What we do

i2i provides support to local authority staff, councillors and tenants in the process of achieving the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS). You can find more below about:

our principles and foundations
where we work
our work themes

Principles & Foundations

i2i is founded on the principle that achieving WHQS will rely on people - tenants, staff and councillors - making informed choices and having opportunities to be fully involved. Poor quality information can lead to confusion and even breed resentment and anger.

We base our work on the following foundations agreed with the Assembly and national housing organisations:

we offer support in achieving WHQS whether the local authority remains the landlord or transfer to a registered social landlord is proposed
although i2i is part of the Assembly housing division we operate at 'arms length'
we are committed to working with public, private and third sector partners who are involved in delivering WHQS

Where We Work

i2i works primarily with local authorities in the Heads of the Valleys area although we are committed to sharing good practice with local authorities and other housing organisations across Wales.

The Heads of the Valleys area includes the whole of Merthyr and Blaenau Gwent and the northern valleys of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Caerphilly and Torfaen. i2i is funded through the Heads of the Valleys programme.

Although working primarily in the Heads of the Valleys i2i is committed to sharing our work with local authorities and tenants throughout Wales.

For further information about the Heads of the Valleys Programme contact esther.edwards@wales.gsi.gov.uk.

Work Themes

Our work is driven by the support local authorities and their tenants want and is divided into a number of key themes:

WHQS support - tenants, staff and councillors need support from start to finish in the WHQS process. i2i's work in this area includes the 'what tenants want' resources. A number of other current initiatives can be found at i2i projects or i2i resources
Wider housing issues - there is some concern that achieving WHQS might put pressure on other local authority housing priorities including providing new affordable housing and homelessness services. i2i is working in partnership with organisations to address these issues - see i2i resources for further details
WHQS plus - Achieving WHQS offers opportunities to bring real long term benefits to local communities in two ways:
- by developing new models of accountability and control such as the community housing mutual model
- by maximising the local benefits in terms of jobs, training and regeneration
i2i is working with local authorities on a number of initiatives - more details at i2i projects

You can also find the most up to date information about all of our work at i2i news and events.