Three speakers with a lot to say, and some fresh research to share, Housing Digital’s latest micro-conference took a deep dive into the practicalities of asset compliance
The latest Housing Digital micro-conference examined how social landlords are preparing for Awaab’s Law, with a focus on data, compliance and the emerging “digital golden thread”.
There was a lot to take in and discuss, but the three keynote speakers ably steered the audience of housing professionals through their respective topics, with a lively question and answer session testifying to the interest raised.
The Digital Golden Thread & Asset Compliance, as the event was titled, was framed around the sector’s response to regulatory expectations under the Building Safety Act, with Awaab’s Law acting as a catalyst for change in how the sector manages risk and safety.
Danny Bird, assistant director, regulated delivery at the Aster Group was first to the virtual podium, offering a ‘scene setter’ around what is working, what isn’t working, and the why behind the new regulations.
He was followed by Neil Yeomans, building safety consultant, and former head of property safety and technology at Orbit Group; he offered a deeper dive in the issues, exploring the solutions.
John Wickenden, research manager at Housemark, followed with some new statistics and the findings of the organisation;s research so far.
Watch Danny Bird’s presentation
Bird centred his keynote on the need to rethink hazard management. He argued that the legislation requires a decisive shift away from reactive repairs towards proactive identification and mitigation of risks.
Rather than treating issues such as damp and mould in isolation, Bird emphasised the interconnected nature of hazards and the importance of systems capable of recognising those links. A key theme in his presentation was the role of digital infrastructure.
Manual processes, he suggested, are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of compliance. Instead, organisations need integrated systems that can automate workflows, connect data points and provide a comprehensive view of property risk. This “golden thread” of information must be accurate, accessible and continuously updated.
Despite the growing role of technology, Bird stressed that accountability remains with people. AI tools may assist in identifying potential hazards, but human judgement is essential in decision-making.
This, he said, places a renewed emphasis on training – particularly for non-technical staff tasked with diagnosing issues in tenants’ homes. He also highlighted operational challenges, including gaining access to properties in emergency situations, and called for a whole-organisation approach that aligns resources, processes and people.
Watch Neil Yeomans’ presentation
In the second keynote, Yeomans, explored how the digital golden thread can be applied in practice. His focus was on data – specifically, the quality, structure and usability of information held within asset management systems.
Yeomans advocated for a move away from static documents such as PDFs towards granular, structured data at sub-component level. Capturing detailed information about building elements, he argued, allows landlords to identify patterns, anticipate failures and prioritise interventions more effectively. This approach supports a transition from reactive maintenance to proactive risk management.
Standards were another central theme. Yeomans highlighted frameworks, such as ISO 19650 and the UK Housing Data Standards, as essential tools for improving consistency and interoperability across the sector.
A common language for data, he suggested, would enable better collaboration between organisations and reduce duplication of effort. Rather than developing bespoke solutions, landlords should make greater use of existing standards and platforms.
He also pointed to the importance of leadership in driving change. Embedding robust data practices requires strategic commitment, as well as investment in systems and skills. Better data collection and sharing, he noted, could help reduce reliance on emergency responses by enabling earlier identification of risks.
Watch John Wickenden’s presentation
The final keynote, delivered by John Wickenden, offered an early insight into how the sector is responding to Awaab’s Law in practice. Drawing on three months of data collection, he highlighted inconsistencies in how landlords are recording and reporting hazards.
One notable issue was the tendency to focus on damp and mould, with many organisations recording only these as emergency hazards despite the broader scope of Phase 1 of the legislation. This, he suggested, points to confusion around requirements and a need for clearer guidance from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Data quality also emerged as a concern. Variations in how hazards are defined, recorded and measured make it difficult to draw meaningful comparisons or assess performance. Wickenden called for improvements in both guidance and data practices to ensure that the sector can respond effectively to regulatory expectations.
Taken together, the event provided a concise overview of the challenges and opportunities facing housing providers as they adapt to Awaab’s Law.
While digital tools and data standards are seen as critical enablers, the discussions made clear that successful implementation will depend equally on organisational culture, clarity of guidance and the effective use of human judgement.
To find out more about Housing Digital’s programme of micro-conferences visit here
Image credit: Golden Dayz/Shutterstock
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