BRINGING NETWORKING BACK TO YOUR WORK LIFE

Housing Digital Socials are monthly online events that are free to attend for social housing professionals and HD members, to hear insights from our expert speakers and network with others who share a similar role to yourself.

Places are limited to 30 per social to ensure all attendees get the chance to meet in the breakout rooms and introduce themselves to the group.

FORMAT

Welcome & Networking:

Introduction from Chair and networking in breakout rooms

Introductions:

Each attendee is invited to give a 60 second ‘elevator’ introduction – which can include a short brief about their role, company, challenges they’ve faced, plans for the future and any recent good news.

Keynote 1:

1 x public sector organisation will be invited to give a 10 minute presentation (including option of video or keynote presentation) followed by a short Q&A.

Keynote 2:

1 x private sector organisation will be invited to give a 10 minute presentation (including option of video or keynote presentation) followed by a short Q&A.

Networking & Close:

Attendees will have the opportunity to talk one-on-one in breakout rooms.

SELECT YOUR SOCIAL

DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING

For housing professionals who specialise in:

Planning
Building Control & Warranties
Project Management
Construction / Design / Planning Software
Architectural services
QS / EA and cost management
Asset Management
Offsite / Modular
Procurement
Sales
Regeneration

KEYNOTE 1: TBC

KEYNOTE 2: TBC

Tuesday 31st Aug

10:00am – 11:30am

PROPERTY SERVICES

For housing professionals who specialise in:

Repairs & Maintenance
Asset Management
Sustainability
Facilities & Estates Management
Fleet Management
Project Management
Procurement & Supply Chain Management
Void Properties Management
Health & Safety including Building Safety Management & Fire safety

KEYNOTE 1: TBC

KEYNOTE 2: TBC

Wednesday 1st Sep

10:00am – 11:30am

OPERATIONS

For housing professionals who specialise in:

Finance & Legal
Risk Management & Compliance
HR & Training
Diversity, Inclusion & Well-being
ICT & Digital
Transformation
Cyber Security
Corporate Communications / Marketing
Resource Planning
Crisis Management
Policy & Governance

KEYNOTE 1: TBC

KEYNOTE 2: TBC

Thursday 2nd Sep

10:00am – 11:30am

HOUSING SERVICES

For housing professionals who specialise in:

Supported Housing & Care
Resident Involvement
Community Investment
Digital Engagement
Customer Experience
Rent & Income
Private Lettings
Customer Services
Shared-ownership and leasehold Management
Resident Communications / Marketing

KEYNOTE 1: Charley Gibbons - Director of Customer Experience, Orbit

We need to stop thinking ‘digital’ and start thinking about how customers experience our brand and services digitally.
Digital is no longer a process or function; it is an expected part of how all brands, businesses and services communicate and serve their customers. And housing is no different. Our audience has changed; they expect the same standard of user experience that they receive from banks, retailers and service providers.

Digital channels are no longer an extension of our offering, they are our offering, and we run the risk of being left behind if we don’t adapt.

KEYNOTE 2: Martin Cutbill - Director, Alertacall

Realising the opportunity Digital Switchover offers in Supported Housing.

Digital Switchover in 2025 is great opportunity to accelerate digital engagement, increase customer satisfaction levels and deliver more cost effective housing management. It can become the gateway to better two way communication, advanced door entry, video calling and more, and is achievable for less than half the cost of a hard wired alarm system.

Friday 3rd Sep

10:00am – 11:30am

The Socials are not only insightful and interesting, they really are very refreshing. Networking with housing professionals and others linked to the sector is extremely useful and the range of knowledge and experiences openly shared, with the chance to hear presentations, is invaluable. I particularly enjoy putting faces to names of people I’ve previously only e-mailed or phoned, but even more important is the chance to meet a lot of new and very interesting people. Members are friendly, fun and welcoming and by sharing plans and experiences, we’ll be able to learn so much from each other. I’m already looking forward to the next Social event.

Annette Brandwood

Director of Governance, Assurance & Risk Cobalt Housing

I recommend the Socials to Third Public Sector colleagues involved in creating and managing social housing. They are an opportunity to meet in a friendly environment with a wide range of professionals from across the region, hearing diverse perspectives and making new contacts.

Steve Hoey

Chief Executive Leeds Community Homes

I found the session really good – I particularly liked the automatic move from one breakout session to another. It saves the awkward “ok, I’m going to leave this group and find another one” moment. A bit like speed dating between breakout groups – good networking!

Lucie Smith

Head of Finance Mosscare St Vincent’s Housing Group

I participated in my first “Social” last week as a presenter and found the experience really valuable. Firstly the social provides an easy and relaxed, opportunity where you can get to know fellow professionals in your sector and associated with your sector – all virtually and from the comfort of your own home!. If you see a particular person from the attendee list who you would like to speak to during the social, you can!….., or you have the option of contacting them after the session; All the virtual technology worked seamlessly and was really easy to use, even for someone like me who is still “getting used to it”. Secondly, you can be a presenter at the social which gives you an opportunity to present information on particular topics which stimulate discussions and debate within the virtual audience, the feedback from which is really useful to shape ideas “back at base”. I’ll be looking out for the next one!

Ffrancon Williams

Chief Executive Adra (Tai) Cyfyngedig