IMS connectivity guide
Updated 1 September 2026
Applies to England
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-access-the-investment-management-system/ims-connectivity-guide
Organisations can access the Investment Management System (IMS) using a web browser and Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS).
Parallels RAS runs in your web browser and does not require any additional software to be installed.
To access RAS you need:
- internet access
- a supported web browser (the latest versions of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge are recommended for full functionality)
If you use an Apple device, you must use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge instead of Safari.
You must register to access the IMS if you have not already done so.
How to access IMS
1. Open https://ras.homesengland.org.uk.
The link opens in your default web browser. If you prefer to use a different browser, copy and paste the URL into the browser address bar.
Users who have previously saved login credentials for another Homes England site may see a ‘Sign In’ prompt when they access the site for the first time. If this appears, select ‘Cancel’.
2. Enter your username and password provided by Homes England and select ‘Sign In’.
You do not need to add ‘@domain’ after your username, just the username.
If you are logging into the system for the first time you might see an Auto login prompt. Select ‘Yes’ to reduce the number of times you are asked to sign in and dismiss the prompt. Select ‘No’ to dismiss the prompt. After logging in this feature is disabled and the message will no longer appear.
Your browser may also prompt you to save your login details. If you choose to save your details the fields will be pre-filled the next time you access the site.
3. Once logged in, you will see the main screen which contains IMS Live. This is where you will launch your application from. This home screen is called ‘Homes England RAS’ in the browser tab.
Select the application menu (waffle icon) at the bottom of the web page to show or hide your list of applications.
4. Select ‘IMS Live’ to launch it – the application will open in a new browser tab.
You will see the display message ‘Launching IMS Live’ when the application is loading.
5. When your session is ready, you will see the normal IMS login box — enter your IMS user ID and password. IMS will open.
After you are logged into IMS the browser tab name will change to the name of the current application.
The main IMS application icon will be displayed at the bottom of the browser tab along with any other IMS modules you open. You can switch between them by selecting the required icon.
Some IMS modules may include additional sub-application windows. Any inactive windows will be minimised at the bottom of the screen.
Example
Recycled Capital Grant Funding (RCGF) uses some additional sub-application windows.
Switch between inactive windows using the arrow buttons at the top of the RCGF module, or by selecting ‘Restore’ on the minimised window you want to bring back into view.
Help and support
Further guidance is available in the help and support section of the IMS connectivity guide.
You can also contact the Homes England Service Desk.
Phone: 01908 353604
Email: servicedesk@homesengland.gov.uk.