The Social Housing Round Table

Awaab's Law in Practice

What does it take to implement Awaab’s Law in practice?
In this episode of The Social Housing Round Table, Matt Baird is joined by Robert Gilham, Corporate Director at whg, to share how the organisation is putting new legislation into action just two days after it came into force.
From data to decision-making, communication to culture, this conversation offers a raw and honest look at the real challenges and opportunities facing social landlords right now. With over 90 stakeholders in attendance, the discussion explored the law’s wider implications on overcrowding, allocations, tenant experience and organisational structure.
This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to understand how Awaab’s Law will reshape housing practice.
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.

Rooted in Resilience: CIH Presidency Campaign 2025/26

Rooted in Resilience: Rethinking Leadership in Social Housing
In this week’s episode of The Social Housing Round Table, we were welcomed by Julie Haydon, the new CIH President for a deeply reflective and future-focused conversation around leadership, wellbeing and workforce culture in the sector. The discussion explored how we can move away from survival-mode mindsets and into more collaborative, resilient and human-centred leadership models.
From the importance of continuing successful presidential campaigns to the need for leaders to model vulnerability - not just authority - this session highlights how small cultural shifts can have big sector-wide impact.
Tune in to hear how we can build a housing sector that truly supports its people - staff and tenants alike.
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.

Why Housing Associations Shouldn't Invest in EV Infrastructure?

In this episode of The Social Housing Round Table, Elaine Middleton welcomes Giles Desforges, CEO of Energy Park, to explore the growing conversation around EV (Electric Vehicle) charging in the social housing sector.
Giles unpacks why housing providers are hesitant to install EV infrastructure themselves, how Norway’s adoption model sets the benchmark and what funding and policy shifts are needed to encourage uptake.
We also look at practical considerations for installing chargers in blocks, how to futureproof asset management plans and whether this is a distraction or an opportunity for the sector.
Big thanks to Energy Park for sponsoring this session of The Social Housing Round Table and of course, big thanks go to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table throughout 2025, without them, none of this would be possible.

Tackling Non-Compliance in Building Safety

In this episode of The Social Housing Round Table, host Matt Baird is joined by David Stevens from Birmingham City Council and Alastair Thorpe from True Compliance to unpack the role of compliance in social housing - not as a tick-box exercise, but as a critical, service-shaping function.
Together, they explore how real transformation happens when we prioritise feedback from the people using the systems — and stop assuming we already know best.
From system design and procurement to internal silos and the dangers of assumptions, this conversation is a must-watch for anyone invested in getting compliance right, not just done.
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.

Unlocking PRS Partners to Help End Homelessness

In this Round Table, Elaine leads a powerful discussion on the role of the private rented sector (PRS) in tackling homelessness. The panel explores how stronger partnerships with PRS landlords and agents can create more sustainable housing pathways, reduce reliance on temporary accommodation, and support long-term solutions for people at risk.
With practical insights and examples from across the sector, this conversation highlights the opportunities and challenges in building PRS collaborations that make a real difference.
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.

The Legal Considerations when Inquiring about Criminal Records

In this Round Table, Matt Baird hosts a discussion on the legal challenges shaping the social housing sector today. The panel explores compliance obligations, governance responsibilities, and the importance of embedding good practice to stay ahead of regulatory change. From risk management to resident rights, this conversation offers clear and practical guidance for leaders navigating an increasingly complex legal landscape.
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.

5 Lessons Learned From Talking to 50 Housing Leaders

What do you learn when you sit down with 50 housing leaders across the UK and ask what’s really going on?
In this Alertacall-supported episode, technologist and social entrepreneur James Batchelor joins Matt Baird to share five standout themes gathered from dozens of conversations with senior leaders across the sector. The session covers everything from poverty, safeguarding and service erosion to repairs, frontline training, and digital readiness.
Expect candid insight, serious challenges — and real optimism for what could change if the sector chooses to act.

Combatting Loneliness Through Multi-Generational Living

Bridging Generations, Building Communities: Lessons from Sweden’s SällBo Project
In this powerful international edition of The Social Housing Round Table, Dragana Curovic from Eurhonet (the European Housing Network) joins Matt Baird to share the story behind SällBo – an innovative, multi-generational housing project in Sweden designed to combat loneliness, strengthen community ties, and challenge assumptions about who belongs together.
From cultural integration to design thinking, Dragana unpacks how bringing together older people, refugees, and young adults under one roof not only worked, but thrived. This conversation explores what happens when providers trust people to self-organise, why housing design matters, and what the UK can learn from reimagining community from the ground up.
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.

CIH and NHF: Joining Forces to Boost Community and Collaboration

In this episode of The Social Housing Round Table, we were joined by Simon Nunn (NHF) and Alexandra Gibson (CIH) to discuss collaboration, community and the upcoming Housing Community Summit.
This conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the Summit was developed, why it’s rooted in sector-wide collaboration and the shared goal of building a stronger, more connected social housing community.
Simon and Alex also reflected on what true community engagement means in practice, how the two organisations work together across differences and why the sector can’t afford to operate in silos.
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.

Not Just a Record: Rethinking Risk in Recruitment

In this Round Table session, host Matt Baird leads an open discussion on how leaders in social housing are building trust, managing change, and adopting new technologies. The panel shares practical examples of engaging with residents, navigating regulatory expectations, and using innovation to create positive impact. Listeners will come away with actionable insights to strengthen relationships, improve services, and prepare for the future of housing.
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.