Shaping the future

The annual CIH Conference and Exhibition in Harrogate has always given the social housing sector plenty of food for thought but this year organisers are hoping to make much more of a meal out of the seminars and sessions and use the contributions of attendees to create a Housing Pact – a shared statement of priorities for housing. Michelle Mckenna takes a look at the programme

The new format aims to build on the success of last year’s more interactive programme, as CIH chief executive, Sarah Webb explains: “CIH’s Annual Conference and Exhibition is the only event that brings together private landlords, developers and voluntary sectors, as well as housing associations, ALMOs and local authorities, to debate sector wide issues. It’s in all of our interests to work together to remind Government that housing should remain a political priority over coming years.

“The new event format will help the sector to deliver a clear message to Government. We do hope as many people as possible will join us at conference to help create a powerful and united voice both to Government and all those involved in improving housing and communities.”

As well as giving delegates the opportunity to shape and drive forward the sector’s priorities for housing, the conference is following a slightly different format this year with the programme being divided into themed days.

The event kicks off on Tuesday 22 June with a focus on “our organisations” and a series of sessions examining the economic realities facing the sector. These look at the impact of spending cuts and explore ways to make organisations fit for purpose.

Global economist Ian Shepherdson returns for the opening keynote “Economic Realities”, which looks at macro economic trends and their impact on the sector’s business and consumers.

Shepherdson will be joined by Richard Chote, director of the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Paul Lewis from Radio 4’s Money Box. While “How are we going to build the homes we need?” will provide an analysis of how providers can deliver more homes in a tough climate. Chaired by Richard McCarthy, director general, Housing and Planning, CLG, the guest speakers are Piers Williamson,
chief executive of the Housing Finance Corporation and Paul Dreschler, chairman and chief executive of Wates.

Wednesday is all about communities and how to engage and empower them. The sessions will explore strategies for effective customer involvement and there will be an opportunity to compare different approaches on “How do we make localism and community involvement a reality?” with Michael Rubinger from the Local Initiatives Support Corporation from the US – and Ed Mayo, secretary general of Co-operative UK.

Embedding tenant focus and accountability into our cultures is the focus for “The Regulator, the Tenant and the Provider,” with speakers Peter Marsh, chief executive of the TSA and Diane Lee, chair of Community Housing Trust.

Not forgetting the football, there will also be a World Cup Football Reception during the afternoon.

Thursday focuses around the future and delivering housing for tomorrow. Steve Quartermain, CLG’s chief planner and Tim Leunig,economist from the LSE will be delving into the intricacies of the
planning system in “how to get communities and systems to support and deliver the homes and neighbourhoods we need.”

While Sally Hancox, director of Gentoo Green will be looking at “making retrofit affordable” in a session chaired by Anne McLoughlin-Flynn, director of operations at Hastoe Homes. Finally the Housing Pact will be delivered to the Housing Minister by Sarah Webb, with the question “Can the Government deliver on the Pact?”

This will be followed by the vice president’s address and Question Time when the panel will debate on this question.

Panelists include Mark Steel, the political activist and comedian and members of the St Basils Youth Advisory Panel and it will be chaired by writer and broadcaster Simon Fanshawe.

As well as the usual keynote sessions and the main conference programme sessions focusing on key areas of delivery, there will be a range of smaller sessions, giving delegates the chance to have their say.

These include:
• Talk to – Giving direct access to the agencies that regulate and represent the sector
• Have your say – Allowing delegates to give their direct input into CIH policy thinking
• Spotlight – Informal sessions open to delegates, exhibitors and visitors on specific front line issues
• Think Tank – Pop in sessions running in tandem with the main programme focusing on policy, best practice, finance and asset management
• Tenant Talk to – An opportunity for delegates and visitors to talk directly to the representative organisation for tenants

CIH Conference & Exhibition 2010
22 to 24 June
Harrogate International Centre
www.cihhousing.com