The Big Conversation 2024

• Geraldine Howley, chair of CIH governing board
• John Mills, head of housing services, Fife Council

There has never been a better time for disruptive innovation in the housing sector, but how do we do it? How do we get better at changes in service delivery, how do we better anticipate our future needs, and how do we embrace tech and AI?

At this session, we will hear from Ian Wright of the Disruptive Innovators Network about how we can future proof the sector so that it delivers for all of our tenants.

Speaker:

• Ian Wright, Disruptive Innovators Network

The next Scottish elections are just over a year away, and with it, each political party will be setting out their manifestos and ambitions for the housing sector. But what do you want? What do you think decision-makers should prioritise regarding housing policy, and what needs to be undone?

At this workshop session, you will be guided by facilitators at your table to consider some of the big challenges facing the sector in Scotland and set out the things you want to see prioritised. This will also inform the CIH Scotland election manifesto for 2026.

“You can do more in a day than most other professions can do in a lifetime.” That was the call of former CIH President Jim Strang about a career in the sector. So, what do you need to do if you want to get ahead in your career and keep making a difference?

At this workshop, you will hear from recruiters and employers about the skills, behaviours and attitudes that they seek in the next generation of leaders.

Speakers:

• Trevor Smith/Geraldine Howley, The Centre for Partnership
• Kirsten Hendry, FWB Park Brown
• Liam McGuckin, sustainability officer, Eildon Housing Association and GEM member

One of the key skills for any housing practitioner is how to lead a discussion. How can we get more tenants to engage in our consultations? How can we get comfortable speaking in public? How do we show leadership when chairing a roundtable?

At this session, Barry Smith will explore how you can develop your communication and engagement skills and pin down the art of active listening.

Facilitator:

• Barry Smith, Urban Fox Consultancy

The housing sector and the wider world of work have changed immeasurably over the last five years. But some things have stayed the same, and that is our need for thoughtful and evidence-led leadership.

So, with a General Election behind us and 18 months until the Scottish elections, hear from our panel about the leadership they want to see in the Scottish housing sector, from our political leaders and civic society.

Speakers

• Susan Aktemel, Homes for Good
• Steph Elliot, Technology Enabled Care in Housing
• Richard Orr, River Clyde Homes 

Since last summer, seven local authorities have declared housing emergencies and many more appear on the brink of doing so.

At the same time, the Scottish Housing Regulator has warned of the risk of systemic failure in our housing and homelessness services, and the sector is having to absorb a £200 million cut to the affordable housing supply budget and higher inflation costs.

So, what do we do? How can the sector drive the improvements we all want to see, and what role can the Housing Bill play in addressing these challenges?

At this session, we will hear from leaders from across the sector who will challenge you on what needs to be done.

Speakers:

• John Mills, Fife Council
• Gordon Macrae, Shelter Scotland
• Sai Shraddha Suresh Viswanathan, president, NUS Scotland

• Geraldine Howley, chair of CIH governing board