Brighter Futures - the latest programme by CIH and ITN Business

The Chartered Institute of Housing has partnered with ITN Business to produce a groundbreaking programme aimed at showcasing the achievements of the social housing sector, launching at Housing 2023, Europe’s largest housing festival on 27 June 2023.

The social housing sector has faced many challenges over recent years, not least with declining public investment, rising costs and demand continuing to outstrip supply. Against this backdrop there have been examples of some social housing provision falling short, sometimes tragically.

Presented by Dr Sian Williams from the ITN London Studio, 'Brighter Futures’ aims to amplify the success stories and positive impact of social housing providers, shedding light on their unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable, inclusive communities and highlights examples of the social housing sector delivering on its core purpose.

By sharing inspiring stories and best practices, CIH and ITN Business hope to inspire sector collaboration and encourage innovative approaches to affordable housing and resident well-being. The programme will serve as a platform for housing organizations, policymakers, and community stakeholders to learn from one another, fostering a collective commitment to sustainable social housing solutions.

Gavin Smart, CEO, Chartered Institute of Housing said:

“At CIH, people and professionalism are the bedrock of our organisation. It’s our job to support everyone who works in the housing sector to create a future in which everyone has a place to call home.

“We are delighted to launch the Brighter Futures programme which explores and celebrates some of the innovative good practice happening across the sector and new ways of working that provide the best support and service for tenants and residents.”

Nina Harrison-Bell, Head of ITN Business said:

"We are thrilled to launch this programme and shine a spotlight on the remarkable work being done within the social housing sector. Our aim is to showcase how social housing providers are actively delivering on their core purpose, offering safe and decent homes while providing the necessary support systems for residents to thrive."

The programme features case studies from the following housing organisations:

• Abri discusses the potential for their new regional model to become the blueprint for sector collaboration.
• Cambridge City Council, in partnership with house builder Hill, is working to provide hundreds of new Council homes; with sustainability and wellbeing at heart.
• Gloucester City Homes invest locally, creating job opportunities, supporting business and supply chains while also ensuring that those most in need are supported.
• Link Group is described as a trauma informed housing group, offering on-going specialist support that leads to happier and more sustainable communities.
• Newcastle City Council highlight their sustainable approach to housing focusing on all-round support and individualised solutions.
• Reading Borough Council is finding new ways to deliver accommodation that is energy-efficient and sustainably built, to meet a range of needs, where land is limited.
• “Survivors Against Domestic Abuse” is empowering and aiding those who are forced to leave their home, by providing somewhere safe and secure to move to.
• Thakeham's approach to placemaking involves building sustainable, resilient, and integrated communities that prioritise the well-being of their residents as well as preserving biodiversity and achieving zero carbon emissions for the surrounding areas.
• Together, a UK-wide specialist finance group, is helping to develop a supported living scheme in Preston that will allow people with a range of complex needs to live as independently as possible.

The programme features reporter led sponsored editorial profiles, thought leader interviews and news items.

The series also includes a film focused on this year's presidential campaign, In my shoes, led by Lara Oyedele discussing Lara's lived experience and why raising awareness about racial diversity is so important for the housing sector.

To access the programme's content, please visit www.cih.org/brighter-futures