About us

Who we are

We are simply “open to all”

At BNCHA, we are committed to being “open to all.” As a fully mutual housing co-operative, we are run entirely by and for our tenant members. This means that every tenant is a member, and together they own and democratically manage their homes. In effect, our tenants are their own landlords, giving them direct control over their housing and the broader community.

Since our establishment in 1976, BNCHA has grown to become the largest housing co-operative of its type in the UK, with 480 tenant members. We encourage all our members to actively participate in the governance of the co-op. From shaping the services we deliver to approving long-term strategic plans, every member has the opportunity to have their voice heard and to influence key decisions.

Our values are rooted in the ethical principles of integrity, accountability, transparency, social responsibility, and caring for others. We believe that these ideals are the foundation of a strong, supportive, and sustainable community.

Improving Lives through Services

BNCHA is dedicated to enhancing the lives of its tenant members and the local community through a wide range of support services and community-focused initiatives. Beyond housing, we actively work to improve the well-being of our members by offering services such as:

• The Belgrave Food Hub, providing discounted groceries and essentials to local families facing financial challenges.
• Community Garden Project, promoting environmental sustainability and community engagement.
• EKTA Sessions, offering workshops on wellness, financial advice, and skill-building activities such as sewing, which empower both experienced and new participants by building confidence and life skills.

These services are designed not only to meet immediate needs but to foster a sense of community, inclusion, and long-term well-being for everyone involved.

Our Partnership with Pinnacle

 In October 2017, we entered into a partnership with Pinnacle Group to provide vital housing services for our tenant members. Pinnacle manages services such as applicant interviews, housing allocations, repairs, maintenance, rent collection, and tenancy advice. While Pinnacle delivers these services, BNCHA sets the policies and standards for how they are provided, ensuring that our members’ needs are at the forefront.

The Chair of BNCHA plays an active and hands-on role in working closely with Pinnacle to ensure that the best possible services are provided to our tenant members. This collaboration allows us to continuously monitor service delivery and implement improvements where needed, ensuring that our members’ voices are heard and their needs are met efficiently.

It’s important to note that Pinnacle does not own any housing – they are not the landlord. Instead, they are committed to delivering high-quality, customer-focused services in line with our community’s values. Pinnacle’s housing team is based at our local offices on Loughborough Road, allowing for quick responses and ensuring that services are coordinated locally.

Continuous Improvement

Under the leadership of BNCHA, we continuously review the way services are delivered, always seeking new ways to improve and make a difference in the lives of our tenant members. Over the past few years, we have made significant strides in improving the governance, services, and overall quality of life for our members. The Chair, in close partnership with Pinnacle, ensures that tenant satisfaction and service quality remain at the core of BNCHA’s mission. Together, we are dedicated to building a thriving, empowered, and inclusive community.