CHIC’s Board meets once a quarter. Its responsibilities are to set CHIC’s strategy on behalf of its membership and to monitor operational service delivery and business management by the managing agent, ARK Consultancy.
The headlines to share with stakeholders from the meeting held on 17th June are:
Governance
The Board approved Amanda Long as Chair and Ian Davies as Vice Chair for their second three year terms, commencing in July. David Wells will step down as a director after completing his third three year term, with the Board thanking him for his considerable contribution over the last nine years. Neil Cox was appointed as a new Director for an initial three year term.
The Board also approved changes to delegated financial authorities to ensure a smooth transition following the change of CEO at the end of June.
Business Strategy 2026 to 2031
The Board considered and approved CHIC’s new five-year Business Strategy for 2026 to 2031.
The new Strategy builds on the strong progress made over the previous five years, while importantly reaffirming that CHIC’s core purpose, values and commitment to its members remain unchanged. CHIC will continue to work collaboratively to deliver efficiencies and added value for members, helping them make the most of their investment in homes and communities. This remains the ‘golden thread’ running through the Strategy.
The focus for the next five years is therefore not about changing what CHIC stands for, but about building on what works and continuing to improve. This includes strengthening the services and support available to members, working even more collaboratively with supply chain partners, making better use of data and technology, and continuing to deliver savings, efficiencies and positive social value.
As CHIC continues to grow and evolve, the Strategy provides a framework for ensuring its services keep pace with the changing needs of members and the wider sector. The collaborative approach between CHIC, its members and supply chain partners will remain central to how those services are developed and delivered.
The Board also recognised the increasing importance of AI and emerging technology. CHIC will continue to explore how these can be used responsibly to improve systems, services and the overall experience for members and partners.
Budget for 2026/27
The Board approved the budget for 2026/27, reflecting continued growth in member activity and demand for CHIC’s services.
To support the forecast growth and increasing workload, the Board also approved the progressive addition of 10 new posts.
Fusion Insight Stakeholder Survey
Fusion Insight presented the headline findings from CHIC’s 2026 independent stakeholder survey. The results were positively received by the Board, with feedback improving compared with the previous year and a record 296 responses received.
Supplier satisfaction had increased, alongside the perceived importance of CHIC, while suppliers were also more engaged than ever. Member satisfaction and advocacy scores had also increased, with members continuing to place significant value on CHIC’s people, trust and collaborative partnership approach.
Financial Performance
The Board was pleased to note a strong forecast outturn for the 2025/26 financial year. Performance remained ahead of budget, supported by continued growth in CHIC Solutions and member activity.
CHIC now manages 1,316 live contracts, representing a 20% increase compared with the same point last year. The Board also noted positive progress across the operational teams and continued recruitment to support future growth.
Social Value and CHIP
The Board reviewed CHIC’s ongoing commitment to Social Value and noted that its pledge to invest the equivalent of 10% of fee income in Social Value activity was forecast to be exceeded for 2025/26. Based on projected fee income, the pledge equated to £639k, excluding the additional value of volunteering undertaken by CHIC staff.
The Board also noted the positive progress being made by CHIP and its Local Employment Groups and Community Chest Fund. The annual 2025/26 payment to CHIP was due to be processed before the end of June.
John Fisher’s Final Board Meeting as CEO
The June meeting marked John Fisher’s final Board meeting as CHIC CEO. The Board thanked John for his contribution to CHIC and recognised the strength of the organisation and team he leaves behind.
John expressed his pride in the CHIC team and said he felt privileged to have been part of its journey. The wider CHIC team also joined the meeting to thank John and mark his contribution to the organisation.
