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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
Royal Armouries Museum
Armouries Drive 5
Leeds, England, United Kingdom
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Tickets
- HDN Members - 3 for 2 Offer
This is a discounted price for Housing Diversity Network members.
This deal allows you to register 3 participants for the price of 2- ยฃ400
- General - 3 for 2 Offer
This deal allows you to register 3 participants for the price of 2
- ยฃ700
- I'm on a HDN Board Programme (Board Trainee, Accelerator or Tenant Board Member Programme)
Free tickets are for current participants on our Board Programmes
- 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
- Board Mentor on the Programme
- Complimentary
Speakers
Arooj Shah
Leader of the Council at Oldham Council
Read Bio
Helen Thompson
Group Deputy Chief Executive at Calico Homes Ltd
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James Carss
Founder & CEO of Castle Peak Group
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Parmjit Dhanda
Board Member Amplius at Amplius
Read Bio
Chris Evans
Director of Newbridge Advisors
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Jesse Fajemisin
Executive Director of Operations at Ekaya Housing Association
Read Bio
Louise Graham-Smith
Director of Customer Services at Populo Homes
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Suresh Lal
Managing Partner at Boyden
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Helen New
Vice Chair at Providence Row Housing Association
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Janani Paramsothy
Associate Director, of Newbridge Advisors
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Arlen Pettitt
Policy and Communications Consultant at Freelance
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Shazad Sarwar
Associate Consultant at Housing Diversity Network
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Sharon Thandi
Partner at Devonshires Solicitors LLP
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Jonathan Walters
Deputy Chief Executive at Regulator of Social Housing
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Claire Woodward
Director of Community Investment at Acis Group Limited
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Agenda
- Main Schedule
- 09:15 - 09:55Registration and NetworkingOpportunity 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 - 10:55Keynote: 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 - 11:40Inclusive Leadership in Housing: What Every Board Member Needs to KnowA panel discussion to explore the critical role of board members in driving and sustaining inclusive leadership within their organisations. It will provide practical insights into how boards can go beyond compliance and truly embed equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into their governance, decision-making, and organisational culture.
Key Discussion Points:
The Board as a Leader: How board members set the tone for inclusivity at the top and why this matters.
Beyond Representation: Moving past diversity targets to build genuinely inclusive and equitable boardroom dynamics.
EDI and Decision-Making: How inclusive boards make better, fairer, and more effective strategic decisions.
Holding Leadership to Account: Practical ways board members can ensure their organisations deliver meaningful EDI progress.
Regulatory and Sector Expectations: Understanding what good governance on EDI looks like in the context of social housing.
Overcoming Challenges: Addressing resistance, tackling unconscious bias, and ensuring all voices are heard at the table.Jesse Fajemisin
Executive Director of Operations at Ekaya Housing Association
Helen New
Vice Chair at Providence Row Housing Association
Shazad Sarwar
Associate Consultant at Housing Diversity Network
Sharon Thandi
Partner at Devonshires Solicitors LLP
- 11:45 - 12:00HDN Board Trainee Programme Mentor Recognition & DNA PresentationWe're proud to recognise the incredible efforts of our mentors on the Board Trainee Programme. Their guidance and support are key to helping trainees grow in confidence and step into leadership roles.
Thank you for the time, insight, and dedication you bring to shaping future leaders. - 12:05 - 12:45Keynote 2: Embedding Equality and Diversity at Board Level โ A Regulatory PerspectiveIn this essential session, Jonathan Walters will outline the Regulator’s expectations under the proactive consumer regulation framework. With a focus on strong governance, tenant engagement, and embedding equality and diversity, the session will explore what good looks like in practice and how boards can demonstrate compliance with the updated consumer standards.
Through real-life examples and recent regulatory findings, the regulator will share insights into lessons learned from service failures and governance weaknesses. The session will also highlight the importance of board assurance, risk management, and maintaining a clear understanding of diverse tenant experiences.
With an increasing emphasis on transparency, inclusion, and tenant safety, board members will gain practical guidance on their responsibilities, the inspection process, and how to build governance structures that reflect the diverse communities they serve. This session offers a vital opportunity to engage directly with the regulator, ask questions, and strengthen your organisation’s readiness in the evolving regulatory environment.Jonathan Walters
Deputy Chief Executive at Regulator of Social Housing
- 12:45 - 13:45Lunch Break
- 13:45 - 14:25First 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 - 14:30 - 15:10Second Breakout SessionsParticipants 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 - 15:10 - 15:25Break
- 15:25 - 16:05Board Leadership: A Journey Through Board Governance and Political ChangeParmjit Dhanda is a former MP and now board member. In this address he will offer an intimate glimpse into the evolving role of board members in today’s dynamic and ever-changing environment. He will share a personal board journey that has evolved into a mission-driven commitment to effective governance. With decades of board experience, Parmjit will illuminate how passion, resilience, and a willingness to embrace change are essential to navigating today’s complex landscape.
Parmjit will also explore the critical intersections between board governance and the emerging political arena. As economic uncertainties, regulatory shifts, and socio-political debates shape our conversations, board members must be prepared to respond with strategic foresight and innovative leadership. The session will address the impact of rising populism, intensified regulatory scrutiny, and heightened resident accountability on boardroom priorities, behaviours and dynamics.
This keynote promises not only to inspire but also to provide practical insights that empower board members to drive real change in their organisations and communities.Parmjit Dhanda
Board Member Amplius at Amplius
- 16:05 - 16:20Closing RemarksSummary 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
- 13:45 - 14:25Inclusive and Impactful FinanceJoin us for an interactive session on how to design inclusivity, and by turn impact, into financial decision making. We’ll be considering the what and the why of aligning finance to your organisation’s values, bringing in a wide variety of voices including those who actually live with the consequences of those decisions. We will also be working with you to develop a practical toolbox of how to do this, enabling you to take this intelligence back into your organisations to implement.
Janani Paramsothy
Associate Director, of Newbridge Advisors
Chris Evans
Director of Newbridge Advisors
- 14:30 - 15:10Inclusive and Impactful FinanceJoin us for an interactive session on how to design inclusivity, and by turn impact, into financial decision making. We’ll be considering the what and the why of aligning finance to your organisation’s values, bringing in a wide variety of voices including those who actually live with the consequences of those decisions. We will also be working with you to develop a practical toolbox of how to do this, enabling you to take this intelligence back into your organisations to implement
- Session B
- 13:45 - 14:25Breaking Barriers: How Housing Can Drive Social MobilityHousing 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
Group 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
- 14:30 - 15:10Breaking Barriers: How Housing Can Drive Social MobilityHousing 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
Group 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
- 13:45 - 14:25Diversity and Housing โ Lessons from the North EastJoin 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
- 14:30 - 15:10Diversity and Housing โ Lessons from the North EastJoin 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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