-
Health and housing: a joined-up approach
17 December 2020
Danielle is chair of the Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and whg.
My thoughts on the relationship between health and housing come from the privileged position I have been in as chair of both the Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and whg housing association.
-
To address systemic racism, a shake-up in working practice and culture is required – and this starts with boards
27 November 2020
Althea is Chair of Metropolitan Thames Valley
2020 has shown us just how crucial good homes and strong communities are. As we emerge from the pandemic into a new environment, I was pleased to join fellow chairs and board members at the NHF’s Board Excellence Conference 2021 to discuss some of the key issues the sector is set to face as we look towards recovery from the coronavirus crisis.
-
A brave new workplace
20 October 2020
Ibby is Deputy Chair at Bolton at Home
To quote Charles Dickens, it may not be the best of times nor the worst of times but I think we can agree that 2020 has brought us the strangest of times. This year has without a doubt issued in some of the greatest changes to housing associations and the workplace that we have ever seen.
-
Climate change and our long-term wellbeing
27 January 2020
Richard Lupo is Managing Director of Suss Housing who deliver SHIFT environmental services for social landlords.
The latest UK statistics show that we emit over 350 million tonnes CO2 per year. That’s a very big number, but what does it mean?
-
What can housing associations learn from startups?
24 October 2019
Debbie is a Board Member and Tenant Plymouth Community Homes
Startups, once regarded as mere rugrats of the business world, have flourished to become true contenders in an ever increasingly complex, often volatile, marketplace. Today, these technologically savvy entities, known for their innovative thirst to solve a problem, insatiable hunger for growth and motivated by the cloak of uncertainty, are regarded by many as integral components to the nation’s economic success. Is it possible that we, in the social housing sector, could actually learn something from these agile actors?
-
How board members can harness and maximise tenants’ voices
21 October 2019
Peace is a Tenant Board Member at Phoenix Community Housing
There are many qualities needed in a housing association board member. They act as the reality check for the housing association’s ideas. They are there to help landlords meet challenges, ensure the best ideas are turned into reality and achieve value for money.
-
My journey from resident to board member
14 December 2018
Fayann Simpson is a resident board member for L&Q
I recently joined the board of my housing association, L&Q. I started attending meetings in April but became a full member in September. I am new to the board but I’m not new to L&Q as I’ve been a resident for over 20 years and an Involved Resident (an official resident representative) for over 15 years.
-
Resident engagement and board assurance
10 December 2018
Samantha Herelle is Operations Director for Mount Green Housing Association and Board Member at Optivo
For much of 2018, housing associations across the sector were eagerly anticipating the publication of the Government’s Social Housing Green Paper. Published in a year when ministerial resource has been focused on Brexit is quite remarkable. Even more remarkable is that the Government have placed social housing residents at the very centre of the debate.
-
‘Great Expectations’ of delivering value for money
5 December 2018
Gordon Perry works for ARK Consultancy
With the Charles Dickens classic ‘A Christmas Carol’ playing at many theatres this Christmas season, it's interesting to note that few are producing one of his other great works, ‘Great Expectations’, which illustrates the gross injustice of poverty and social inequality, and importantly the real value of caring for and supporting others.
-
How will we build truly affordable homes for people that need them?
18 January 2018
Neil Goulden is Chair of Clarion Housing Group.
Neil Goulden, Chairman at Clarion and speaker Board Members’ Conference 2018, explains opportunities developing from the organisation’s merger and the underlying mission driving Clarion through the emerging landscape.
-
Never has the strategic role of housing association boards been more important
26 January 2017
Peter Lakey is Chair of Flagship Group.
The questions for boards are many – and challenging. Where do we position ourselves? Do we ‘play’? Or risk being left behind? Are we acting in the very best interests of people in housing need?