Our recordings cover various topics, from practical housing management and high-level policy discussions to events designed to support your professional development. All recordings are free for all CIH members, log in and listen/watch from anywhere.
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
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.
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.
Community solutions to empty homes
There are over 25,000 long-term empty properties in Wales and despite a wide variety of good practice, the tools currently at the disposal of local authorities and partners have had limited success in reducing the overall amount of empty homes. Tyfu Tai Cymru partnered with the Housing Studies course at Cardiff Metropolitan to deliver this fresh look at how community solutions can find innovative answers to longstanding questions.
PoP! Understanding the Psychology of Poverty
Hannah Absalom shared aspects of her research and invited delegates to feedback opinions and experiences looking at the role of housing and it's social purpose.
Areas covered were:
- A very brief outline of Behavioural Economics and how it resulted in two strands, traditional behavioural insights
and the Psychology of Poverty (PoP). - Why it’s relevant to social housing, especially now
- PoP’s insights into the individual living in poverty
- PoP’s insights into the environment of poverty
- PoP’s insights into the perceptions of poverty
- Consideration of ethics and risks.
Draft Building Safety Bill? The new regulatory framework. What will this mean in practice?
We looked at the key elements of the Draft Building Safety Bill which is due before the CLG select committee in July. Debbie Larner, head of knowledge and products, presented the key elements of the bill and considered what this will mean in practice for landlords and, importantly, what must be done to prepare for the new regime.
Its time to talk Race - if not now, then when?
Black History Month took place throughout October and we are proud to present members with a webinar from leading race speaker Karl George. Karl’s personal story as a black man growing up and living in Birmingham throughout his life is one of real power and significance. Racial injustice has been and continues to be rife within British society.
Here at the CIH, we are determined to do more to tackle this and will do more. We want to celebrate the diversity of talent within the sector and support organisations in creating meaningful opportunities for people from all backgrounds to progress in their careers, irrespective of race, gender, sexuality or any other protected characteristic. We also want to do more to ensure that the people that live in our homes, our tenants, residents and customers also have equal opportunity.
Honest conversations: Promoting equality and ensuring diversity
We heard conversations around what equality and diversity means in a Northern Ireland context. It enabled participants to gain an understanding of how the area of equality and diversity has progressed over the years in Northern Ireland, as well as opening up an honest conversation around what more can be done promote the role of women, ethnic minorities and LGBT+ within our organisations.
We want to give members the confidence to address these issues with colleagues and management within their respective organisations.
