Wendy McCracken

In 2016, with 30+ years experience working in governance and finance within social housing, I set up Optimum Compliance to assist housing associations, co-operatives and charities to fulfil their governance and compliance responsibilities.

Since 2016 Optimum Compliance has completed a number of commissions varying from short term investigations to longer term interim director/chief executive roles.  

One recent commission as Interim Director at Kendoon Housing Association in Glasgow, involved the delivery of a strategic options appraisal leading to a transfer of engagements to a local association with the clear objective of delivering the best future for the tenants.

This included the production of a business case, tenant consultation and ballot and delivering the transfer within the timescale achieving all despite the restrictions of working in the COVID-19 environment.

Interim/consultancy assignments for various housing associations from 2016 to date

• Assessment of compliance with SHR Regulatory Standards of Governance and Financial Management – numerous reviews
• Board appointment, induction and effectiveness reviews
• Board appraisals
• Board training needs analysis
• Business planning for board members
• Compiling and implementing governance improvement plans
• Compliance framework implementation
• Compliance with rules
• Forensic examination of paper trails
• Identifying and implementing performance improvement

• Investigations – various
• Interim Director
• Interim Finance Director
• Interim Governance Manager
• Investigations - various: staff appointments, board appointments, contract appointments, procurement
• Options appraisals
• Risk assessment reviews & risk mapping
• Rule Change
• Staff conditions of service review
• Treasury management review