team on a new approach to customer engagement, focusing on strengthening relationships as well making tasks easier.