Welcome to our blog. Here you’ll find insights, opinions and thoughts on a wide range of housing-related topics from experts from across the housing spectrum.
What do you think of what’s being said? Leave a comment to join the debate, but make sure you read our comments guidance first. Please note guest bloggers views don’t necessarily reflect those of the National Housing Federation.
21 March 2019
Helen Jeffery is Digital Manager at the National Housing Federation
Last year we surveyed our members about our ambitions to revolutionise our digital services and develop a personalised housing hub. Now we need your help to turn that vision into reality.
20 March 2019
Juss Mullins is Public Affairs Officer at the National Housing Federation
Today, Karen Buck MP’s Fitness for Human Habitation Act comes into force. This important piece of legislation gives renters the right to take action if their property is not fit for habitation.
12 March 2019
Mark Lewis, Chair of Trent & Dove Housing
Why is working with tenants so important for boards? There are so many good reasons that it’s really hard to answer quickly!
8 March 2019
Peter Lunio is a Non-Executive Director at EPIC Housing and a Business Partner at Insights with Purpose
As a housing association board member and a technology advisor, I’m often surprised by how digitally unsavvy board members can be. I know some organisations are creating new technology forums, building the expertise of their board members, and strengthening IT governance – all with the aim of allowing boards to guide management by asking the right questions about the impact of technology.
7 March 2019
Jacqui McKinlay is Chief Executive of Centre for Public Scrutiny
Last Friday, we hosted an engagement session with around a dozen tenants in Liverpool as part of the ‘Together with Tenants’ consultation. For two hours we listened, answered questions, and received lots of healthy challenge on all aspects of the plan and the detail of the charter commitments.
6 March 2019
Margaret Ashmead is an Optivo resident
I was pleased to read about the Together with Tenants plan and delighted my landlord, Optivo, volunteered to get involved at an early stage, as an ‘early adopter’. As a resident, this sends a clear message about my landlord’s commitment to ensuring residents’ voices are heard.
5 March 2019
Will Jeffwitz, National Housing Federation
A post-Brexit shortage of construction workers will be a significant barrier to building more homes. The National Housing Federation is backing calls from the wider construction sector for the Government to take urgent action.
4 March 2019
Cressida Stanley-Williams, Service Development Manager – Community Services & Kevan Forde, Head of Innovation at Anchor Hanover
If we look back only 10 years to 2009, Gordon Brown was Prime Minister and the Equalities Act was about to become law. People tended to talk about LGB people, not including the T we’re now all used to. Civil Partnerships were in place for Lesbians and Gay Men but not equal marriage. In the workplace it was rare to find staff networks for any specific groups, including LGBT+ people.
28 February 2019
Duncan Neish, Policy Officer, National Housing Federation
When it comes to building new homes, the planning process can be difficult and uncertain, but there are things you can do to make the process smoother. Many associations already do, providing some of the inspiration for this blog.
28 February 2019
Nick Yandle is a Policy Leader at the National Housing Federation
Raising Roofs prepares younger people for board positions in the housing association sector, recognising that diversity is essential for effective leadership and decision-making.
25 February 2019
Joice Rennie, Board Member at Arches Housing in Sheffield and Vice Chair at Rykneld Homes
As board members, we have an important role to play in supporting and leading our organisations to work with others to improve services for victims of domestic abuse across the sector. We can offer our knowledge, experience, support and networks to champion the cause at board level – and a good place to start is by encouraging our organisations to Make A Stand.
21 February 2019
Mark Henderson is Chief Executive of Home Group
This is not just about our customer service – although getting this right depends upon us doing this brilliantly. It’s about the relationships we have, and those we build, and the level of trust that underpins these.
21 February 2019
Gareth Lewis is Group Director of Partnerships at Watford Community Housing
Part two of our look at housing associations’ partnerships with local authorities focuses on how Watford Community Housing has set up joint venture companies to forge successful relationships.
20 February 2019
Allister Young, Chief Executive, Coastline Housing and Jon Lloyd-Owen, Service Director – Housing, Cornwall Council
With vital support from Cornwall Council, housing associations built a quarter of all new homes in the county last year. Part one of our look at housing associations’ partnerships with local authorities explains how the relationship works.
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19 February 2019
John Glenton is Executive Director of Care and Support at Riverside
Our place in Stonewall’s top 100 is just one way of sending out a clear message to our colleagues and customers that Riverside is committed to being a truly inclusive housing provider and employer.
7 February 2019
Aidan McCarthy is Housing Inclusion Manager at Women’s Pioneer Housing
We need a holistic approach to tackling domestic abuse, that’s why we became Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) accredited. We were one of the first housing associations to receive accreditation from DAHA, here’s a brief idea of why we sought accreditation, and what the process was like. But most importantly to encourage you to become accredited too.
5 February 2019
Andy Partridge, Founder of Enviable Workplace
Ahead of speaking at the HR in Housing 2019 conference, Andy shares his tips on creating a thriving workplace.
24 January 2019
Kate Henderson is Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation
Our new briefing sets out the key challenges Brexit may bring for housing associations and how we can be ready for what may come.
21 January 2019
Ayo Kila, Marketing and Communciations Executive at the National Housing Federation
As it’s Big Energy Saving Week, we thought we’d share with you our 10 top tips for saving energy, and therefore money, around your home.
15 January 2019
Nichola Newbery is Head of Client Partnerships at JGP
Nichola Newbery is speaking at our HR in Housing Conference and Exhibition 2019. In preparation for the event, Nichola discusses why your employee value proposition is crucial when it comes to recruitment.
