The Future of Our Leasehold Retirement Portfolio
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our FAQ section, your go-to place for quick, clear answers about everything you need to know.
We’ve gathered the most common questions to help you find what you’re looking for fast. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out to either your head of service, Sinade Livsey, or Monika Baginska, your People Partner.
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TUPE Related Questions
What does TUPE mean?
TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment)) is legislation that protects colleagues’ employment when a service or business transfers to a new organisation. This means key terms and conditions, such as length of service, pay and holiday entitlement, transfer with you to the new provider.
TUPE – Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) means your employment rights and terms and conditions are protected under law, so things like length of service, salary etc. will all transfer over to the buyer.
When you say TUPE transfer, do you mean our management will transfer, or will it go to a consultancy?
The management team will transfer to the new owner. TUPE will apply, meaning your length of service and other employment rights will be protected when you transfer to the new provider. We’re at very early stages. As the process progresses, we’ll support you. A central site will be created where you’ll find the presentation shared with Scheme Managers, Q&A documents, and updates. You can also contact the People Partnering team directly at PeoplePartneringTeam@Amplius.co.uk if you’ve any questions.
Are our jobs protected under TUPE? As managers, are we guaranteed to keep our roles?
TUPE helps protect your employment and key terms and conditions when you transfer to a new provider. This includes things like your continuity of service, pay, and contractual benefits. While TUPE doesn’t guarantee that individual roles will remain the same, it does mean that any changes would need to be handled fairly and through appropriate processes.
Overall, there are important protections in place for colleagues under TUPE, but it’s also possible that the new provider may review their structure over time, as any organisation would.
Will a consultation happen if roles are reviewed?
It’s not common for companies to do this pre-transfer, but it can be done. Usually, companies get people in with the transfer, then look internally to make changes. If there are any changes to things like payday etc. you will be informed and consulted with pre-transfer.
What if another company take us over and say they’re going to remove the Scheme Managers?
This is depicted in and is a requirement of the lease, so for this to change the lease would need to be varied. It would need to go through a formal and independent leasehold ballot and receive a 100% vote for it to pass.
Will our line managers come over with us?
Yes, we had a meeting with the management of Scheme Managers this morning. It’s day one in terms of informing people about this. Nothing has happened yet, but you and the managers are the only aware so far.
Will the management team and Head of Service transfer?
Management will transfer as they’re 100% designated to LSE. The Head of Service role won’t transfer because it covers other areas which are remaining with Amplius.
New Provider Related Questions
Some schemes are in poor condition. How will these be sold?
Customers will receive a letter this week to take pressure off Scheme Managers. They’ll be invited to a Teams call on 9 April, where we’ll explain the process and high‑level milestones.
Service delivery continues as normal. Repairs, planned works, surveys and cleaning contracts will remain in place up to transfer. All overdue repairs must be disclosed to potential buyers, along with details of sinking funds.
From a customer perspective, services will continue and may improve in some areas.
Customers will also have a dedicated email address: RetirementSchemes@Amplius.co.uk.
Will we be transferred to another Housing Association?
That’s the intention. We’re focusing on specialist Housing Associations such as Anchor Hanover, Housing 21, and Elm. Our preference is to transfer schemes as a single package, which we believe is best for customers and colleagues.
Have you started looking for a provider yet?
Not yet. We’ll shortly appoint a consultancy to support us. They’ll advise on the process and require information (asset, financial and operational data).
If we can’t find a suitable provider, or have concerns, we’ll retain the service.
Will all schemes transfer together?
Transferring all schemes together is our preferred approach.
Will existing cleaning and gardening contracts continue?
The intention is that existing contracts would transfer as part of due diligence.
Are there providers bigger than Amplius?
Yes, but size isn’t the priority. We’re looking for the right specialist provider that can meet customer needs.
Will customers be involved in choosing the provider?
There’ll be an element of customer consultation by way of keeping them up to date on key milestones. Details are still being developed, but customers will be kept informed.
Scheme‑Specific Questions
Will Carrington Gardens be included even though it’s still being built?
Yes. Our preference, and current advice, is to find a single provider for all schemes. This may flex as we move into detailed planning, but the intention is a full transfer.
Residents will bombard us with questions, what support will there be?
We recognise improvements have been made to grounds maintenance and services. Despite this change, our focus remains on meeting customer needs. Central communication will support you, alongside resident meetings, and FAQs.
I’ve four rental properties in my scheme — will these transfer?
Yes, which is why we’re confident the buyer will be a Housing Association and registered provider.
Current ways of working
Workload is already high — will additional support be provided for management?
This can be discussed with Sinade, including interim or secondment support. We recognise pressures across the organisation and want to understand what’s taking up time so we can support appropriately.
Why is this area no longer sustainable?
The service hasn’t grown for some time and carries unrecoverable overheads. Income generated is legally capped, while costs sit across IT, HR, and other central services.
Although Scheme Manager roles are service‑charged, complaints and MP involvement have resulted in refunds, meaning the service hasn’t been financially sustainable for many years. Our focus is now on core social housing delivery and low-cost homeownership.
Are we reducing costs during the transition?
No. Budgets are set for the next 12 months. We’re not driving cost reduction, though we’ll continue to look at efficiency.
What if Scheme Managers leave during this uncertainty?
Recruitment for vacant posts will continue and Homeownership Managers will provide interim support to residents.
Do colleagues still need to attend colleague day?
Yes — everyone remains employed by Amplius at this stage.
What about SharePoint and scheme files?
No immediate change. These will be reviewed during due diligence.
What if a customer challenges a service charge?
Continue to manage challenges in line with existing processes.
Communication
Can we reassure residents they’ll be kept informed?
Yes, but communication needs to be balanced. We’ll rely on Scheme Managers to help keep residents updated locally alongside central communications.
What about residents without internet access?
Once a provider is identified, we’ll increase communication, including in‑person options where needed.
Why can’t we tell prospective buyers the freehold may transfer?
At this stage, colleagues must not advise prospective buyers that the freehold is being sold. Until a provider is formally identified, this could create a risk of mis‑selling.
Once confirmed, clear guidance will be issued.
Miscellaneous
I recently changed my working hours — will this stay the same?
Yes. Any pre‑agreed arrangements will continue.
Could contractors reduce service quality knowing a transfer may happen?
No. Contractual obligations remain in place, including penalty clauses. We continue to manage and improve services. If no bidder is found, we’ll retain the service.
Is redundancy an option?
No. This isn’t a redundancy situation. Either the schemes transfer, or we continue to manage them.