Join us for an insightful session with the Leader of Oldham council, Arooj Shah as she shares her perspective on the implications of a new Labour Government, particularly for the housing sector and organisations that serve minority communities.

Councillor Shah is expected to discuss several crucial topics, including:

• Housing and Affordability: The government’s approach to making housing more accessible and affordable.
• Regeneration and Community Investment: Strategies for revitalizing communities and investing in their long-term development.
• Partnerships with Local Authorities: How housing organisations can collaborate effectively with local councils.
• Strengthening Local Economies: Initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth and resilience at the community level.

Given BME National’s commitment to promoting diversity and equality, we are eager to hear Councillor Shah outline the government's plans to advance these values, particularly within the housing sector. This session will explore how the new administration intends to ensure representation and inclusivity across housing organisations.

This session will focus on tackling the housing crisis in minority ethnic communities, presented by Danny Sriskandarajah, the Chief Executive of the New Economics Foundation (NEF), one of the UK’s leading think tanks focused on social, economic, and environmental justice. Dr Sriskandarajah will share expertise on the complex and interlinked challenges faced by minority ethnic communities within the housing sector, highlighting the structural inequalities that have exacerbated the crisis. He will also draw on some of the insights from his new book, Power to the People (Headline Press, 2024).

This will be an opportunity for a deep dive into innovative policy solutions and community-led approaches that can help address these disparities. Drawing on NEF’s extensive research and advocacy work, the session will explore how systemic changes in housing policy and investment can create more equitable outcomes. Dr Sriskandarajah will also share case studies of effective strategies, emphasising the role of grassroots organising, community wealth building, and collaborative models that prioritise the needs of disadvantaged communities.

Expect to gain a fresh perspective on the role of housing in shaping economic opportunities and social wellbeing, with practical recommendations for policymakers, housing providers, and advocates dedicated to creating a fairer, more inclusive housing landscape.

This panel discussion on housing and employment will explore how housing providers can play a proactive role in facilitating job readiness, skills training, and partnerships with local businesses to create employment pathways for tenants. The panellists will discuss tailored support for tenants facing barriers, such as lack of qualifications or childcare needs. The panel also highlight successful case studies where social landlords partnered with employment agencies to improve outcomes for residents.

Dr Shabna Begum, Chief Executive of the Runnymede Trust, the UK’s leading race equality think tank, will lead a compelling session on addressing the threats posed by the far right in our communities. In this presentation, Dr Begum, will provide an in-depth analysis of the growing influence of far-right ideologies and their impact on social cohesion, safety, and the well-being of minority groups across the country.

The session will explore the root causes driving the resurgence of far-right movements, including economic anxieties, misinformation, and divisive political rhetoric. Dr Begum will highlight the urgent need for collective action and outline strategic approaches to counter these threats. This includes fostering inclusive narratives, investing in community-led resilience, and promoting policies that tackle the structural inequalities that often fuel far-right sentiments.

This session will empower participants with the knowledge and tools needed to build stronger, safer, and more inclusive communities in the face of these rising challenges

Join our panel discussion which looks at the far-right riots and the response of the housing sector. We will examine the growing challenge of extremist ideologies affecting communities and the need to promote cohesion. The panel will discuss the risks of far-right influence, the responsibilities of housing providers to foster inclusive and resilient neighborhoods, strategies to respond to misinformation and engagement with tenants and residents.

Fiona Brown and Dr Mercy Denedo from the Stop Social Housing Stigma campaign will discuss how the campaign is working with tenants and landlords to tackle social housing stigma, and will discuss key issues regarding how social housing stigma intersects with other forms of stigma, such as tenants coming from a diverse background. In particular, Fiona and Mercy will discuss the Campaign’s Tackling Stigma Journey Planner, a flexible framework that enables discussions between tenants and landlords about culture and about “hearing every voice”.