The Social Housing Round Table

How Important is Social Housing Experience when Hiring in the Sector?

This week’s Social Housing Round Table welcomed Simon Elsworth, Operations Manager at Sovereign Network Group, for a lively and wide-ranging conversation on recruitment in the housing sector.
With perspectives from execs, tenants, recruiters, consultants, and front-line staff, the session explored the tension between valuing sector experience and hiring purely on skills. It’s a big, timely conversation—and one that easily could’ve run twice as long.
Tune in for fresh thinking, straight talk, and plenty of ideas from all corners of the sector.
Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

COVID's Tech Legacy: The transformative tools we found then forgot

Has technology enhanced or hindered the customer journey in social housing?
This week, The Social Housing Round Table, led by Stewart Davison of Elehan Consulting, dives into the complex relationship between digital tools and human connection. 
We explore whether the lessons learned about technology during the 2020 pandemic have been embraced or abandoned and discuss finding the right balance for effective engagement.
Tune in!
Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible. 

Housing and Politics - For People Who Don't Like the Politics!

How strong is the relationship between politics and social housing? 
Tune in to this episode of The Social Housing Round Table for a candid discussion with Eddie Hughes, Former Housing Minister, as we explore the complex dynamics between MPs, Registered Providers, Local Authorities, constituents and the wider social housing landscape. 
We move beyond policy debates to examine where these relationships excel, where they falter and how we can foster more productive change.
This was a hugely popular session with some great discussion around key issues. Tune in to the replay today!
Massive thanks to Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring the Round Table. Alertacall helps as many people as possible feel safe, connected and informed by combining ingenious technology and award winning human contact and they make these important conversations possible.

The Benefit of Long-Term Planning in Retrofit

This episode of The Social Housing Round Table features Andrew Todd, Head of Net Zero Carbon at Sureserve, leading a crucial conversation on long-term retrofit planning. We discussed strategies for effective resident engagement, avoiding a "guinea pig" scenario and ensuring a smooth transition to new technologies. 
Discover the importance of clear communication, quality installations and post-retrofit support in creating warm, affordable and healthy homes for social housing residents.
Massive thanks to Sureserve for sponsoring this session and of course to Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring the Round Table. Alertacall helps as many people as possible feel safe, connected and informed by combining ingenious technology and award winning human contact and they make these important conversations possible.

Building Resilience Within Young People to Support Sustainable Tenancies

What does it truly take to support young people transitioning from care to independence? 
Join The Social Housing Round Table for a for a very passionate discussion on the challenges of young people leaving care with Sureya Gulzar, Head of Social Business at Black Country Housing Group and Rebecca Riley, Head of Communities and Projects at HACT.
We also delve into Black Country Housing Group's "Foundations for Life" programme, exploring their journey from care to mentor through impactful partnerships. 
Discover how this initiative is co-creating solutions with young people, addressing support gaps and fostering a collective response. 
A must-listen for anyone passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people!
Massive thanks to Black Country Housing Group for sponsoring this session. They are doing impressive work and making a massive difference in their communities. And of course to Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring the Round Table. Alertacall helps as many people as possible feel safe, connected and informed by combining ingenious technology and award winning human contact and they make these important conversations possible.

Tenant Satisfaction Measures: One Year On

Join us for a lively and insightful discussion on Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs) with Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement for The Regulator of Social Housing.  
In this episode, we explore best practices, key findings from the first year of implementation and early metrics for year two.  
Kate also addresses a wide range of questions from industry professionals and tenants, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities surrounding TSMs.  
Whether you're a housing provider, a tenant or simply interested in the future of social housing, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of the TSM landscape.  
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how TSMs are shaping the sector and driving improvements in tenant satisfaction.
Massive thanks to Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring the Round Table. Alertacall helps as many people as possible feel safe, connected and informed by combining ingenious technology and award winning human contact and they make these important conversations possible.

Creating a Community to Support Housing Officers in Burnout

Are you a housing officer feeling the strain of the job? Do you ever feel like you're on the brink of burnout? 
In this episode of The Social Housing Round Table, we're joined by Chris Garlick, a housing officer at Accent Housing, to discuss the all too common issue of burnout in the housing sector. Chris shares his research on the topic, including the shocking statistic that 65% of housing officers would leave the sector if they could. He also discusses the importance of self care and how to recognise the warning signs of burnout. 
If you're a housing officer, this episode is a must-listen. Chris offers practical advice on how to manage stress and avoid burnout. He also discusses the importance of having a supportive team and culture in the workplace.
Massive thanks to Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring the Round Table. Alertacall helps as many people as possible feel safe, connected and informed by combining ingenious technology and award winning human contact and they make these important conversations possible.

Transforming Procurement with Long-Term Partners Through True Added Value

Catch the replay of this week's Round Table session on redefining social value in social housing and gain valuable insights from industry leader Craig Bell, owner of Bell Group!
In this thought-provoking session, we explored:
The true meaning of social value: We challenged the status quo and dove deep into what REALLY constitutes social value in the context of procurement and long-term partnerships.
Accountability and Measurement: We discussed how to effectively measure social value and hold procurement suppliers accountable for their commitments.
Resident Engagement: We examined the crucial role of resident engagement in shaping social value initiatives.
The Power of Partnerships: We explored how long-term partnerships can create lasting positive change within communities.
The Skills Gap: We discussed the importance of training and development in addressing the skills shortage in the industry.
This session is a must-watch for anyone passionate about creating a more impactful and socially responsible social housing sector.
Tune in now! 
Massive thanks to Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring the Round Table. Alertacall helps as many people as possible feel safe, connected and informed by combining ingenious technology and award winning human contact and they make these important conversations possible.

Rent Regulation: A Deep Dive

Ever wondered how rent is calculated in social housing? It's a bit of a maze, really! Join us as we chat with Samantha Grix, a whiz in rent regulation, who breaks down this complex topic in plain terms. We'll explore the latest rules, common mistakes, and the potential impact of rent changes on tenants and housing providers.
Plus, we'll discuss why it's so important for everyone to understand rent regulation – from housing professionals to tenants.
Whether you're a tenant, work in housing, or simply curious about this important issue, tune in for an informative and engaging discussion!
Massive thanks to Devonshires and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring this session of the Round Table. Sponsorships mean we can having the conversations that matter. 
Devonshires are solution driven legal services recognised as industry leaders with firm roots in social housing.
Alertacall helps as many people as possible feel safe, connected and informed by combining ingenious technology and award winning human contact and they make these important conversations possible.

Is There a Seat at the Table? Ethnic Minority Voices in Tenant Engagement

Tune in to what is a compelling discussion on the critical issue of ethnic minority representation in social housing. Our guest, Kai Jackson, shares her groundbreaking research and the journey that led her to uncover the systemic barriers and generational mistrust that hinder engagement. In this episode, we delve into the key findings from Kai's report, exploring the challenges faced by both tenants and staff in creating a truly inclusive environment. We discuss the importance of cultural competency, targeted communication and proactive outreach in building trust and fostering meaningful engagement. We also examine the innovative "Table Principles" developed by Kai, a framework designed to drive sustainable change and move beyond tick-box exercises. Learn how these principles can be implemented to enhance staff competency, strengthen data system, and allocate resources effectively to support tenant engagement initiatives. Join us as we shed light on the crucial role that ethnic minority voices play in shaping a more equitable and representative social housing sector. Together, let's break down barriers and build a stronger, more inclusive community for all. Massive thanks to Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring the Round Table. Alertacall helps as many people as possible feel safe, connected and informed by combining ingenious technology and award winning human contact and they make these important conversations possible.