Clearing the Air: What Adam Housing Really Offers

An innovative platform designed by The Access Group to address the challenges of temporary accommodation and the Private Rented Sector (PRS), Adam Housing is used by local authorities and housing providers.

Unlike traditional housing management systems, which primarily focus on consolidating data and managing ongoing housing needs, Adam Housing is tailored specifically to streamline the processes surrounding temporary accommodations. This specialised focus allows for more efficient management of urgent housing situations, a crucial factor in combating homelessness.

As mentioned above, the majority of housing management systems currently utilised by UK councils are designed to consolidate data and act as a comprehensive CRM for individuals in need.

Systems such as NEC Housing (formerly Northgate Housing), Locata, Civica (Abritas), Capita (Open Housing) and MRI (Orchard Information Systems and Housing Jigsaw) serve vital roles in managing housing needs, rents and associated assets. They provide a holistic view of both individuals and properties, ensuring that essential data is accessible in one place.

However, these systems share a common limitation; they do not address the urgent needs of temporary accommodation management. This is where Adam Housing steps in, offering a distinct set of tools and functionalities specifically designed for temporary accommodation and private rented sector teams.

The reality is that the demand for temporary accommodation will not diminish overnight. People will continue to need support and while prevention strategies are vital, there’s an immediate need to improve how authorities manage access to temporary accommodation and private rented sector housing. Local authorities are already implementing long-term prevention strategies, but they must also take actionable steps now to alleviate the pressure on emergency housing services.

By harnessing technology, councils can streamline the process of securing temporary accommodation and enhance the efficiency of managing private rented sector properties. This not only leads to immediate improvements but does so at a relatively low cost, which is an appealing prospect for resource-constrained local governments.

Addressing homelessness is a complex challenge that requires a unified effort from multiple stakeholders. Prevention should remain at the forefront of policies and initiatives, but the multifaced nature of homelessness means that there are no quick fixes. While technology can support these ongoing efforts, a systemic, holistic approach is crucial for lasting change.

Our commitment at The Access Group is to be a part of this solution. We empower temporary accommodation and private rented sector teams with tools that streamline the placement process, allowing for data-driven, informed decisions that contribute to long-term improvements in the housing crisis. Although progress may take time, utilising the right technology can significantly impact the prevention agenda.

So, what can be done right now to alleviate the challenges surrounding temporary accommodation? This is where Adam Housing offers real solutions. Our platform is uniquely crafted to support teams responsible for sourcing and managing emergency accommodation, whether for those in need or individuals transitioning out of temporary housing.

Research indicates that most local authorities rely on a haphazard mix of phone calls, emails, spreadsheets, property websites and even in-person visits to agents to locate available placements. This fragmented process is not only inefficient but also burdensome for those working to address homelessness.

By implementing Adam Housing, local authorities can expect tangible benefits within just six months. Our solution at Access streamlines and optimises these disjointed processes, allowing councils to manage immediate presentations more effectively while reallocating resources towards sustainable, long-term solutions.

As Danny Hassall, Senior Supply & Acquisitions Officer at Milton Keynes City Council noted: “The implementation was straightforward. We had all our client bookings with various landlords and providers under various schemes. Access took all that on and made everything smooth from day one. The system is intuitive; even new starters can get the hang of it in just a couple of hours.”

As you now know, Adam Housing is designed specifically for councils and landlords to streamline the process of listing and booking properties. By working in partnership with individuals and collaborative council groups, we have created a platform which enables a new, specific type of transformation.

Designed by people who are dealing with individual experiences and issues on a day-to-day basis. No more manual and time-consuming processes, and no more unwanted spreadsheets. It’s rapid and effective. With open API functionality, adding another system into the mix does not need to lead to more work. Our system aims to create a streamlined process to give valuable time back to our customers. Here are some standout features:

1.     Real-Time Property Availability

The platform provides real-time updates on contractually approved properties within your council area. This enables quick decision-making and reduces the administrative burden of searching through multiple platforms and communicating with various estate agents.

2.     Direct Communication & Auditing

Adam Housing facilitates direction communication with landlords and maintains a transparent record of all interactions. The auditing feature ensures compliance and allows for easier management of property fit-for-purpose checks.

3.     Compliance & Quality Control

Acting as your council’s property availability hub, Adam Housing only allows bookings with compliant providers. This not only improves compliance rates but also enhances the overall quality of available properties. Automated alerts for document expirations promote better practices among providers.

The implementation of Adam Housing leads to immediate operational improvements. By reducing the bottlenecks in the accommodation process, we at Access enable local authorities to increase their capacity to take on new clients. This efficiency is crucial, especially in environments where the flow of accommodation is vital for successful homelessness services. Here is a quick breakdown of the primary benefits that Adam Housing brings to your team:

As Danny Hassall mentioned, “We can’t book a property without having all the compliance certificates. We’re running at 99.5% compliance. It’s made everything so much easier.” The platform has revolutionised the way his department operates, freeing up valuable resources to focus on other critical areas of their work. 

Adam Housing has emerged as a key player in addressing the growing demand for temporary accommodation particularly in high-demand areas like London. Our collaboration with various London boroughs, which have extensive experience with temporary accommodation challenges, ensures that our solutions at Access are not only relevant but also impactful.

By partnering with those on the frontline of the housing crisis, Adam Housing aligns its services with the actual needs of individuals and families. This collaborative approach goes beyond merely providing shelter; it focuses on making meaningful, long-term improvements in the quality and availability of temporary housing.

In summary, Adam Housing is not a replacement for your housing management system; it is a specialised tool designed to enhance the operations of your temporary accommodation and private rented sector teams. By improving property availability, communication and compliance, we streamline the temporary accommodation process, allowing you to fulfil your duty to provide safe, compliant and suitable interim housing effectively.

The Access Group is dedicated to empowering local authorities and housing organisations in their efforts to tackle homelessness. With our housing management system, you can expect not just short-term relief but also a robust platform that supports long-term success in the housing sector.

If you’re ready to take the next step forward to improving your temporary accommodation management, please get in touch to discuss how Adam Housing can help you achieve your goals and to learn more about how we can support your efforts in addressing the critical challenges surrounding homelessness and temporary accommodation.