Our recordings cover a variety of topics - ranging from practical housing management sessions and high-level policy discussions to webinars designed to support your professional development. All recordings are free for all CIH members, log in and listen/watch from anywhere.
What does the charter for social housing residents say about consumer regulation?
This was the fourth webinar of the series of seven which looked into the chapters of the charter for social housing residents in more detail. Will Perry from the Regulator of Social Housing outlined proposals to establish a new consumer regulation function, within the Regulator of Social Housing, that is proactive and holds all landlords to account for the services they deliver.
Taking action on domestic abuse amongst older people
The third session in our 2020/21 Older People’s Housing series of events focussed on the issue of tackling domestic abuse. Our guest speaker was Heléna Herklots CBE, Older People’s Commissioner for Wales.
Aspects explored:
- the current picture around domestic abuse and sexual violence in the context of older people
- the barriers that exist to recognise the problems both locally and nationally
- the role the housing sector and housing professionals can play in preventing abuse
- the role of the Commissioner’s office in progressing action on this issue
Making progress together – cultivating board diversity
This webinar hosted by CIH West Midlands provided an opportunity to engage with representatives from Progress Housing Group and Together Housing Group and hear about about their innovative partnership that has led to improving diversity of thought at board level.
We found out how the associations worked together to develop a trainee board member programme that enables people to develop relevant skills and gain experience to secure future board positions.
Facilitators and participants shared their experiences and learning of how initiatives such as this can create opportunities for great governance through board diversity in the future.
Let's talk money management
We heard about the resources and tools that can be used to support employees and residents with their money and how one housing organisation has used the service to support their staff and residents.
We also learned:
- how to access the free online debt referral service for residents called the Money Advisor Network
- how to access free money guidance
- how to register for the free online debt referral service for residents to support them with their debt
- how to become part of the Money Guider Programme and gain a recognised qualification
What does the charter for social housing residents say about safety in homes?
This was the third webinar of the series of seven which looked into the chapters of the charter for social housing resident in more detail. We explored new mechanisms to ensure that residents are at the heart of building safety and feel safe in their home. We listened to recommended changes and learned more about where there are opportunities to shape key areas and what needs to be done now to prepare
What does the charter for social housing residents say about good quality homes and neighbourhoods?
This was the second of a seven part webinar series which drilled into more of the detail for each of the chapters in the recently published charter for social housing residents – the social housing white paper.
This chapter within the white paper focuses on good quality, decent homes and neighbourhoods, including access to green space, support for wellbeing, tackling ASB and a review of how homes are allocated.
This webinar looked at the specific proposals in more detail discussing opportunities to shape key areas and what you should be doing now to prepare.
Older people and ASB - getting it right
The second session in our 2020/21 Older People’s Housing series of events focussed on the issue of older people and anti social behaviour.
Areas that were explored:
- how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted practice around managing ASB in the context of older people
- the role of preventative action in reducing instances of anti-social behaviour
- the role of staff and volunteers in effectively managing and building a greater sense of community cohesion
- ways to ensure responses to ASB are proportionate and fair in the context of older people
What does the charter for social housing residents say about complaints?
This was the first of a seven part webinar series which drilled into more of the detail for each of the chapters in the recently published charter for social housing residents – the social housing white paper.
The key themes covered were:
- How residents can access a swift and effective resolution without facing unnecessary barriers
- The changes being introduced and what this will mean in practice
- Opportunities to shape key areas and what you should be doing now to prepare
Leadership forum
This virtual event was delivered partnership with the Institute of Leadership and Management. We heard from inspiring speakers from inside and outside of the housing sector, giving top tips and commentary with the aim of sharing good practice, enabling action.
Building better boards: Putting tenants at the heart of good governance
This virtual event shined a spotlight on the value that tenants can bring to boards. We heard from Jenny Osbourne from TPAS who delivered a presentation on 'How do we put tenants at the heart of good governance?' Richard Blakeway from the Housing Ombudsman Service delivered a presentation on 'Consumer standards and complaint handling – what do you need to know now?'
Jim Ripley, CEO at Phoenix Community Housing and tenant board members Carmen Simpson and Anne McGurk showcased the value and importance of tenant board members at Phoenix.
Handle with care
Taking care of our mental health is so important in these changing times. We looked at the difficulties facing housing professionals working through Covid-19 and how working life looks very different to what it did nine months ago. We were delighted to be joined by our president Aileen Evans, who last February launched the #ShineALight campaign, a new guide developed to help housing organisations raise their game on mental health. Aileen shared this guide with us, as well as sharing her own personal journey around mental health.
Aware Northern Ireland, the depression charity, and the only charity working exclusively for people with depression and bipolar disorder also provided advice on looking after your mental health and wellbeing during Covid-19.
The big conversation 2020
Young and upcoming housing professionals from across the sector joined us at this virtual event to discuss the housing questions that are most important to them.
Presentations were heard and discussion took place on the following:
- Career development, aspirations, and ambitions
- Young housing professionals on the challenges they have faced and how they have overcome these
- New approaches to engaging with our tenants
- How our conscious and unconscious perceptions influence the way we view and act upon events and how to expand our mindset.
The charter for social housing residents
Melanie Rees, head of policy and external affairs and Debbie Larner, head of knowledge and products at CIH provided an update on what we need to know about the charter for social housing residents. The publication of the social housing white paper is a major event for the sector. We reflected on the opportunities and the challenges it brings.
The white paper’s key proposals were explained along with what the sector needs to prepare for and the areas on which we need to influence with the overall aim of delivering better outcomes for tenants and residents.
Older people's housing conference
Part one of a five part virtual conference was delivered in partnership with Erosh and sponsored by Alertacall. We listened to presentations looking at how the Covid-19 pandemic has posed huge challenges to professionals working to provide housing and support to older people and explored the future of sheltered housing and the increasing need for flexible housing and care options for older people.
We were also privileged to hear from Erosh patron Dame Esther Rantzen DBE as she outlined the vital importance of sustaining and growing high quality housing, care and support for older people.
Challenging Your Group Structure
We heard insights on key legal, tax and strategic issues to consider when reviewing your group structure against future objectives, exploring effective development structuring, good governance expectations, and the understanding of models in the sector and their drivers. Our expert panel of speakers also explored the Regulator’s expectations, particularly in light of the implications of the pandemic on the sector and provided an overview of the common hurdles and obstacles and how to prepare for these.