The Social Housing Round Table

The Competency and Conduct Standard arrives in October 2026, and the sector is paying attention. But there is a question worth asking: is the attention landing in the right place? Much of the conversation around the standard has focused on qualifications — who needs one, by when, and how to get it done. What has received less focus is the broader set of obligations the standard places on registered providers: the requirement to ensure that relevant staff have the right skills, knowledge, behaviours, and conduct to deliver genuinely good services. That is a different challenge, and arguably a more complex one. In the first episode of the Social Housing Round Table's Policy and Governance stream, Matt Baird is joined by Amy Stirton, Director and Founder of The Social Housing Academy and specialist social housing solicitor, to explore what the Competency and Conduct Standard is actually asking of the sector — and why getting qualified is only part of the answer. The conversation covers where the standard came from and what drove it, including the evidence heard at the Grenfell Inquiry around staff training and the disregarding of residents' concerns. It covers the very real pressures facing frontline practitioners, who are navigating an increasingly complex legislative landscape alongside the day-to-day demands of housing management. And it introduces HousingPro, a 10-module e-learning programme developed by the Social Housing Academy in partnership with Me Learning, designed to help organisations upskill large workforces at pace in readiness for October. This was one of the most attended sessions of the year. It is not hard to see why. Big thank you to Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

A tenant reports a leak. She uploads photos, explains she has a young child, and flags that she is worried the ceiling might collapse. A week passes. She hears nothing. She chases - online, by phone, in person. The repair team eventually come out, leave her some buckets, and advise her to keep containing the water. More of the ceiling falls. The light fittings fill up with water. She is told the flat is still liveable. The hotel she is offered is miles away and she does not drive. From the organisation's perspective, the process was followed. The case was closed. And yet the experience failed - completely. That gap between what a landlord thinks it delivered and what a tenant actually felt is, as Oliver Goldring puts it, customer experience. And it ended up in the media. In the first session of the Social Housing Round Table's new People and Culture stream, Matt Baird is joined by Oliver Goldring, Head of Digital, Design and Communications at Magna Housing and author of Listen, Act, Change, for a candid and practical conversation about service design - what it actually is, why the sector has normalised poor design without realising it, and what it would take to genuinely change. The conversation covers the difference between process mapping and customer journey mapping, why so many organisations are confusing the two, how technology has come to define services rather than support them, and what Oliver calls the uncomfortable truth: that in housing, there are thousands of Sarahs because services were never designed to actually work. Big thank you to Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

There is a content warning for this session. Some of the material shared is distressing. But it is important and the conversation is worth hearing in full. There are nearly 176,000 children in England living in temporary accommodation right now. That number would fill Wembley Stadium almost twice over. Families are spending an average of four and a half years in these situations. And between 2019 and 2025, 104 children died in temporary accommodation, with their housing listed as a contributing factor. 73% of those children were under the age of one. In this episode of The Social Housing Round Table, Matt Baird is joined by Professor Katherine Brickell and Dr Rosalie Warnock from the Sensory Lives Project at King's College London, to discuss the findings of their landmark report: It's Like Torture: Life in Temporary Accommodation for Neurodivergent Children and their Families. Published in January 2026 following the first ever national call for evidence on this topic, the report reveals a picture that goes far beyond the commonly reported issues of damp and overcrowding.  Neurodivergent children placed in hotels and hostels face unsafe windows, unsecured staircases, no space to self-regulate, no familiar belongings, and environments that are overwhelming in ways that most housing decisions simply do not account for. Families are moved with hours' notice, sometimes hundreds of miles from their support networks. Children fall off NHS waiting lists every time they cross a borough boundary. And the system, at almost every point, fails them. The report is available to read alongside this episode and we encourage you to do so. See it here: https://urbanhealth.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Impact-on-Urban-Health-Neurodivergent-Children-in-Temporary-Accommodation.pdf Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

Most tenancy breakdowns don't start with a tenancy issue. They start with a noise complaint, a parking dispute or a falling out between neighbours - something that, with the right intervention at the right time, might never have escalated at all. In episode 222 of The Social Housing Round Table, Matt Baird is joined by Kim Logan, MD of ADR Mediation and Training CIC, for an honest and practical conversation about what happens when conflict in a tenancy goes unmanaged, and why mediation is so often the last tool reached for rather than the first. The session explores the ripple effect of unresolved neighbour disputes, how a single complaint can quietly spread into community tension, repeat contacts, and eventually enforcement action - and what a different approach might look like. Kim also shares why Conflict Resolution Week exists, and what she hopes it will shift across the sector. With contributions from tenants, housing officers and local authority professionals in the room, this is a session that covers the full picture - and raises some important questions about how the sector currently responds to conflict, and how it could do better. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this Social Housing Round Table session, hosted by Matt Baird, we were joined by Emma Peniket and Julie Smart from the Birmingham Social Housing Partnership to explore how effective partnership working can support community cohesion. The discussion focused on what true collaboration looks like in practice, particularly within community safety and resident-first decision making. Emma and Julie shared how open communication, shared responsibility and a willingness to work beyond organisational boundaries are helping to create stronger outcomes for residents across Birmingham. This session highlights what can happen when partnerships move beyond theory and into action, offering valuable insight for housing professionals looking to strengthen collaboration and deliver more joined-up services. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

Electrical safety in social housing has, for a long time, sat in the shadow of gas safety. Everyone knows the annual gas check. Far fewer give the same weight to electrical installations — installations that can harbour serious, hidden faults and show no outward signs of danger whatsoever. That is beginning to change. New regulations are now coming into force that will require all social housing providers to have electrical installations inspected and tested every five years — and to get a copy of the certificate to tenants within 28 days. In episode 220 of The Social Housing Round Table, Matt Baird is joined by Martin Simmonds, Head of M&E at a large housing association and Chair of the Electrical Safety Roundtable's Social Housing Subgroup, and Lana Adkin, Communications Officer at NAPIT and secretarial support for the ESR. Together, they walk through what the new regulations actually require, what the biggest operational challenges are, and how the Electrical Safety Roundtable has been working to support both landlords and tenants in meeting them. The conversation covers what an electrical inspection involves and what the report codes mean, the scale of the access problem facing the sector, the free tenant education resources the ESR has developed — including an EasyRead document co-produced with adults with learning disabilities — and the thorny question of who is responsible when things go wrong. It is a practical, grounded conversation on a topic that carries real consequences for residents living in social housing across the country. Well worth your time. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

Digital transformation in social housing has been underway for years. New systems, new platforms, new technology landing in homes and housing offices across the country. But there's a question that doesn't get asked often enough: is any of it actually working for the people it's supposed to serve? In episode 219 of The Social Housing Round Table, Matt Baird is joined by Stewart Davison, founder of The PropTech Peer Group, for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about where digital transformation is landing well, where it's falling short, and why residents and tenants are still so often an afterthought in the process. The discussion covers the gap between what housing providers buy and what tenants actually need, the role of co-design in technology procurement, why smaller tech providers often get this right when larger ones don't, and what it would take to genuinely put residents at the heart of digital decision-making. The session also features contributions from tenants and housing professionals in the room, including a candid account from a tenant about the real-life impact of technology imposed without her input. Plenty to reflect on for anyone involved in technology, procurement or tenant engagement in the sector. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

Trigger warning: this session includes detailed personal testimony of domestic abuse and coercive control. What do you do when you can't reach for your phone? When someone has taken it, or when reaching for it would put you in more danger than staying silent? That was the question Katy Longhurst asked herself. Not as a thought experiment — but living through years of coercive control, surveillance, stalking, and violence at the hands of an ex-partner who had the training, the resources, and the determination to make sure no one could help her. Her panic alarm was eventually disconnected. The police logged 169 separate incidents, each handled in isolation, none of them connecting the full picture. So she built something herself. Using her background in smart buildings and IoT, she created AskJoan — a cloud-based system that detects unusual power surges from everyday household appliances. In this conversation, Katy joins Matt Baird at the Social Housing Round Table to share her full story — and to explore what it means for the housing sector, for local authorities, and for the thousands of people living in social housing who may be experiencing domestic abuse right now without anyone knowing. This session covers: The realities of coercive control and how it escalates long before it becomes visible How AskJoan works and what it requires to be deployed The funding and commissioning landscape, and why the biggest barrier isn't the technology What housing providers and local authorities can do, practically, to support victims Why detection and awareness must come before the crisis point The relationship between the sector, the police, and the tools available Also joining the conversation: Evie, Domestic Abuse and Exploitation Research Associate at AskJoan, and Lucy Burton, Business Development and DA Specialist at Viviplu. A candid, important, and at times deeply affecting discussion. If you'd like to learn more about AskJoan or enquire about the 50 free pilot licenses currently available, contact the team via LinkedIn or email [email protected] Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this Social Housing Round Table session, hosted by Matt Baird, we were joined by Hayley Gillard, CEO of Compassionate Leaders, to explore a critical question for the sector: is there a management capability gap that housing boards are not talking about? The conversation examined the growing pressure on leaders across housing organisations, the expectations placed on middle and senior management, and the risks that emerge when capability, support and development do not keep pace with complexity. Hayley shared insight into leadership behaviours, organisational culture and the importance of creating environments where managers are equipped to lead effectively, not just deliver operationally. The session challenged boards and senior leaders to consider where capability gaps may exist and what can be done to address them. A thought-provoking discussion for anyone involved in leadership, governance or organisational development within social housing. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this Social Housing Round Table session, hosted by Matt Baird, we were joined by Dr Eve Blezard from the Chartered Institute of Housing to explore whether the Decent Homes Standard can act as a meaningful framework for healthier homes. The discussion brought together more than 90 people across the sector to consider what “decent” really means in practice and how standards can evolve to better support resident health and wellbeing. Dr Blezard shared insight into the challenges around communication, individual needs and interpretation of the standard, while also highlighting the importance of collaboration across the sector. The conversation also examined the role of housing providers, policymakers and partners in reducing waste, improving outcomes and ensuring that the next phase of the Decent Homes Standard genuinely supports healthier living environments for residents. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this Social Housing Round Table session, hosted by Elaine Middleton, we were joined by Elena Boyle from EVMB Consulting Ltd to explore a crucial question for the sector: are we focusing on complaint resolution, or on complaint culture? The discussion looked beyond process and timescales to examine how organisational culture shapes the way complaints are received, investigated and learned from. Elena shared insight into the difference between simply closing cases and genuinely resolving issues, and challenged providers to consider whether their systems support openness, accountability and learning. This session offers valuable reflection for anyone involved in complaints handling, governance or leadership within social housing. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this Social Housing Round Table session, hosted by Elaine Middleton, we were joined by Mags Pearson, Senior Consultant at DTP, to explore what providers need to be doing now in response to STAIRs. The conversation focused on the Social Tenants Access to Information Requirements and what they mean in practice for landlords. Mags provided clear insight into regulatory expectations, the importance of transparency, and the systems and cultural shifts required to meet the new requirements effectively. The session examined what good preparation looks like, how organisations can move beyond compliance towards genuine openness, and why getting ahead of the curve now will matter in the months ahead. A practical and timely discussion for housing professionals responsible for governance, compliance and tenant engagement. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this Social Housing Round Table session, hosted by Elaine Middleton, we were joined by Tom O'Leary from Thanet District Council to explore how a person-centred approach led to a reduction in rent arrears of over 50%. Tom shared practical insight into the changes made at Thanet, focusing on shifting conversations with residents, understanding individual circumstances, and moving away from purely transactional or enforcement-led approaches. The discussion highlighted how trust, consistency and early intervention can transform outcomes for both residents and landlords. This session offers valuable learning for housing professionals interested in tackling rent arrears in a way that is effective, sustainable and rooted in people rather than process alone. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this Social Housing Round Table session, hosted by Elaine Middleton, we were joined by Paul Berney from TSA to discuss how landlords and providers can prepare for the UK’s digital switchover. The conversation explored what the switchover means in practice, the risks of inaction, and the potential impact on residents who rely on technology-enabled care and telecare services. Paul shared clear insight into timelines, responsibilities and the importance of planning early, while emphasising the need to keep residents at the centre of decision-making. This session is essential viewing for housing professionals who want to understand their role in the digital switchover, reduce risk and ensure residents remain safe, supported and informed. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this Social Housing Round Table session, hosted by Elaine Middleton, we were joined by Jan Taranczuk and Chloe Gallagher for an important discussion on why a person-centred approach to fire safety matters. The conversation explored how fire safety extends beyond compliance and process, focusing instead on people, behaviour and lived experience. Jan and Chloe highlighted the risks of one-size-fits-all approaches and discussed how understanding residents, their needs and their environments is essential to meaningful fire safety outcomes. This session offers valuable insight for housing professionals looking to balance regulation with compassion, and to place people at the heart of fire safety decision-making. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this Social Housing Round Table session, hosted by Elaine Middleton, we were joined by Graham Wellard from CMSG to explore the realities behind anti-social behaviour data. The conversation unpacked how ASB is recorded, interpreted and often misunderstood, highlighting the gaps between reported data, lived experience and frontline practice. Graham challenged assumptions around what the numbers really tell us, the risks of relying on data without context, and the importance of professional judgement in decision-making. This session offers valuable insight for housing professionals seeking to better understand ASB trends, improve responses and ensure data is used as a tool to support people, not obscure the reality on the ground. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this Social Housing Round Table session, hosted by Elaine Middleton, we were joined by Kelly Henderson and Deborah Alderson from Addressing DA to explore innovative practices that support victims of domestic abuse. The conversation focused on how housing providers can better recognise abuse, respond safely and consistently, and work in partnership to create meaningful change. Kelly and Deborah shared practical insight from their frontline experience, challenging assumptions and highlighting the importance of trauma-informed approaches, early intervention and clear organisational responsibility. This session offers thoughtful reflection and practical learning for anyone working in housing who wants to strengthen their response to domestic abuse and improve outcomes for those affected. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this Social Housing Round Table session, Matt Baird hosts a wide-ranging and reflective discussion with The Social Housing Round Table's Head of Partnerships, Elaine Middleton on the issues shaping social housing as the year draws to a close. The conversation explores what has stood out across recent Round Table discussions, the pressures facing organisations and leaders, and where there is cautious optimism for the year ahead. Participants reflect on lived experience, sector challenges and the importance of collaboration, honesty and shared learning in navigating ongoing change. A thoughtful session that captures the mood of the sector and offers space to pause, reflect and look forward. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this session of the Social Housing Round Table, we welcomed Louise Dawkes and Gregory Robinson from Repair My Home to explore one of the sector’s most persistent questions: should repairs be delivered through large national providers or trusted local contractors? Across a fast-moving conversation, Louise and Greg broke down what actually happens on the ground, why local trades are often under-utilised, how accreditation and compliance can be strengthened, and how their platform aims to close the gap between housing providers, contractors and residents. This episode is essential listening for anyone thinking about contractor performance, value for money, tenant satisfaction or the future of sector-wide repairs delivery. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this episode of The Social Housing Round Table, Becky Tucker joins Matt Baird to walk us through the latest Social Housing Sector Risk Profile. Becky offers a deep dive into the sector's evolving challenges, from financial viability to tenant safety, and reflects on what housing providers should truly be focused on as we head into 2026. If you’re in leadership, compliance, or governance, this is essential listening. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this episode of The Social Housing Round Table, Matt Baird is joined by Steven Johnson and Stacey Valentine in a Voicescape sponsored session for a powerful conversation on how housing providers can better support vulnerable tenants facing arrears. This session explores how behavioural insights, smarter communication, and data-led interventions can help build trust and achieve sustainable repayment outcomes—without losing the human touch. If you’re looking to balance compliance with compassion, this episode is essential listening. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this Alertacall-sponsored leadership edition of The Social Housing Round Table, Matt Baird is joined by Steven Peach to explore the looming Digital Switchover. With implications for tenants, compliance, and internal infrastructure, the conversation challenges leaders to stop treating the switchover as a future problem — and start preparing now. This session explores what needs to change, who needs to lead it, and how to ensure no one is left behind in the transition. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this episode of The Social Housing Round Table, Chris Griffiths of Saint-Gobain joins Matt Baird to discuss the urgent need to build better homes faster and why we’re not doing so already. From outdated myths around insulation to misconceptions about MMC and barriers caused by disconnected service design, this episode uncovers the root of our sector’s slow progress. Chris brings both frustration and optimism to the table, with a clear message: we have the knowledge and technology - what we need now is joined-up thinking, collaboration, and the courage to do things differently. A thought-provoking listen for anyone working in or alongside housing, construction, planning, policy, or procurement. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this episode of The Social Housing Round Table, host Matt Baird welcomes Claire Blacka from Tentacles and Steve Dungworth from Golden Marzipan to talk about their work together in Game of Homes and to explore how gamification is changing the way we engage residents and stakeholders. The session dives into the impact of meaningful, enjoyable engagement strategies, why tick-box exercises just don’t cut it anymore and how co-designed, play-based approaches can lead to more genuine conversations and outcomes in housing. Whether you work in policy, delivery or lived experience, this conversation offers practical insight on doing engagement differently and doing it better. Big thank you to Tentacles for sponsoring this session and to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

What does it take to implement Awaab’s Law in practice? In this episode of The Social Housing Round Table, Matt Baird is joined by Robert Gilham, Corporate Director at whg, to share how the organisation is putting new legislation into action just two days after it came into force. From data to decision-making, communication to culture, this conversation offers a raw and honest look at the real challenges and opportunities facing social landlords right now. With over 90 stakeholders in attendance, the discussion explored the law’s wider implications on overcrowding, allocations, tenant experience and organisational structure. This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to understand how Awaab’s Law will reshape housing practice. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

Rooted in Resilience: Rethinking Leadership in Social Housing In this week’s episode of The Social Housing Round Table, we were welcomed by Julie Haydon, the new CIH President for a deeply reflective and future-focused conversation around leadership, wellbeing and workforce culture in the sector. The discussion explored how we can move away from survival-mode mindsets and into more collaborative, resilient and human-centred leadership models. From the importance of continuing successful presidential campaigns to the need for leaders to model vulnerability - not just authority - this session highlights how small cultural shifts can have big sector-wide impact. Tune in to hear how we can build a housing sector that truly supports its people - staff and tenants alike. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this episode of The Social Housing Round Table, Elaine Middleton welcomes Giles Desforges, CEO of Energy Park, to explore the growing conversation around EV (Electric Vehicle) charging in the social housing sector. Giles unpacks why housing providers are hesitant to install EV infrastructure themselves, how Norway’s adoption model sets the benchmark and what funding and policy shifts are needed to encourage uptake. We also look at practical considerations for installing chargers in blocks, how to futureproof asset management plans and whether this is a distraction or an opportunity for the sector. Big thanks to Energy Park for sponsoring this session of The Social Housing Round Table and of course, big thanks go to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table throughout 2025, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this episode of The Social Housing Round Table, host Matt Baird is joined by David Stevens from Birmingham City Council and Alastair Thorpe from True Compliance to unpack the role of compliance in social housing - not as a tick-box exercise, but as a critical, service-shaping function. Together, they explore how real transformation happens when we prioritise feedback from the people using the systems — and stop assuming we already know best. From system design and procurement to internal silos and the dangers of assumptions, this conversation is a must-watch for anyone invested in getting compliance right, not just done. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this Round Table, Elaine leads a powerful discussion on the role of the private rented sector (PRS) in tackling homelessness. The panel explores how stronger partnerships with PRS landlords and agents can create more sustainable housing pathways, reduce reliance on temporary accommodation, and support long-term solutions for people at risk. With practical insights and examples from across the sector, this conversation highlights the opportunities and challenges in building PRS collaborations that make a real difference. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this Round Table, Matt Baird hosts a discussion on the legal challenges shaping the social housing sector today. The panel explores compliance obligations, governance responsibilities, and the importance of embedding good practice to stay ahead of regulatory change. From risk management to resident rights, this conversation offers clear and practical guidance for leaders navigating an increasingly complex legal landscape. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

What do you learn when you sit down with 50 housing leaders across the UK and ask what’s really going on? In this Alertacall-supported episode, technologist and social entrepreneur James Batchelor joins Matt Baird to share five standout themes gathered from dozens of conversations with senior leaders across the sector. The session covers everything from poverty, safeguarding and service erosion to repairs, frontline training, and digital readiness. Expect candid insight, serious challenges — and real optimism for what could change if the sector chooses to act.

Bridging Generations, Building Communities: Lessons from Sweden’s SällBo Project In this powerful international edition of The Social Housing Round Table, Dragana Curovic from Eurhonet (the European Housing Network) joins Matt Baird to share the story behind SällBo – an innovative, multi-generational housing project in Sweden designed to combat loneliness, strengthen community ties, and challenge assumptions about who belongs together. From cultural integration to design thinking, Dragana unpacks how bringing together older people, refugees, and young adults under one roof not only worked, but thrived. This conversation explores what happens when providers trust people to self-organise, why housing design matters, and what the UK can learn from reimagining community from the ground up. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this episode of The Social Housing Round Table, we were joined by Simon Nunn (NHF) and Alexandra Gibson (CIH) to discuss collaboration, community and the upcoming Housing Community Summit. This conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the Summit was developed, why it’s rooted in sector-wide collaboration and the shared goal of building a stronger, more connected social housing community. Simon and Alex also reflected on what true community engagement means in practice, how the two organisations work together across differences and why the sector can’t afford to operate in silos. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this Round Table session, host Matt Baird leads an open discussion on how leaders in social housing are building trust, managing change, and adopting new technologies. The panel shares practical examples of engaging with residents, navigating regulatory expectations, and using innovation to create positive impact. Listeners will come away with actionable insights to strengthen relationships, improve services, and prepare for the future of housing. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this Round Table session, host Matt Baird brings together industry leaders for a candid conversation on the challenges and opportunities shaping today’s landscape. From evolving customer expectations to the future of AI-powered solutions, the discussion explores practical strategies and forward-looking insights. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or actionable takeaways, this session delivers a thoughtful look at what’s next and how to prepare for it. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this episode of The Social Housing Round Table, Janine Green takes a candid look at leadership, not just in the boardroom, but at every level of the housing sector. She explores why inspiring others, challenging poor practice and fostering a culture of growth has never been more critical. With resources stretched, complaints rising and complex cases on the increase, Janine argues that leadership is a choice we make daily, not a title we hold. Tune in for practical insights on how to model the behaviours that drive genuine, lasting change. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

This week’s Social Housing Round Table welcomed Guy Horne, CEO of HSPG, for an in‑depth look at how we can prevent temporary accommodation from bankrupting local authorities. The conversation ranged widely — from the structural causes of the current crisis to new approaches in homelessness prevention, future rent convergence, shared ownership, commercial-social partnerships, acquisitions, and the realities of working effectively with local authorities. Packed with sector insight and grounded in real-world challenges, this is an essential listen for anyone interested in housing finance, homelessness, and sustainable solutions for local councils. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

When Jamie Adam of Berneslai Homes stepped in at short notice to lead The Social Housing Round Table, the conversation that followed proved anything but last minute. Exploring the layered reality of “communities within communities within communities,” Jamie unpacked the challenges and opportunities that social landlords face in connecting with – and truly understanding – the people they serve. From practical engagement to cultural understanding, this episode shines a light on how deep-rooted community structures work, how they overlap, and why one-size-fits-all approaches often fall flat. An insightful, energising conversation that asks the big questions about the role of housing providers in the heart of our communities. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

This week’s Round Table tackled a deceptively simple question: what does it really mean to be competent and qualified in social housing? Led by Samantha Whenman, this session sparked honest debate about skills, standards, assumptions and accountability across the sector. With over 60 attendees, the conversation highlighted just how complex and overdue this discussion is. From formal qualifications to lived experience, and from regulatory frameworks to on-the-ground realities, this session asked the sector to reflect on what it values, and how that translates into practice. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

This week’s Round Table focused on a vital question for the future of the sector: how are young people experiencing careers in social housing today? Led by Meghan Rank and members of CIH Futures, this powerful session explored early career journeys, the structural barriers many face and what the sector must do to retain and support younger professionals. You’ll also hear about the CIH Futures survey currently live - created to give voice to those under 35 working in housing and inform action on issues like progression, recognition, burnout and inclusivity. A must-listen for anyone thinking seriously about the future of the workforce. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this special leadership-focused episode of The Social Housing Round Table, sponsored by Alertacall, we were joined by Evie Copeland, Director of Customers and Communities at Berwickshire Housing Association. Evie brought honesty, experience and ambition to a wide-ranging discussion on transformational change through outstanding customer and stakeholder engagement. She shared what’s worked, what’s been hard and what it really takes to lead change from within. Key discussion points included: – The barriers to real engagement in a sector under pressure – Lessons from Berwickshire’s approach to culture and communication – How senior leaders can create space for trust, feedback and experimentation This conversation is essential listening. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

This week’s Round Table gave space to an important moment in the social housing calendar: the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Vice-Presidential election. Five candidates — Evie Copeland, Thomas Sutton, Katrina Henshaw, Paul Smith and Hony Premlal — joined Matt Baird for an open conversation about their vision, motivations and hopes for the future of the sector. Expect: – Honest reflections on lived and professional experience – A range of perspectives – A shared belief in collaboration, equity and accountability This was an unusually open forum for a leadership discussion — one where everyone got a voice. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this ASB Awareness Week special, the Social Housing Round Table welcomed Sharon Murphy and Jack Madge from Green & Burton ASB Associates to explore one of the most debated questions in the sector: What if an ASB case isn't ASB? With over 115 attendees from across the sector, the conversation tackled: – How we define anti-social behaviour – The difference between criminality, nuisance and neighbour disputes – Why victim-centred approaches and partnership working are essential – And where accountability begins and ends It was a thoughtful, challenging and highly relevant discussion that underlined the importance of compassion, clarity and collaboration in responding to complex cases. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

What does it look like when a housing provider fully commits to listening, reflecting and responding to feedback—not just in principle, but in practice? In this episode, Joe Williams from Settle joins Matt Baird to share an honest and refreshingly open account of their approach to feedback, culture change and continual improvement. Joe doesn’t gloss over what’s gone wrong. Instead, he shares the real journey: from discomfort and pushback to meaningful progress. Expect thoughtful insights on: – What it takes to build a feedback-led culture – Why accountability must be shared, not siloed – How resident voice is shaping real change at Settle This is one of the most reflective and constructive conversations we’ve had, tune in today! Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

This week’s Social Housing Round Table sponsored by Devonshires focused on a sensitive but essential topic: inquests. Joined by Samantha Grix and Charlotte Greatorex of Devonshires, the session shed light on what happens when a resident dies, what landlords can expect from the inquest process, and how responsibility is examined and understood. Key themes included: – When and how landlords are held accountable – The role of evidence, communication, and context – The emotional and legal expectations of families, staff, coroners and the Ombudsman A rare and necessary conversation that every provider should hear. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this episode of The Social Housing Round Table, James Green of Breathe Pure joins Matt Baird to shine a light on one of the sector’s most urgent and frustrating issues: damp and mould. With honesty and urgency, James challenges the sector’s complacency, calling out the gap between intent and action five years after the tragic death of Awaab Ishak. The session explores: – The real human cost of poor living conditions – Whether the sector has the willingness to act – What needs to change now to prevent further tragedy An unfiltered, emotional conversation that cuts through excuses and calls for real accountability. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

In this week’s powerful episode of The Social Housing Round Table, Elaine Middleton led a frank and impassioned discussion around the sector’s willingness—or reluctance—to change. Drawing on insights from both social and private housing, Elaine made the case that if the sector continues to resist evolution, it risks a catastrophic collapse. From resident voice and trust, to structural rigidity and decision-making, nothing was off the table. Expect passionate contributions, uncomfortable truths, and a call to action for leaders across housing to stop talking and start doing. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

Chris Holloway of Greatwell Homes joins us this week to discuss TSMs, complaints and accuracy. Are the TSM scores accurate? What constitutes a good service score? And how can we improve this all through collaboration?

This week’s Social Housing Round Table featured Jo Leckie and Clare Paterson, who returned to the Round Table to share findings from their benchmarking survey on Knowledge and Information Management (KIM) in the housing sector. The session unpacked why 'good data' isn’t always the right data, and why tenants’ voices must be given equal weight alongside performance indicators and system outputs. With nearly 70 attendees from across the sector, the discussion highlighted the need to break down silos, rebuild trust and rethink how and why we collect the information we do. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.

This week’s Social Housing Round Table welcomed Dr. Eve Blezard from the Chartered Institute of Housing for an important discussion on the implementation of Awaab’s Law. Eve outlined what housing providers can expect as the sector moves from consultation to delivery, the moral imperative driving change and the operational and financial hurdles providers must overcome. The conversation didn't shy away from the realities: balancing regulation with real world challenges, ensuring tenant safety and the urgent need for better communication across organisations. Essential listening for anyone committed to raising housing standards and doing right by tenants. Big thank you to Case Management Solutions Group Ltd and Alertacall Ltd for sponsoring The Social Housing Round Table, without them, none of this would be possible.