ARCO, the national body for operators of Integrated Retirement Communities (IRC) in the UK, has moved to enhance its regulatory oversight role with the appointment of a new, independent Chair for its Standards Committee.
Karen McArthur is an experienced Non-Executive Director with several high-profile board appointments and a wider portfolio of standards work with statutory regulators. She was appointed following an extensive recruitment process.
The Standards Committee oversees the ARCO Consumer Code, a set of standards for operators that go beyond minimum legal requirements to ensure transparency and high levels of consumer protection in marketing, sales, lettings and resident relations. The Code was implemented in 2015 and subsequently adapted to incorporate the recommendations of the Law Commission in 2017 relating to event fees.
The appointment of Karen McArthur comes at an exciting time for the IRC sector, following the launch by the government of the Older People’s Housing Task Force in May 2023. ARCO led the campaign for the Task Force, which is looking at how to expand the provision of specialist housing for older people.
Speaking at ARCO’s What’s Next? conference in June 2023, the Housing Minister backed ARCO’s calls for sector specific consumer regulation and for the Law Commission’s recommendations on event fees to be brought into force.
Michael Voges, ARCO’s Chief Executive, said:
“Karen’s appointment as the independent Chair of ARCO’s Standards Committee is an important signal to older people, their families and the government that ARCO is determined to push for the highest possible consumer standards in Older People’s Housing. Karen brings a vast breadth of expertise and experience, and I look forward to working with her to propel the sector forward”.
Karen McArthur, ARCO’s Standards Committee Chair, said:
“Setting, maintaining and enforcing high standards is key for consumer confidence. I’m delighted to be joining ARCO who are leading the way in this important sector. I’m impressed with their ambition and vision for Older People Housing and look forward to supporting them on their journey towards greater regulation.”
ARCO enhances regulatory role with new independent Standards Chair
ARCO, the national body for operators of Integrated Retirement Communities (IRC) in the UK, has moved to enhance its regulatory oversight role with the appointment of a new, independent Chair for its Standards Committee.
Karen McArthur is an experienced Non-Executive Director with several high-profile board appointments and a wider portfolio of standards work with statutory regulators. She was appointed following an extensive recruitment process.
The Standards Committee oversees the ARCO Consumer Code, a set of standards for operators that go beyond minimum legal requirements to ensure transparency and high levels of consumer protection in marketing, sales, lettings and resident relations. The Code was implemented in 2015 and subsequently adapted to incorporate the recommendations of the Law Commission in 2017 relating to event fees.
The appointment of Karen McArthur comes at an exciting time for the IRC sector, following the launch by the government of the Older People’s Housing Task Force in May 2023. ARCO led the campaign for the Task Force, which is looking at how to expand the provision of specialist housing for older people.
Speaking at ARCO’s What’s Next? conference in June 2023, the Housing Minister backed ARCO’s calls for sector specific consumer regulation and for the Law Commission’s recommendations on event fees to be brought into force.
Michael Voges, ARCO’s Chief Executive, said:
“Karen’s appointment as the independent Chair of ARCO’s Standards Committee is an important signal to older people, their families and the government that ARCO is determined to push for the highest possible consumer standards in Older People’s Housing. Karen brings a vast breadth of expertise and experience, and I look forward to working with her to propel the sector forward”.
Karen McArthur, ARCO’s Standards Committee Chair, said:
“Setting, maintaining and enforcing high standards is key for consumer confidence. I’m delighted to be joining ARCO who are leading the way in this important sector. I’m impressed with their ambition and vision for Older People Housing and look forward to supporting them on their journey towards greater regulation.”