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.

Listen on:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Podbean App
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music

Episodes

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.

Tuesday Feb 25, 2025

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

Tuesday Feb 18, 2025

Tuesday Feb 18, 2025

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.

Tuesday Feb 11, 2025

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.

Tuesday Feb 04, 2025

Welcome to the Social Housing Roundtable, the podcast where we discuss the latest trends and innovations in social housing! In this episode, we're joined by Richard Walker, Home Services Director at Pickering and Ferens homes, who will be sharing their journey towards creating a more connected and engaged community for their older residents.    
Richard discusses the challenges they faced in communicating with residents and promoting health and wellbeing initiatives, and how they overcame these challenges through the implementation of PFH Connect. He shares the positive outcomes they've seen, including increased resident engagement, improved tenant satisfaction and a significant increase in attendance at wellbeing activities.    
Join us as we explore the benefits of PFH Connect and discuss how technology can be leveraged to reduce isolation, promote independence and improve the lives of older people living in social housing.    
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.

Tuesday Jan 28, 2025

In this eye-opening episode of The Social Housing Round Table, we delve into the critical need for improved data and communication across the social housing sector.
It's evident that despite the tireless efforts of many dedicated individuals, the sector still faces significant challenges. This episode explores the issues of trust, accountability and communication, highlighting the urgent need for better collaboration and understanding.
We hear from Andrew Tod, who, in a session sponsored by SureServe, sheds light on the crisis in retrofitting social housing. He addresses the skills shortages, funding gaps and policy inconsistencies hindering progress. The discussion emphasises the importance of tenant-centric approaches, moving away from one-size-fits-all solutions and prioritising tenant well-being alongside Net Zero targets.
Join us for this crucial conversation as we explore the complexities of the social housing sector and discuss potential solutions for a more efficient and equitable future.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Sureserve and Alertacall Ltd, for supporting this session and enabling these vital discussions.

Managing WIP Repairs

Tuesday Jan 21, 2025

Tuesday Jan 21, 2025

Join us for a lively discussion on a challenge that keeps every housing maintenance manager up at night: managing work in progress (WIP) repairs.
This week's Social Housing Round Table dives deep into the world of repairs, tackling the "WIP mountain" head-on.  Inspired by a "Social Housing" viral post from Duncan Palmer, this episode brings together a group of voices to share their experiences, insights and potential solutions for tackling those ever-growing repair lists.
Expect a candid conversation exploring the complexities of WIP in social housing, with no easy answers but plenty of shared learning. Tune in to discover how collaboration and knowledge sharing can help the sector finally get ahead of this persistent challenge.
A massive thank you to Duncan for joining us and 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.

Tackling Homelessness

Tuesday Jan 14, 2025

Tuesday Jan 14, 2025

In this episode of The Social Housing Round Table, we're diving into a truly impactful session featuring the incredible Rachel Holliday from Time to Change West Cumbria.
Hear how Rachel, with the support of Alertacall Ltd, is making a tangible difference in her community to combat homelessness and learn how we can all make a difference. 
Tune in now and discover how collaboration and determination can create a brighter future for everyone.
A massive thank you to Rachel for joining us and 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.

Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Version: 20241125