Rural housing and the pandemic: looking to the future

More homes for social renting in small developments that target local people, and a few purpose-built bungalows for older people to free up family homes, can make a huge difference for the village. This certainly deserves fuller recognition from MHCLG and Homes England.

The benefits of retrofitting and decarbonisation – a rural housing association resident’s perspective

"25 years after living in a cold and expensive-to-heat home I have nothing but praise for a home that is now kinder to me, my wallet and the planet."

Safe, secure and energy-efficient homes are the key to building sustainable communities

As a rural housing association based in the largest county in the country, supporting communities is a major part of our corporate strategy. We believe strong communities are mixed communities.

At a challenging time for the sector, the role of finance and treasury is critical

The housing sector faces regular challenges, but the current crisis is the most acute for generations. It affects our residents, our businesses, and our staff in significant ways.  

Reducing ‘hidden’ homelessness – collaboration and innovation in Cornwall

Coastline Housing has partnered with Cornwall Council and other organisations to help homeless people in the county through an innovative outreach project.

Rural housing associations are the glue connecting local communities – and can play a key role in the country’s recovery

The work that housing associations do in rural areas every day shows us that we have so much to be proud of as a sector. We have the potential to make an enormous contribution to the future of rural lives, if the government can put Homes at the Heart of the national recovery programme.

Working in partnership to rehouse rough sleepers

Our work in helping to find accommodation for homeless people during the coronavirus crisis has underlined how effective partnership work can be, and we’ve seen this effectiveness hit new heights over the past few months.

Top tips for virtual political engagement

It's important that our sector keeps engaging with politicians on the difference housing associations make in their constituencies.

Why we must speak out now to put #HomesAtTheHeart of the nation’s recovery

#HomesAtTheHeart is a national campaign and coalition calling for a once-in-a-generation investment in social housing and the people who live in it.

Coronavirus and the end of LIBOR

Pride in the City

Whilst we can’t take to the streets and come together in celebration we can, and we should, still celebrate Pride.

Why certainty in housing investment is vital as we emerge from the coronavirus crisis

As we emerge from the coronavirus crisis, investing in building new homes has a positive impact at a local, regional and national level, driving economic growth and supporting jobs.

Putting residents’ voices at the centre of changes to Universal Credit

The coronavirus crisis has placed an array of unique demands on society and one thing is clear – our response must be bold and decisive.

This is our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion at the NHF

I’m proud to share with you our equality, diversity and inclusion strategy: Who We Are.

As board members, your leadership will help our sector – and our country – thrive

We can’t claim to hold all the answers, but we do have an important role to play in building a fairer, more prosperous and sustainable economy and society.

Board members tell us how they’ve responded to the coronavirus crisis

We asked members of our Board Member National Group about how they and their organisations have been responding to the coronavirus crisis.

What we learnt from our coronavirus befriending service

This year it's even more important to highlight loneliness as people in our communities continue to be isolated from friends and family.

When will we make housing more race and gender inclusive?

For change to happen, the housing sector needs to ask itself: what is diversity?

Learning about leadership during an unprecedented crisis

As we start to slowly move out of lockdown, at VIVID we’ve been reflecting on what we’ve learned about leadership

Collaboration works – never more so than in the hardest of times

The relationships built, and the trust and spirit of togetherness that has been harnessed over years of joint initiatives, has given Greater Manchester Housing Providers the opportunity to share and collaborate right from the start of this crisis.

Why we still need Pride

For me, Pride represents people who are typically under-represented in different aspects of society and it stands-up for those who are all too often treated unfairly.

Our commitment to carers. If not now? When?

Harry’s Pledge is asking the housing sector to support those who need care, and those who provide it.

Our new drive to decarbonise homes

On World Environment Day, I want to set out the case for a renewed focus on retrofitting and add the NHF’s voice to the calls from many quarters to build back better.

The UNIFY (BAME) Network is growing – so find out more about us

Equality and diversity is a sector wide issue and more broadly a societal issue where collaborative work needs to be done. 

Making a connection at virtual events

As the NHF rolls out virutal events this summer, find out what you can expect from one.

Is going virtual the answer to holding AGMs during the coronavirus outbreak?

Virtual AGMs are now being cautiously encouraged in the corporate sector, and the new Bill should provide some clarity and reassurance for those who are considering them in all sectors.

Shout it from the rooftops – we all need a place to call home

There has never been a more important time to make a public case for social housing.

No Pride in homelessness – the struggle for housing justice for LGBT+ people

This June, while Prides will always be a fabulous and colourful celebration of how far we’ve come, they remain a defiant cry for justice – and that must include housing justice. “The first Pride” – as the tee-shirt says – “was a riot!”

How we’re responding to increased demand for domestic abuse support and safe accommodation

How national housing associations delivering specialist supported housing services can help offer safe accommodation. 

Overcoming challenges of managing specialist substance misuse in housing during lockdown

As a specialist housing and treatment provider, we have unique insight into the challenges faced by individuals with a history of substance misuse and how the current crisis might affect them.

How we’re protecting residents during lockdown – and why there must be no return to rough sleeping

Responding to coronavirus isn't easy, but we're focused on ensuring our residents and colleagues are supported.

Five ways we’ve been supporting mental wellbeing during coronavirus

During a time like this, it's never been more important to look after our mental health. Here's some advice from South Yorkshire Housing Association on how they've done it.

We’ve teamed up with a local social enterprise to deliver food to our most vulnerable residents

The Larder promotes healthy, nutritious food that is local, seasonal and waste-free, with all its profits going to communities in need.

How we are supporting staff's mental health

The coronavirus outbreak has completely changed the way we work, and it’s never been more important to look after our staff’s mental health and wellbeing.

How the housing and employment sectors can stand as one

Newcross-sector taskforce to find employment-led solutions for social housing residents.

Why there's never been a more important time for HR

Now more than ever is the time for HR and people professionals to come together, share our experiences, grow our knowledge and prepare for what is to come.

More than homes: together we can raise £1 million for the Trussell Trust

Together, we can raise £1m for the Trussell Trust, writes Paul Dolan.

How we are supporting our most vulnerable residents during coronavirus lockdown

Keeping residents safe while continuing to deliver much needed services has been our main aim since the beginning of this crisis.

Building new homes remains a priority – even in unprecedented times

For the second edition of Thinkhouse’s blog for the NHF, we look at recent research on housing supply.

Governance from a distance – bringing us closer

How can you take your online board meetings from passable to excellent?

How we can help residents around the country celebrate VE Day during lockdown

We've created activity packs for residents to help them to mark the occasion in their own way during lockdown

How can housing associations chart a course out of this crisis?

At the NHF, we’re developing a project to understand and shape the next few months, and years, as the country emerges from the coronavirus crisis.

Rural communities are vital – now more than ever

The response to coronavirus in rural communities has been exceptional, with residents coming together in unprecedented circumstances to help each other.

These are extraordinary times for everyone – but, together, we will pull through

I know I’ll look back and see that housing associations played a vital part in helping us pull through this national crisis.

How housing associations are helping to stop loan sharks

Housing associations across the country are working in partnership to identify the signs of illegal money lending activity and help tenants in the grip of loan sharks.

Building a sector-standard approach to reporting

The social housing sector can establish a meaningful and consistent approach to reporting its environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.

Our principles of co-creation with residents

Find out how resident feedback could and should be helping you redesign your services and customer journeys from Sovereign.

A short history of corporate governance – and why we’re reviewing the NHF Code of Governance

Paul Bayly explores why we have a Code of Governance, and why now is the right time to update it.

Help shape national homelessness policy by joining our member steering group

John Glenton outlines how the NHF Homelessness Steering Group increases our impact on preventing and tackling homelessness.

Are you ready for the Future Homes Standard?

Some parts of the Future Homes Standard will come into effect as early as this year – we need to start preparing right now.

Designing homes for dignity

Invisible Creations is challenging stereotypes and negative stigmas around ageing and disability by producing attractive and inclusive home adaptations.

Modern methods of construction are an innovation we need to embrace to tackle the housing crisis

John Newbury gives a boards' perspective on adopting modern methods of construction in development projects.

Housing Futures is entering its ‘insight’ phase – what does this mean for you?

We’re looking for five people from housing associations in each region of the country to become Insight Leaders.

Together with Tenants – getting ready for rollout

With the early adopter process drawing to a close this spring, we’re preparing to roll Together with Tenants out across the sector – and here’s how you can prepare.

What have we learnt from helping to house a refugee family?

‘If you can, why don’t you?’ This was the question we were asked when approached to house the only Syrian refuge family to have settled in Birmingham as part of the Community Sponsorship programme.

Board member in the spotlight: Danielle Oum

In our latest board member in the spotlight feature, Danielle Oum, Chair of whg, explains what makes a great housing association chair, and why we need to foster a stronger relationship between health and housing.

Putting residents at the heart of Housing Futures

While Housing Futures will engage with housing associations and residents alike, in the East of England, our steering group is determined to put residents at the heart of the programme.

Investing in projects which make our places great is simply the right thing to do

Join Citizen's Colin Dennis to talk about why investing in projects which make our places great is simply the right thing to do.

What does the new year bring for housing association board members?

NHF Chair Baroness Diana Warwick looks ahead to what 2020 might bring for housing association board members.

Our shared ownership campaign is going public – now it’s time to make a real impact

A strong new message for shared ownership forms the basis of an ambitious nationwide advertising programme.

Helping the sector to speak with one voice on shared ownership

At RHP we’ve started to use the shared ownership campaign’s eye-catching creative assets to build a powerful new brand and message.

Introducing Thinkhouse: more than just blue sky thinking?

Thinkhouse highlights the best analysis and thinking about housing to help in your board member role
 

Housing Futures is the biggest collaborative exercise ever undertaken by our sector

We need your help to identify the big challenges we should tackle through Housing Futures.

When is transformation truly transformational – and when’s it not?

I’ve been doing some research for a social housing client which has meant reading a lot of corporate strategies and Value for Money statements from housing associations. The word that crops up time and time again is ‘transformation’ – and in many cases, it’s preceded by the word ‘digital’. It made me think about whether these transformations were reality or fantasy – and how you tell whether an initiative is truly transformational?

How we’re engaging our rural customers in Together with Tenants

Cottsway are using using a variety of methods to engage their rural customers.

Housing associations are key to economic growth and building thriving communities

The National Housing Federation’s new publication, Homes for the Ox-Cam Arc, outlines the contribution housing associations are making to the local economy in the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, and the potential that they have to help the region grow.

Housing can be at the heart of Boris Johnson’s vision for Britain

We need to reach out to new MPs and make the case for housing.

Tomorrow we wake up to a new government – what will this mean for housing?

Election day has come. Many have called this the most important election in a generation, a Brexit election, an election to shape Britain’s future.

How can housing play a part in solving the climate crisis?

It is only natural that as social housing providers we talk a lot about the housing crisis. We constantly ask how we can build more social homes, regenerate communities and help bring an end to the shocking situation of homelessness that is ruining lives. Recently more housing associations have also been talking about, and taking action on, the climate crisis.

How housing associations can support Gypsy and Traveller communities

Social housing providers are incredibly well placed to deliver accommodation, support and a sense of pride to Gypsy and Traveller communities.

Our member satisfaction survey is changing

What do we know about “honour-based” violence?

One thing we know for sure about domestic abuse is that its impact is extremely harmful to a person’s physical, mental and social wellbeing. Its manifestation has multiple forms and for many South Asian women it presents as “honour-based” violence (HBV).

Did you know disabled people are 1.5 times more likely to experience domestic abuse?

We have a duty to all tenants and a responsibility to challenge situations where we believe someone with a disability may be at risk.

Is your organisation making demonstrable progress on leadership diversity?

Two years on from the launch of Leadership 2025, Gina reflects on what’s changed in the housing sector – and what’s not.

Three reasons you should engage with your local candidates in the pre-election period

Housing associations should not wait to engage with the next cohort of decision-makers.
 

If a man was experiencing domestic abuse, would you recognise it?

Domestic abuse doesn’t just impact white, straight women. Ahead of the next National Housing Federation domestic abuse forum, we look at how it affects men.

Top tips to make modern methods of construction work

Modern methods of construction (MMC) are a hot topic in housing, and something for housing associations of all sizes to consider when undertaking development projects and looking to build more homes.

Our updated brownfield land map helps to identify sites for building new homes

Finding available land to build new homes on isn’t always straightforward. We’ve updated our brownfield map to help make it easier.

How should housing associations prepare for the general election?

Politicians may come and go, but housing associations are here for the long term.

Let’s talk about race

BME National are determined to take the ‘mute’ off race conversations in the housing sector – that’s why we’ve launched a new mission statement.

The Stronger Towns Fund – coming (very) soon to a place near you?

The Government’s latest regeneration programme has ramped up – act soon if you want a piece of the funding action.

Let’s make sure the next government works with us to fix the housing crisis for good

Leading up to the general election, we need your help to ensure housing is a priority for the next government.

How can housing associations help stop rising figures of BME homelessness?

Tackling homelessness in BME communities a key focus of the BME National mission statement.

The new Green Paper on planning is an opportunity to improve the process

Next month’s Accelerated Planning Green Paper should bring more substance and an opportunity to pitch proposals for improvement

We need to broaden our view of domestic abuse

Housing providers are in a unique position to support LGBT victims of domestic abuse.

So, what’s the big deal about BIM?

Everyone seems to be talking about Building Information Modelling (BIM)… what is it? Do we need it in housing? Does it add benefit? Isn’t it just complex buildings that require 3D models?

What could the climate crisis mean for housing association boards?

Following the recent NHF webinar on what the climate crisis could mean for housing associations and their boards I was inundated with questions about the topics discussed, so I decided to answer some of your biggest questions on climate change and the effects it might have in housing in a blog.

Do you want to get #boardready?

The programme for future housing leaders is helping to bring new talent with fresh ideas into the boardroom.

Why we should all get behind the new shared ownership campaign

Why rural housing deserves the spotlight this week

Growing up in rural Cornwall, just outside a tiny village between Penzance and St Ives, I was incredibly lucky to spend my childhood exploring the countryside, building tree houses, spending time with my friends on the beach, and eating a lot of Cornish ice cream 

Changes to standards for new homes announced by the Government

The Prime Minister has announced important changes to requirements for new homes, covering space standards and accessibility. 

The role of boards in meeting the supply challenge

Reflections on the fire at Grenfell Tower

A tragedy like the fire at Grenfell Tower must never happen again. We must learn, reflect, and never forget the 72 people who lost their lives in the tragic events of 14 June 2017. All of us in housing must do everything in our power to make sure this never happens again.

Dispatches from the (party political) fringe

At the end of the political conference season, Jessica Levy reflects on what this means for the housing sector.

Reflections on the Chancellor’s Budget 2018

This year’s Budget was not the quiet, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it fiscal event that many anticipated. With Brexit on the horizon and significant uncertainty persisting, many were ready to forgive Philip Hammond if this Budget had passed relatively unnoticed.

Spending money well, to improve lives

Summary RE Spending money well, to improve lives

Housing Inequalities

How housing inequalities impact on mental health and wellbeing

Ten top tips for securing planning permission

The planning process can be difficult and uncertain, but there are things you can do to make the process smoother.

Why partnership working holds the key to tackling the housing crisis

Working closely with local authority partners can help housing associations overcome some of the biggest barriers to building the homes we need.

Housing associations and local authorities working together to build more homes

With vital support from Cornwall Council, housing associations built a quarter of all new homes in the county last year.

Brexit may feel uncertain, but we can still prepare for the future

Our new briefing sets out the key challenges Brexit may bring for housing associations and how we can be ready for what may come.

The Government’s Industrial Strategy is taking shape at local level and now is the time to engage

Housing associations should be involved in shaping Local Industrial Strategies.

Four reasons why we've signed to the Commitment to Refer

Don’t underestimate the impact your organisation can have on ending homelessness.