Claire Baxter, the Chair of the National Codes Audit Panel has stepped down after 6 years in post, and the the National Code team would like thank her and note her significant contribution to the success and development of the National Codes. 

The Audit Panel is responsible for taking decisions about verification and membership, and the independent Chair plays a key role ensuring evidence-based decisions are taken at each meeting. They play an important role in providing independent oversight and quality in the Codes, maintaining confidence of members and students.  

Claire Baxter has been in the role since 2020 and is leaving the position, and has shared her reflections on her time in the post.  

Claire Baxter said: 

After six years as a member and Chair of the ANUK / Unipol National Code Audit Panel, the time has come for me to step down. It has been a privilege to contribute to this pivotal accreditation scheme which at its heart is about helping students to access well managed accommodation and enjoy a fair tenant-provider relationship. 

Looking back, I am particularly proud of the work to ensure that the Panel is fit for the future. As the sector has evolved, so too has the scale and complexity of the Panel's work. When I first joined, we would typically consider around 75 verification visits with live issues at a meeting. Today, that figure is closer to 150, a step change driven by the Code’s national role alongside the Renters’ Rights Act.  As well as growth in accredited bed spaces, we are seeing a wider variety of accommodation types, ownership and management arrangements, and remediation challenges. In response, with Unipol, we have reviewed our focus, processes and systems to maintain clear and consistent decision-making. 

I am proud that throughout this period the Panel has maintained a strong focus on safety.  Students, like most of us, want to explore the location, facilities and ‘feel’ of their new home, not the invisible working of the building. One of the things I have come to appreciate is the commitment shown by accommodation providers across the sector – there has been a particular increase in programmes of building improvement works, that have brought significant challenges to the sector but have been met on the whole with a commitment to improving building safety and ensuring the disruption to students are kept to a minimum. By joining the National Code, providers are making a public commitment to high standards and acting in the best interests of students. The cases considered by the Panel are often a reminder of how complex and challenging that task can be. I’d like to acknowledge those who work tirelessly to deliver a positive experience for students and strive for improvement.  

As the Renters' Rights Act continues to unfold, so too will the demands upon Panel. However, the National Code has a clear purpose, strong foundations and committed people behind it. My successor will be joined by two new Panel members bringing additional capacity in building management and student experience.  With them will be the incredibly knowledgeable and diligent verifiers, and the dedicated and experienced team at Unipol. I wish my successor and the Panel every success and know they will be well supported. 

I look forward to seeing the growth of the National Codes’ profile with students, and an ongoing drive to improve standards in their accommodation to support the University journey.  

Victoria Tolmie-Loverseed, Director of Standards, said: 

In her role as Chair, Claire has brought considerable skill to the work of the Panel, ensuring that it has remained robust as demands on it have evolved. During her tenure, the landscape for purpose-built student accommodation management and compliance has changed fundamentally, with new building safety legislation, a new regulator, shifts in the student housing market and changing student expectations. 

During this time, Claire has worked with the National Codes team to ensure that the processes underpinning verification have continued to evolve and improve. We are incredibly thankful for her dedication and leadership. 

In addition, the Chair plays a vital role in leading independent decision-making. Claire has led the Panel with integrity and judgement, ensuring that decisions have remained consistent and rigorous. 

We are grateful for Claire’s contribution and look forward to building on the strong foundations she has helped put in place for the next phase of the National Codes, including the new Chair and Deputy Chairs who will commence later this month.