Being still something of a relative newcomer to the sector, I had the opportunity of packing my bags last week to head to what turned out to be a very sunny Brighton for my very first CIH Housing Brighton conference.
What struck me on heading into the conference was the friendliness of other attendees and the willingness to engage in conversation over coffee, even with a stranger (yes – that stranger being me!) So, my thanks to the various housing lawyers I had the chance to chat to, the leading sector journalist I had the pleasure of meeting over afternoon refreshments and the net zero /sustainability professional whose small table I shared balancing a lunch plate and conference guide on day 2. Interestingly, he turned out to have worked for Bill Clinton earlier in his career – so my full political geek mode was activated at this point!
It was also great to meet one of the CIH senior team in person after having only spoken via video call and to chew the proverbial housing fat on the upcoming General Election. What also became apparent was what a small world we live in – as I ended up having dinner with a friend and former development sector colleague, catching up on everything from family to MMC to planning reform!
Despite having clocked up a good few months now in the HA sector, what hit me in full cinematic technicolor (having attended a range of conference sessions) was the sheer breadth and complexity of the many challenges and competing priorities we’re all grappling with. While other industries have their own share of issues and opportunities, our sector is certainly working hard to manage a whole host of short-and long-term challenges from delivering new homes fit for the future, refurbishing existing stock, as well as adapting our approach to meet new consumer standards. Incoming changes around competence and professionalism are also items on the sector’s ‘to do’ list – albeit we await further clarity on this following the Government’s latest consultation. And all this at a time when borrowing costs as well as demand for our homes and services have increased.
In reflecting on the sessions I attended and the people I met, one thing seemed clear – despite the challenges, there’s an overwhelming passion and commitment to tackle everything head on for the benefit of current and future customers. I also saw and clearly felt the real commitment to sharing views, expertise and experience – as part of collective efforts to help everyone in the sector. This leaves me with much to feel positive about and strengthens my own personal resolve to do all I can, both in my professional role and outside it (when appropriate) to further champion what the sector’s about, why homes really do matter and why whichever party forms the next Government, we really need to see a range of policy changes.
As the CIH’s Chief Executive commented, there’s much to remain optimistic about in terms of the future for social and affordable housing. What certainly helps, in my own view, with this optimism is that according to recent polling, housing is now in the top 5 issues amongst the public. As a result, this greater level of interest and awareness is bringing greater pressure for change from outside our sector – something that should be welcomed and we need to capitalise on.
If I had time to have sent a postcard from sunny Brighton, I’m not sure there would have been space to do my trip justice, and neither would have ‘wish you were here’ sufficed. Here’s to my next industry conference and to more of that collective spirit – there’s nothing quite like working as one team, which colleagues at VIVID won’t be surprised to hear me say (given it’s one of our values).
