Event Details

We are delighted to host our fourth annual Autumn Conference in Birmingham, this year to be held on the 3rd of October 2024.


This is a must-attend event for everyone in the housing sector. This year we will focus on the equality implications of the emerging issues of regulation, complaints, inspection and vulnerabilities.


Our conference aims to equip those in the housing sector with the tools and insights needed to embed inclusion and equity at the heart of their service delivery. This isn't just about EDI professionals – it's about ensuring every aspect of housing services meets the diverse needs of all residents.


Key Focus Areas:

  • Navigating new regulatory requirements through the equality lens.
  • Understanding and meeting the needs of diverse resident populations.
  • Designing inclusive and responsive services.
  • Learning from key stakeholders, industry leaders, and regulatory bodies.
  • Networking and sharing best practices with peers across the country.


The social housing landscape has undergone significant changes following Grenfell, culminating in the Social Housing Regulation Act (2023). From April 2024, new consumer standards and an expanded inspection regime will be in place, placing greater emphasis on safety, transparency, accountability, and tenant engagement. Our conference will delve into these new standards and the implications for housing providers.


Our great line up of speakers will be confirmed shortly.

Oct 3, 2024

10:00 - 16:00 GMT+1

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Unique Venues Birmingham
The Rep
Centenary Square,
B1 2EP

Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

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Tickets Register

HDN Member

This ticket is only for staff, executive or director of an organisation who is a member of Housing Diversity Network

£200
General

This ticket is for anyone who is not a member of Housing Diversity Network

£350

Agenda

  • Main Schedule
    09:15 - 09:45Registration & refreshments
    09:45 - 09:55Welcome

    Dewbien Plummer

    Co-Chair at HouseProud

    10:00 - 10:55Spotlight on Attitudes, Rights & Respect
    Join the Chief Executive of the Housing Ombudsman Service as they discuss findings from the recent Spotlight report on attitudes, rights, and respect within the housing sector. Gain valuable insights into improving tenant interactions and fostering a culture of respect.

    Richard Blakeway

    Housing Ombudsman

    10:55 - 11:15Break
    11:15 - 11:45Learning from Challenge
    The CEO of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing will share critical lessons learned from the Awaab Ishaak tragedy. This session will focus on strategies for providing inclusive and responsive services to all residents, ensuring safety and equity.

    Speaker: Amanda Newton, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing

    Amanda Newton

    CEO of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing

    11:45 - 12:15Beyond Tokenism: The Future of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equality
    Title: "Beyond Tokenism: The Future of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equality"
    Description: Amidst backlash against ‘wokeism’, this panel, chaired by a DEI consultant, will explore how to integrate diversity, inclusion, and equality into the core of housing services. Learn from industry leaders about embedding these practices in everyday operations and making them relevant to decision-makers.

    Panel Chair: Vanessa Belleau

    Kanika Selvan

    Managing Director of Beetroot Consulting

    12:20 - 13:00Breakout Sessions
    13:00 - 13:45Lunch
    13:45 - 14:35Consumer Standards in Action: Insights from the Regulator
    The Chief Regulator for Social Housing will offer a six-month review of the new consumer standards. Explore the impact on reducing stigma, meeting residents' needs, and actionable insights for landlords to meet these requirements effectively.

    Kate Dodsworth

    Chief of Regulatory Engagement at Regulator of Social Housing

    14:40 - 15:20Breakout Sessions
    15:20 - 15:35Break
    15:35 - 16:15Repairs and Maintenance: Collaborating for Better Outcomes
    A panel of experts, including representatives from the Chartered Institute of Housing, London Borough of Havering, and Mears Group, will discuss findings from the Better Social Housing Review. Learn about successful practices in repairs, maintenance, and supply chain collaboration to tackle stigma and inequalities.
    Panel Chair. Kelly Thomas Social Value Manager MTVH
    Speaker one: Dr. Matthew Scott, Policy and Practice Officer CIH
    Speaker two: Patrick Odling-Smee, Director of Living Well at Havering Council,
    Speaker three – Ben Lawrence - General Manager at Mears Group
    16:15 - 16:50Inclusion in practice
    16:50 - 17:00Closing Remarks

    Dewbien Plummer

    Co-Chair at HouseProud

    Breakout A
    12:20 - 13:00Empowering Employee Networks: Enhancing Wellbeing and Outcomes
    Representatives from HouseProud and Unify will discuss the vital role of employee network groups in social housing. Understand how these groups contribute to employee wellbeing and positive resident outcomes through shared experiences and support.

    Speaker one: Lili Vetter, HouseProud NorthWest
    Speaker two: Violet Pugh, Unify, Inside Housing 40 under 40 nominee 2024
    14:40 - 15:20Empowering Employee Networks: Enhancing Wellbeing and Outcomes
    Representatives from HouseProud and Unify will discuss the vital role of employee network groups in social housing. Understand how these groups contribute to employee wellbeing and positive resident outcomes through shared experiences and support.

    Speaker one: Lili Vetter, HouseProud NorthWest
    Speaker two: Violet Pugh, Unify, Inside Housing 40 under 40 nominee 2024
    Breakout B
    12:20 - 13:00Understanding Menopause: Essential Support for Employees
    The Government Menopause Employment Champion and Head of Talent & Inclusion at Adecco Group will provide insights into why menopause matters in the workplace. Learn about necessary employer support and strategies to create an inclusive environment for staff.

    Kai Jackson

    Associate at TPAS

    14:40 - 15:20Understanding Menopause: Essential Support for Employees
    The Government Menopause Employment Champion and Head of Talent & Inclusion at Adecco Group will provide insights into why menopause matters in the workplace. Learn about necessary employer support and strategies to create an inclusive environment for staff.

    Kai Jackson

    Associate at TPAS

    Breakout C
    12:20 - 13:00Advancing Professionalisation: Building a Learning Legacy
    The Learning Academy Manager from Phoenix Community Housing Association will share their journey in establishing the first accredited housing association learning centre. Discover the benefits of such initiatives and how they can enhance organisational and resident outcomes.
    Professionalisation agenda, beyond the statutory requirements. Experience of setting up the first housing association accredited as a learning centre and training almost 500 students including 300 residents. What benefits this can have to an organisation and how landlords can set up their own centres.
    14:40 - 15:20Advancing Professionalisation: Building a Learning Legacy
    The Learning Academy Manager from Phoenix Community Housing Association will share their journey in establishing the first accredited housing association learning centre. Discover the benefits of such initiatives and how they can enhance organisational and resident outcomes.
    Professionalisation agenda, beyond the statutory requirements. Experience of setting up the first housing association accredited as a learning centre and training almost 500 students including 300 residents. What benefits this can have to an organisation and how landlords can set up their own centres.

Speakers

  • Dewbien Plummer (Co-Chair at HouseProud)

    Dewbien Plummer

    Co-Chair at HouseProud

    Read Bio
  • Kate Dodsworth (Chief of Regulatory Engagement at Regulator of Social Housing)

    Kate Dodsworth

    Chief of Regulatory Engagement at Regulator of Social Housing

    Read Bio
  • Richard Blakeway (Housing Ombudsman)

    Richard Blakeway

    Housing Ombudsman

    Read Bio
  • Kai Jackson (Associate at TPAS)

    Kai Jackson

    Associate at TPAS

    Read Bio
  • Amanda Newton (CEO of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing)

    Amanda Newton

    CEO of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing

  • Kanika Selvan (Managing Director of Beetroot Consulting)

    Kanika Selvan

    Managing Director of Beetroot Consulting

    Read Bio

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