The Big Housing Round-Up: Challenges and Change Across the Sector

Introducing our special guests:Paul Nicholson, Head of Business Development at London Borough of Hammersmith & FulhamLauretta Rothery, Director of Communities at Joseph Rowntree Housing TrustDavid Thorpe, Director of Property Investment at Vico HomesLord Gary Porter CBE, Strategic Adviser to Prodo, supporting engagement with local government and the transformation of resident engagement and service delivery across the UK social housing sector2025 was another defining year for the social housing sector. From regulatory changes and financial pressures to evolving resident expectations and the drive for digital transformation, housing providers continued to adapt at pace.Senior leaders from across the UK’s social housing landscape came together for a candid discussion on the sector’s biggest challenges, lessons learned, and priorities for 2026. The expert panel reflected on the key developments of the past year, shared insights from board-level decision-making, and explored what lay ahead for housing associations as they balanced resilience, innovation, and social purpose.Whether leading an organisation, shaping strategy, or delivering services on the ground, attendees gained valuable perspectives to help navigate the year ahead.