Charter preparation
The Scottish Social Housing Charter was first introduced in 2012, it sets the standards that all Scottish social landlords must aim to achieve, it is regulated by the Scottish Housing Regulator. We provide a range of services for our members to help them understand their obligations and to prepare for their annual charter return.
ANNUAL RETURN ON THE CHARTER
We’ve updated resources on our website (Services/Resources and Publications) to help you complete your Charter Return. These are linked below:
- SHN Guide to the ARC Indicators 2025/26 – Tips on accurate reporting
- Annual Return on the Charter Indicators – Data Collection Template (2025/26) VERSION 3 (09.04.26): Helps you collate information and do calculations, but it is not for submission to us (simply send us your PDF downloaded from the Regulator’s portal after your submission).
- Scottish Social Housing Charter – Updated Technical Guidance (January 2026): which applies to the return for 2025/26 reporting year.
- Presentation from recent Charter briefing sessions with Dr Ross Morris, SHN’s Head of Validation and Consultancy; and Summary of Discussions.
Please send your completed Charter Return (as a PDF downloaded from the Regulator’s portal) to data@scotlandshousingnetwork.org by Sunday 31st May 2026. We’ll make the collated data available around Wednesday, 3th June. The sooner we get your returns, the faster we can update our benchmarking tools.
Data Accuracy and Validation Services
Level 1 Validation
This service operates provides an accuracy check on draft ARC returns using our tried and tested approach. As well as the initial check the service also provides for a follow up service to ensure issues are resolved and the data you submit to the Scottish Housing Regulator is accurate. This is desk-based review available to members for a modest fee of £235 + VAT.
Level 2 Validation
Do you need a full in-depth verification exercise where experts will work with you to ensure the technical guidance is understood and is being followed; that it can be evidenced and is properly aligned to the definitions? The service is available to SHN members at a discounted rate of £622 per day + VAT plus expenses.
Publications and reports
Annual Return on the Charter Data Collection Template 2025/26 – Version 2 – 1 April 2026
