New Welsh Regulatory Framework

A revised version of the Welsh Government’s Regulatory Framework for Welsh Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) was issued yesterday (11 August 2025).

Key changes include:

• The introduction of annual mandatory self-evaluations for Boards of RSLs, to evaluate the quality of the organisation’s governance, service delivery and financial viability in delivering its purpose and objectives. The revised Framework includes a practice note on the requirements of the self-evaluations, which must consider the whole of the RSL’s group structure. Any identified weaknesses must be included in Compliance Improvement Plans prepared by providers.
• A four-tier judgment system for both Governance and Financial Viability, with ratings from “Green” (meeting all requirements) to “Red” (non-compliant).
• Revised Regulatory Standards, with key changes including:
  • requirements for Boards to seek assurance on the accuracy and quality of data underpinning Board reporting;
  • a new requirement to understand risks to social housing assets posed by subsidiaries and joint ventures;
  • a greater focus on data generally and a new requirement for RSLs to maintain “complete, accurate and up to date stock condition data”;
  • RSLs being required to ensure high quality services are delivered to residents, with RSLs needing to achieve and maintain high levels of tenant satisfaction with services. Unlike in England, there are currently no proposals for RSLs to be required to collect and report on specified tenant satisfaction measures.
• A greater focus on tenant engagement requirements, with RSLs being required to evidence how tenants have a voice in strategic decision-making and the design and delivery of services.

The key themes of the changes, following on from a consultation earlier this year, are in relation to reframing the Regulatory Standards so they can be measured and/or and demonstrably complied with, and including stronger requirements around tenant experience, together with a greater focus on data.

We will be holding a webinar shortly to discuss the changes and what they mean for your organisation – details to follow. In the meantime if you require any information please contact Gemma Bell, Partner.