Part one of the series will feature a two-hour online introduction. You will then have a practical group activity to complete offline exploring the constraints imposed on development by legislation, finance and public policy before our second session. In part two, we’ll review your group activities, conclude and reflect on what we’ve learned.

In this first session, you will gain an understanding of:

• The strategic context for development in Wales – Such as devolved national policy, plans and housing strategies
• The stages of the development process – The six stages from identifying and researching a site, through to getting feedback from people who have rented or bought the homes
• The different types of development and how they apply – Including why we build different types of development, such as for affordable rent, for sale and for particular people, such as older people
• Funding for development – The impact of the Housing Grant System and how this has become less ‘formulaic’ and more sophisticated, such as ‘cross subsidy’ with its reliance on the housing market and on what we can build
• The role of agencies involved and how they relate together - The importance of the network of agencies working well together, such the local planning and housing authority, city, county and community councils and the Welsh Assembly Government
• Practical appreciation of the competing priorities of development.

Those who are relatively new to development or would appreciate a refresher or learn how other parts of the sector work. This might be staff, board members or involved residents.

Here at CIH, we want to provide everyone involved in housing with the skills and knowledge needed to cope in the current pandemic.

Our online training has been developed by expert professionals on key topics that we know you need to be able to adapt to the changing environment.

Philip Toms MSc CIHCM FNAEA is an experienced business and housing professional with more than 35 years’ experience in the private, public and third sectors, culminating in 12 years as CEO of a stock transfer housing association. He has successfully performed many roles in housing development and regeneration, housing management, supported housing and corporate strategic change management. Philip’s training is based on a practical experience of the sector blended with in-depth understanding of policy development and implementation, legislation, regulation and governance. Philip is an associate lecturer in housing at Cardiff Metropolitan University and has been a tutor and trainer with the CIH since 2012.