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We know that board members have never faced a more challenging time in performing their role in this rapidly changing and disruptive environment. The realities of systemic and social inequalities along with a determination to make things better now and for future generations have impacts in the boardroom. Major regulatory changes and the need to provide a greater voice for tenants are all at the forefront of board papers. By attending, you will gain insight into how housing leaders are addressing these challenges in real-time at their organisations.


The need to improve board diversity and build stronger governance structures has now assumed even greater importance. What can board members do to further promote and solidify an inclusive culture at the organisations that they oversee? Is it time for boards to fully recognise their potential for both influencing inclusion, and their responsibility to do so for their staff and the communities that they serve? How can board members shift their thinking into a diversity and inclusion mindset? You will hear from a speaker lineup who are doing this work and will share honest, genuine insights they have learned over time in this space. They will share with you the details of how they work, where they have had to adapt and change direction, and how to achieve results.


The Conference will involve keynote presentations and breakout rooms for the debate and discussion of key issues. It will be an excellent opportunity to rub shoulders with people on HDN's board programmes, and governance and professionals from across the housing sector.


This event is perfect for those who drive forward change in board thinking and decision-making, want to know more about the role of board member diversity in shaping organisational culture and how that drives, shapes, and sustains innovation.


A conference like no other.


Who should attend:

  • Board Members from across the housing sector
  • CEOs, Executive Directors and Managers with responsibility for equality, diversity and inclusion, human resources and governance
  • Those looking to secure a board position in future

May 15, 2025

09:30 - 16:00 GMT+1

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Royal Armouries Museum
Armouries Drive 5
Leeds, England, United Kingdom

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Tickets Register

I'm on the Board Trainee or Excellence Programme

Free tickets are for current participants on our Board Trainee Programme and Board Excellence Programme

Complimentary
Organisational Lead Board Trainee Programme

This ticket is for an organisations who are participating in HDN's board trainee programme, and is limited to one ticket per organisation

Complimentary
HDN Member General

This is for any HDN member who isnt on any of our Board Programmes

ยฃ200
General Admission

For anyone who isn't a member of Housing Diversity Network

ยฃ350
HDN Silver/Gold Members Tickets

This ticket is only for staff or board members whose organisation hold HDN Silver/Gold Membership (this does NOT include Standard or Plus memberships)

Complimentary

Speakers

  • Arooj Shah (Leader of the Council at Oldham Council)

    Arooj Shah

    Leader of the Council at Oldham Council

    Read Bio
  • Helen Thompson (Deputy Chief Executive at Calico Homes Ltd)

    Helen Thompson

    Deputy Chief Executive at Calico Homes Ltd

    Read Bio
  • James Carss (Founder & CEO of Castle Peak Group)

    James Carss

    Founder & CEO of Castle Peak Group

    Read Bio
  • Louise Graham-Smith (Director of Customer Services at Populo Homes)

    Louise Graham-Smith

    Director of Customer Services at Populo Homes

    Read Bio
  • Suresh Lal (Managing Partner at Boyden)

    Suresh Lal

    Managing Partner at Boyden

    Read Bio
  • Arlen Pettitt (Policy and Communications Consultant at Freelance)

    Arlen Pettitt

    Policy and Communications Consultant at Freelance

    Read Bio
  • Claire Woodward (Director of Community Investment at Acis Group Limited)

    Claire Woodward

    Director of Community Investment at Acis Group Limited

    Read Bio

Agenda

  • Main Schedule
    09:30 - 10:00Registration and Networking
    Opportunity for attendees to connect and discuss shared goals for the day.
    10:00 - 10:15Welcome and Opening Remarks
    - Introduction to the theme and goals for the conference.
    - Reflection on the importance of embedding EDI in governance.

    Arooj Shah

    Leader of the Council at Oldham Council

    10:15 - 11:00Keynote: Are Boards Dialling Down on EDI?
    As economic and political pressures mount, are housing boards staying true to their commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), or is it quietly slipping down the agenda? We’ll take a hard look at whether boards are still driving meaningful change or if EDI is being deprioritised in the face of competing demands.

    Suresh Lal will explore how leadership and accountability shape the direction of EDI at board level. Are chairs and executives championing real progress, or are policies and statements masking a lack of action? We’ll also tackle the growing challenge of ‘EDI fatigue’—is it a genuine concern, or an excuse for inaction? With political and economic uncertainty, how can boards navigate resistance and maintain momentum? Is what’s happening in the USA going to cross the Atlantic?

    This session won’t just highlight the challenges—it will showcase real-world examples of boards leading the way, proving that progress is possible even in difficult times. Expect a thought-provoking presentation, honest reflections, and practical takeaways to ensure that EDI remains at the heart of housing governance. If your board is serious about long-term impact, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

    Suresh Lal

    Managing Partner at Boyden

    11:00 - 11:45Panel Discussion: Governance in Action: Success Stories in EDI
    Panellists will include representatives from housing organisations with robust EDI strategies.

    Topics include practical strategies, overcoming challenges, and measuring success.
    11:45 - 12:00Break
    12:00 - 12:45Keynote: Embedding EDI in a Boardโ€™s Decision-Making
    Real-world examples of EDI influencing policies, recruitment, and tenant engagement.
    12:45 - 13:30Lunch Break
    13:30 - 14:15First Breakout Session:
    Participants can choose from one of the following:

    A. Diverse Boards, Better Decisions: Building a
    Representative Board
    B. Tenant First: Listening to Diverse Voices
    C. Measuring Impact: Tools for Monitoring EDI
    Outcomes
    D. From Insight to Implementation: Using Data for
    Better Services
    14:15 - 15:00Second Breakout Sessions
    Participants can choose from one of the following:

    A. Diverse Boards, Better Decisions: Building a
    Representative Board
    B. Tenant First: Listening to Diverse Voices
    C. Measuring Impact: Tools for Monitoring EDI
    Outcomes
    D. From Insight to Implementation: Using Data for
    Better Services
    15:00 - 15:15Break
    15:15 - 16:00Interactive Panel: What the Regulator Expects from Your Board
    Panellists will include representatives from the regulator and legal experts.

    Guidance on regulatory frameworks and compliance expectations for EDI.
    16:00 - 16:45Action Planning Facilitated by HDN
    Participants will develop actionable steps to take back to their boards.
    16:45 - 17:00Closing Remarks
    Summary of key takeaways.

    Call to action for participants to champion EDI in their organizations.

    Arooj Shah

    Leader of the Council at Oldham Council

    Session A
    13:30 - 14:151. Diverse Boards, Better Decisions: Building a Representative Board
    14:15 - 15:001. Diverse Boards, Better Decisions: Building a Representative Board
    Session B
    13:30 - 14:15Breaking Barriers: How Housing Can Drive Social Mobility
    Housing is more than just bricks and mortar—it’s a foundation for opportunity. In this thought-provoking breakout session, we will explore a crucial issue for board members - how housing providers can play a pivotal role in breaking cycles of poverty and creating pathways to a better future.

    We’ll start by setting the scene on why social mobility matters and how secure, affordable housing can be a catalyst for change. From employment and skills development to homeownership pathways and community wealth building, we’ll uncover the practical ways housing organisations can support tenants to thrive.

    Join our dynamic panel of experts who will share innovative approaches that are making a real impact. They’ll discuss the challenges, from economic barriers to systemic inequalities, and showcase successful initiatives that are opening doors for individuals and communities.

    This session isn’t just about discussion—it’s about action. Engage in an interactive Q&A, share your insights, and leave with tangible steps to embed social mobility into your organisation’s equality and diversity strategy. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

    Helen Thompson

    Deputy Chief Executive at Calico Homes Ltd

    Louise Graham-Smith

    Director of Customer Services at Populo Homes

    Claire Woodward

    Director of Community Investment at Acis Group Limited

    14:15 - 15:00Breaking Barriers: How Housing Can Drive Social Mobility
    Housing is more than just bricks and mortar—it’s a foundation for opportunity. In this thought-provoking breakout session, we will explore a crucial issue for board members - how housing providers can play a pivotal role in breaking cycles of poverty and creating pathways to a better future.

    We’ll start by setting the scene on why social mobility matters and how secure, affordable housing can be a catalyst for change. From employment and skills development to homeownership pathways and community wealth building, we’ll uncover the practical ways housing organisations can support tenants to thrive.

    Join our dynamic panel of experts who will share innovative approaches that are making a real impact. They’ll discuss the challenges, from economic barriers to systemic inequalities, and showcase successful initiatives that are opening doors for individuals and communities.

    This session isn’t just about discussion—it’s about action. Engage in an interactive Q&A, share your insights, and leave with tangible steps to embed social mobility into your organisation’s equality and diversity strategy. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

    Helen Thompson

    Deputy Chief Executive at Calico Homes Ltd

    Louise Graham-Smith

    Director of Customer Services at Populo Homes

    Claire Woodward

    Director of Community Investment at Acis Group Limited

    Session C
    13:30 - 14:15Diversity and Housing โ€“ Lessons from the North East
    Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking breakout session led by James Carss and Arlen Pettitt as we dive into the latest research on diversity in housing in the North East of England. With fresh insights from their recent research report, this session will explore how the sector is addressing diversity across race, gender, disability, and socio-economic background. Expect a candid discussion on where progress is being made, where challenges remain, and what practical steps board can take to drive real change and make an impact.

    This will be more than just a conversation—it's a call to action. We’ll explore how board members and organisations can foster an inclusive culture and recruit diverse talent. You'll have the opportunity to engage with sector leaders, share experiences, and leave with actionable takeaways to implement in your own boardroom. Don't miss this chance to be part of a crucial dialogue shaping the future of diversity in housing.

    James Carss

    Founder & CEO of Castle Peak Group

    Arlen Pettitt

    Policy and Communications Consultant at Freelance

    14:15 - 15:00Diversity and Housing โ€“ Lessons from the North East
    Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking breakout session led by James Carss and Arlen Pettitt as we dive into the latest research on diversity in housing in the North East of England. With fresh insights from their recent research report, this session will explore how the sector is addressing diversity across race, gender, disability, and socio-economic background. Expect a candid discussion on where progress is being made, where challenges remain, and what practical steps board can take to drive real change and make an impact.

    This will be more than just a conversation—it's a call to action. We’ll explore how board members and organisations can foster an inclusive culture and recruit diverse talent. You'll have the opportunity to engage with sector leaders, share experiences, and leave with actionable takeaways to implement in your own boardroom. Don't miss this chance to be part of a crucial dialogue shaping the future of diversity in housing.

    James Carss

    Founder & CEO of Castle Peak Group

    Arlen Pettitt

    Policy and Communications Consultant at Freelance

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