On Thursday 10 July nearly 50 people attended a counter-fraud seminar, organised by the Housing Association Internal Audit Forum (HAIAF) and hosted by Genesis Housing Group, at whose headquarters it was held.

Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Iain Wright MP, opened the event, speaking about the key role registered social landlords (RSLs) must play in order to deliver good homes and communities in the UK.

Iain Wright MP spoke about how the Academy for Sustainable Communities will be responsible for facilitating the improvement in skills in design, architecture, planning and local authority effectiveness.

He referred to the step change in how RSLs are regulated following the change in the Housing Corporation's organisation.

Assuring the audience that regulation will be based on a light-touch, risk-based and proportionate approach, the regulator, Mr Wright said, should work very closely with RSL's internal auditors.

Iain Wright MP also spoke about the social housing implications of the Housing and Regeneration Bill saying "If we are to increase the supply of housing in England and achieve an additional three million homes by 2020, internal auditors must play a key role. They provide a link between the regulator and the RSL. Now, more than ever we are required to provide assurance to boards and stakeholders that their RSL operates well on the ground, under an effective business model, and that they have sufficient liquidity and control operations to be able to provide better services to their tenants".

The ministerial address was followed by questions and answers, before a counter-fraud seminar covering cyber-crime, fraudster psychology, fraud investigation, prevention and asset recovery took place.

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For further information please contact Diana Evans, Press Officer,

on 020 8150 4178 or email: Diana.evans@ghg.org.uk

Visit: www.ghg.org.uk

Notes to Editors

Genesis Housing Group provides homes and services to tens of thousands of people across London and the south east. The Group consists of PCHA, Pathmeads and Springboard housing associations. It also has in its group a charitable foundation, Genesis Community. It is one of the largest and most successful housing groups in the UK, owning and/or managing more than 38,000 homes. Its overiding aim is to put customers first and provide excellent service to all.

The Housing Association Internal Audit Forum (HAIAF) has a mission to be a beacon for best practice in internal auditing in housing associations and other non-government providers of social housing.

Its vision is to promote internal audit best practice in risk management, internal controls assurance and governance within registered social landlords by:

· Creating a centre of excellence in social housing internal audit matters;

· Helping internal audit professionals develop their skills and knowledge;

· Providing a platform for consultation and liaison;

· Promoting the role of internal audit and influencing assurance-related policy in social housing.

The current membership stands at over 200 organisations, with members in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and. With the help of its external provider members, it also represent almost the entire provision of housing in the sector.