What is the most important thing for board members to be thinking about at the moment?

It is clear that boards are juggling a number of issues at the moment. Top of mind for many will be the much-needed investment in our existing homes to ensure they are safe. The level of investment that is needed is no doubt having an impact on the financial capacity of many associations. So this will be a key conversation in many boardrooms up and down the country. Consumer regulation will also be a focus, as the Regulator of Social Housing will now have new powers to hold landlords to account.

Personally, I hope boards approach some of these challenges with a renewed focus on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and the important role it plays in shaping the culture and direction of organisations. Social housing is clearly in the spotlight, so the opportunity to come together and share ideas and experiences is so important.

From your experience, not as our conference chair, but as chair of Inquilab, is there anything that is particularly vital for you coming up at Board Excellence?

In my position as chair of a board, all the issue I mentioned earlier are important. As a community-based organisation, engaging and listening to our residents and supporting campaigns and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion are particularly important.

I am excited to hear from different colleagues on how they are approaching this topic. The session on day one (Thursday 1 February) about partnering with residents to achieve positive change will be very interesting.

How do you think we can benefit from being back in person at this event?

Board Excellence has faced a lot of disruptions from the pandemic and lockdowns. So, it is good that the conference is back in person.

Being together makes it easier to network and, like I said, share experiences with colleagues at other housing associations. For me, it’s often an unplanned conversation or chance encounter that give you that really useful insight, which you didn’t know you needed. The unexpected solutions and ideas that come from events like this are invaluable.

We often have a lot of new board members at this conference. What advice do you give to people who are first entering that role?

You are going to meet many people who have boardroom experience so get ready to learn a lot. Equally, don’t be afraid to present your ideas. You were appointed as a board member for a reason so remember to also share your thoughts.

Another piece of advice, I’d give is to attend the Board Excellence in Housing conference in Manchester. It is a great opportunity to get to grips with the key issues and make connections outside of your own boardroom. I would also recommend the NHF’s new board member inductions.

Finally, why should people attend Board Excellence in Housing 2024?

Given the economic and social turbulence of the last few years and a general election on the horizon, the Board Excellence in Housing conference is the perfect opportunity for chairs and board members to come together to work towards long-term plans to support residents and champion the sector. I’m very excited to be chairing this year’s conference and look forward to facilitating important, challenging, and inspiring conversations. I hope people will join us.