SOME 200 staff working for Raglan Housing Association in Bournemouth and Poole are facing upheaval as the company closes offices and moves staff roles elsewhere.

The housing association, which owns and manages 11,600 homes in Southern England and the East Midlands, is opening a new head office in Reading, and another office in the Southampton area – leading to a major shake up locally.

The two offices in Poole – Wright House and Westover House – will close.

Just under 100 employees based there face relocation, or even redundancy, which Raglan has not ruled out.

And while the office in Oxford Road, Bournemouth, will remain open at least, some of just over 100 staff there could also be relocated to Reading or Southampton.

Raglan has launched a consultation for staff, and has yet to determine which function and roles will move where, and if any staff will be cut.

Bosses are discussing working options including home working and hot desking at a local office for people who will be affected.

The plans are expected to be finalised by March next year, and while Ragland has said it is under no pressure to move, the changes could come in by the end of 2011.

Chief Executive Nicholas Harris said the moves were ‘key to Raglan’s future success’, which includes plans to expand into other regions.

He added: “The proposals in principle have only just been agreed and the full details of the move and which staff will be involved have yet to be finalised.

“We understand the concerns staff will have during this period of uncertainty and we are keeping them informed of progress and working closely with our staff committee.”

He added: “We will continue as to provide front line services.”