The Social Housing Round Table

Join Matthew Baird for a free, weekly networking forum discussing anything and everything in Social Housing with a different guest speaker each week. The idea? To challenge the mindset that the sector can’t be changed with small steps as well as large ones whilst giving everyone a free voice for change.

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Episodes

Tuesday May 13, 2025

This week’s Social Housing Round Table featured Jo Leckie and Clare Paterson, who returned to the Round Table to share findings from their benchmarking survey on Knowledge and Information Management (KIM) in the housing sector.
The session unpacked why 'good data' isn’t always the right data, and why tenants’ voices must be given equal weight alongside performance indicators and system outputs. With nearly 70 attendees from across the sector, the discussion highlighted the need to break down silos, rebuild trust and rethink how and why we collect the information we do.
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.

Tuesday Apr 29, 2025

This week’s Social Housing Round Table welcomed Dr. Eve Blezard from the Chartered Institute of Housing for an important discussion on the implementation of Awaab’s Law.
Eve outlined what housing providers can expect as the sector moves from consultation to delivery, the moral imperative driving change and the operational and financial hurdles providers must overcome.
The conversation didn't shy away from the realities: balancing regulation with real world challenges, ensuring tenant safety and the urgent need for better communication across organisations.
Essential listening for anyone committed to raising housing standards and doing right by tenants.
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.

Wednesday Apr 23, 2025

This week, Sarah Daly from Agile Homes joined The Social Housing Round Table to ask a crucial question: how do the decisions we make at the point of development ripple into long-term asset spend and more importantly, tenant experience?
Drawing on her extensive background across sustainability, retrofit and neighbourhood regeneration, Sarah opened a wide ranging conversation on how better communication between development and asset teams could unlock serious long-term value.
More than 50 people joined live for a session that sparked debate, challenged assumptions and made a compelling case for joined up thinking across housing providers.
Tune in to become part of the conversation today.
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.

Tuesday Apr 15, 2025

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.

Tuesday Apr 08, 2025

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. 

Tuesday Apr 01, 2025

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.

Tuesday Mar 25, 2025

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.

Tuesday Mar 18, 2025

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.

Tuesday Mar 11, 2025

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.

Tuesday Mar 04, 2025

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.

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