Number of homes: Around 25,000
CEO: Ruth Cooke
Website: www.greensquareaccord.co.uk
Areas of operation: West Midlands, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, South West England

About

GreenSquareAccord was formed in April 2021 through the merger of Accord Housing Association (West Midlands) and GreenSquare Group (South West). The organisation presents itself as “building better lives,” with a focus on providing safe, good-quality homes, extending care and support services, and building more affordable housing. It manages around 25,000 homes but states its wider services reach 54,000 people.

The roots of the organisation stretch back to the Oxford Cottage Improvement Company in 1866 and Harpers Almshouse charity in 1511. The merger created a large regional provider with expanded capacity across housing, care, and development.

Performance & Accountability

GreenSquareAccord is regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing (code LH4200). Shortly after the merger, a self-referral revealed statutory health and safety failures in legacy Accord stock relating to fire, electrical, and asbestos compliance. In October 2021, the regulator downgraded governance to G2 while retaining viability at V2. Governance was restored to G1 in January 2025, though viability remains at V2, reflecting financial pressures.

Concerns have also been raised around stock investment levels, with legacy Accord homes requiring significant works. The regulator noted reliance on post-merger efficiencies as a material risk to the business plan.

Strategic Direction

GreenSquareAccord plans to deliver 1,900 new homes between 2021 and 2026 while balancing investment in its existing housing stock. It also operates registered subsidiary Westlea Housing Association (around 7,800 homes) and several unregistered subsidiaries, including GreenSquare Homes, GreenSquare Construction, and GreenSquare Estates.

The association’s strategy highlights ambitions to expand community investment and care services, but financial risks and resident concerns over repairs and safety compliance remain ongoing challenges.

Resident Experience

The organisation emphasises its mission to “build better lives,” but many residents report dissatisfaction, particularly in relation to repairs, communication, and safety. Health and safety compliance failures post-merger have further damaged trust, with concerns raised about accountability and oversight.

At a glance

Homes: 25,000 managed, services reaching 54,000 people
Governance/Viability: G1/V2 – governance restored, viability under pressure
Focus: Affordable housing, care and support, new development, community services
Key identity points: Formed from 2021 merger, long history dating back to 1511 and 1866, operates Westlea Housing Association

Resident Website

There is also a resident support website: www.greensquareaccordresidents.co.uk