November

Cyber Security – Board Cyber Security Toolkit

Cyber Security – final part of our series on the Board Cyber Security Toolkit
As cyber threats grow in sophistication and frequency, housing associations and organisations alike must keep ahead of the curve. In this fourth session of our cyber security series, we look at threat detection and mitigation strategies to help you defend against current cyber attacks.

Chairs and Board Member Round Table

7 November 2024
This webinar will explore the Labour Party’s policy direction, its implications for registered providers, and potential funding support from the new Chancellor. designed for Chairs and Board Members of UK housing associations who will benefit from engaging with peers and sharing insights on navigating the current housing landscape.

October

Introduction to Governance & Regulation in England, including changes in consumer standards

Whether you are new to governance or looking to improve your knowledge, this session will dive into the essential principles of good governance and the latest changes in consumer standards specific to England. Explore the regulatory framework of the Regulator of Social Housing, the Code of Governance, and the Code of Conduct, all geared toward fostering strong governance practices in the English context.

Roles and Responsibilities of Effective Directors/ NEDs

03 October 2024
Aimed at guiding both new and experienced Board Members through the key responsibilities that define their roles. It offers essential knowledge for new board members, making it an ideal resource for induction programs. The session also serves as a refresher for experienced members. Attendees will gain a solid understanding of what it means to be an effective director or board member, particularly in the social housing sector in the UK. Key learning points include understanding the duties of directors and how they can contribute to organisational success.

September

Introduction to Governance & Regulation in Wales

Introduction to Governance & Regulation in Wales: Board Members, Executives, and Governance teams in the Welsh social housing sector. Improve your understanding of effective governance and ensure regulatory compliance in Wales. Explore the Welsh regulatory framework, learn about codes of governance and conduct, and discover strategies to implement best practices that foster a culture of good governance within your housing association.

July

Board Review Essentials

Whether leading internally or seeking external expertise, this session will provide tools and strategies to navigate governance challenges and future-proof your organisation. This webinar offers an opportunity to understand governance practices, improve decision-making, and align with long-term goals

June

Performance management and business improvement

Social housing providers operating in todays environment must get the basics right to survive and thrive. Effective performance management is a important part of this, providing Boards and executives with a clear view of current performance and routes for future improvement.You will gain insights into critical aspects of performance management, learn to avoid common pitfalls and understand the importance of using accurate data to make informed decisions.

Consumer standards and repairs – what are the impacts of the changing consumer standards on your repair service

Consumer standards and repairs – what are the impacts of the changing consumer standards on your repair service. we will unpack the expectations for both repairs teams and the wider organisation to ensure you meet and exceed the new consumer standards. The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) introduced the new Consumer Standards in April 2024, placing a strong emphasis on repairs and maintenance.

May

AI Threats and Opportunities: Navigating the Future

AI Threats and Opportunities: Navigating the Future. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is having a profound impact on businesses, sectors, and communities, and the social housing sector is no exception. In this session, Board members will gain valuable insights into the key threats and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the potential benefits that AI can offer in driving positive change within their organisations, as well as the necessary strategies required to effectively address potential challenges.

April
March

Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) – Part 1 – The background

Welcome to our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion webinar series for UK-registered social housing providers. The session is intended to help Board Members understand the regulatory framework and requirements. In this session there is a focus on key legislation; the Equality Act 2010 (EA 2010) and the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED), as well as other applicable regulations.

Fraud; What does a Board Member need to know about preventing fraud?

Fraud; What does a Board Member need to know about preventing fraud?
In this session, we’ll delve into the legislative landscape, focusing on pivotal measures like the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 shed light on the different fraud risks that registered providers face and offer strategic insights into the actions Boards can take to fortify their defences against fraudulent activities.

February

Cyber Security Series, Part 3: Strengthening Your Defences!

This session will help you understand the roadmap for effective incident response planning and provide actionable insights that you can use right away to improve your organisation’s cybersecurity resilience.
In recent years, the rise in cyberattacks has highlighted the critical need for UK housing associations to understand the security risks they face and to use available resources to fortify their defences.

Health and Safety: what a board member needs to know

Health and Safety is an important knowledge for Board Members of Registered Social Housing providers. Boards must be aware of their responsibilities and ensure that executives provide adequate assurance, as the regulator emphasises that they have the last say regarding the health and safety of workers and tenants. This session covers sector risk profiles, major concerns like fire and asbestos, and more. It also emphasises the critical role boards play in prioritising health and safety. Board responsibilities, commitment demonstrations, gaining assurance, and fostering a health and safety culture are explored.

January

Finance II – budgeting and management information

Any housing association Executives and board members set the direction for its success, so understanding management and budgetary data is essential to making well-informed decisions, staying on track with goals, and maintaining financial stability. This training encourages board member accountability, stakeholder trust, and effective governance. with insights into understanding resource allocation and strategic decision-making to address different community needs.

looking ahead to the year 2024 in Social housing UK

2024 – The housing challenges ahead

In 2024, the UK social housing industry is set for a transformation with the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, which empowers the Regulator (RSH) for more stringent oversight, extending to proactive assessments of landlords failing to meet standards. Landlords must report on the RSH’s Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSM) and updated consumer standards, with a submission deadline of June 30, 2024, for providers with over 1,000 homes. Additionally, registered building control approvers and high-rise developers face registration deadlines by April 6, 2024.

December
November
Cyber Security

Part two – Cyber security

The need for cyber security has grown due to the increasing frequency of cyber attacks, making it more important than ever to understand security flaws in your organisation and the tools available to you. In this session we will look at two more areas from the Board Cyber toolkit.

Chairs of Audit Committee Round Table (5)

Learning from the regulator

Lessons we can learn from the regulators and where to find them. Reports produced by the Housing Ombudsman and the Regulator of Social Housing not only highlight where providers are going wrong but provide help and advice to other providers so that they don’t make the same mistakes.

Chairs of Audit Committee Round Table (4)

GDPR is boring? Why it should beguile the board?

In this session, we’ll revisit the core principles of GDPR and their significance, and understand the changes and developments since the initial compliance rush in 2018. We’ll also explore risk areas that are particularly pertinent to board members and their organizations, key areas for reporting and discover essential questions to ensure ongoing compliance for both you and your housing association.

October
Helpful Tips

The Monitoring Role of The Board

The board of a housing association is tasked with overseeing various aspects, including operational efficiency, strategic direction, financial performance, and overall conduct.As a board member in this session you learn how to optimally manage operational, strategic, and financial performance within housing associations and understand the pivotal role that board members play in UK social housing.

September
July

Data Sorytelling

20 July 2023
This webinar is aimed at Board Members of Housing Associations registered in the UK. We will explore the benefits of data storytelling and how it differs from data visualisation to help you make better decisions and drive actions that make a real difference.

England – Introduction To Value For Money

13 July 2023
Value for Money is one of the economic benchmarks and a fundamental component of the regulator’s In-Depth Assessment process of Social Housing providers in England and since the remainder of the organisation follows the Board Members’ lead, therefor they must first understand the regulator’s requirements and will want to keep up to date and adopt best practices, especially those relating to Value for Money.

Cyber Security

Cyber Security

6 July 2023
As a result of the rise in cyberattacks, there is a greater need than ever for cyber security, making it crucial to be aware of any security gaps in your company’s operations and the tools at your disposal. This webinar is aimed at Board Members with social housing provider organizations, In this session, we will explore a variety of cyber viewpoints and highlight the differences between perceived and actual cyber security gaps.

June

Tenancy Law

29 June 2023
In this webinar session, we will explore the main types of social housing tenancies in England, Scotland and Wales and identify what Board members need to know about being a good landlord and ensuring you operate within the law and remain compliant with Regulatory standards.

Scotland and Wales Introduction To Value For Money

22 June 2023
Value for Money remains an important aspect of the regulatory regime for Regulators in Scotland and Wales. The regulatory Framwork in both countries require associations to provide evidence of compliance with Standards that include the delivery of value for money. This session will look at how associations ensure they are meeting the demands for good practice and continuous improvement.

Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016

15 June 2023
The Renting Homes Act 2016 represents the most significant revision to Welsh housing law in decades. The act has changed the way all providers in Wales operate, from the way their contracts are provided, homes are maintained and how providers communicate with their tenants. In this session, we will look into what the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (commenced on 1st of December 2022) means for tenants and landlords. Aimed at Social Housing provider Board Members and senior Governance Staff..

May

Board Review Essentials

4 May 2023
Whether you are conducting the Board Review in-house or using someone external to conduct it our Webinar will walk you through the essential components of a Board review and what you need to do as Board members.

April

Safeguarding in Social Housing

27 April 2023
It is vital that Board Members understand the strategic elements of Safeguarding in Adults and Children. Boards need to understand what it means, what the main provisions of the Care Act 2014 are (and equivalents in Wales and Scotland), and the role and duties of the Housing Association in relation to Safeguarding.

March

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion – Part Two

9 March 2023
These training sessions will give you a good grounding in what Housing Associations must do to demonstrate equality and diversity in England Scotland and Wales and what the NHF Code of governance and UK Code of Corporate Governance says about  the importance of culture, integrity, equality and diversity.

February
January
December
November
October
September
Men and women meeting and talking around a table

Role and Responsibilities of Effective Directors

8 September 2022
Have you been appointed to a Board for the first time?   This webinar will set out the Role and Responsibilities of Effective Directors. Understanding this is an important part of a new board member’s induction Plan. This bite size learning will give members an excellent grounding in their new role. It’s a good refresher for more experienced members too.

July
A picture of a computer screen with a cybersecurity graphic

Cyber Security

14 July
With the growing importance of Cyber Security this session will cover various cyber perspectives and you will gain insights to help you improve cyber governance, risk and overall compliance position in your organisation. 

June
May
April
March

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion – Part One

10 March 2022
This first one hour webinar will look at what is meant by the nine protected characteristics. Each characteristic will be examined in detail including where those characteristics may be treated differently from each other as well as each within the context of discrimination and harassment.

December
September
A picture of a Regulation sign with England Flag

Introduction To Governance & Regulation In England

30th September 2021
Come and find out the basics of good governance and the requirements of the Codes of Governance, Code of Conduct and the key principles around how Boards can lead a culture of Good Governance. 

This Webinar is essential for Board Members, Executive and Governance staff, particularly those new to the role or to the housing sector.

A picture of three Directors sat around a laptop

Roles and Responsibilities of Effective Directors

9 September 2021
Have you been appointed to a Board for the first time?   This webinar will set out the Role and Responsibilities of Effective Directors. Understanding this is an important part of a new board member’s induction Plan. This bite size learning will give members an excellent grounding in their new role. It’s a good refresher for more experienced members too.

July
June
May
A infographic of people with speech bubbles containing different methods of engagement

Effective Resident Engagement

20 May 2021 – The Charter for Social Housing Residents gave a clear signal around the importance of placing residents at the heart of landlord decision-making.  In this session, Darren Hartley – TAROE Trust’s Chief Executive will discuss the key things that Governance and other staff need to consider to ensure that a strong resident focus can be maintained from the perspective of good governance.

Housing Ombudsman Logo

Ombudsman complaints handling code

13 May 2021 – This webinar will look at the new complaint handling code set by the Housing Ombudsman in July 2020. Find out what residents rights are. How can residents access the complaints procedure? How to ensure a fair and resident focused complaints handling process. How to create a positive complain handling culture through continuous learning and improvement.  Self Assessment and demonstration of this learning in annual reports.

National Federation of ALMOs logo

Social Housing and ALMOS

29 April 2021 – ALMOs (Arms Length Management Organisations) are companies set up by a local authority to manage and improve all or part of its housing stock. ALMOs can be beneficial where council’s do not have the knowledge, time or resources to manage their stock and where they receive the support of tenants.

March
A picture of a street sign with the words asset management on it

Asset Management In Housing – Part 1

1 March 2021
This webinar is an introduction to asset management. It covers the main elements of asset management, the risks Boards should be aware of and the questions Boards should be asking to get assurance. There will be a brief overview of the operational aspects and a bit of myth busting, so its good for those Board members new to housing or just new to asset management. 

February

Social Housing White Paper

3 February 2021
In this webinar we will be exploring the new Social Housing White Paper and how the government aims to put tenants at the heart of social housing. What does this mean for your organisation?  How can we strengthen relationships between ‘you’ the housing association and your residents?

January

Introduction to ESG Reporting

28 January 2021
ESG (environmental, social and governance) reporting has been very much in the news of late but what is it all about? This session will explain the basics of ESG reporting, why it is becoming increasingly important in the capital markets and what it means for registered providers when seeking capital. The session will also provide a brief overview of the various standards around ESG reporting that are starting to appear within the sector.

A picture showing the front cover of the NHF Code of Governance 2020

The NHF Code of Governance 2020

22 January 2021 – The new NHF Code of Governance has been long awaited and seeks to reflect the key challenges facing today’s complex social housing organisations and the part Boards play in leading their organisations. This webinar will look at the 4 themes within the code and what they mean for you as Board members. We will also look at the implications for your organisation’s governance practice and how you can demonstrate compliance.

A picture of yellow tiles spelling out the word procurement

Procurement in Social Housing

17 January 2021
Effective and robust procurement processes, and their subsequent application, are key to the success of your organisation. This webinar will explore the role of Board and Committee Members in setting standards and providing scrutiny of procurement activities. Covering key topics including: – Governance Frameworks. Purchase or Procure what’s the difference? The Procurement cycle. Responsibilities within the procurement cycle. Reporting, oversight & governance, Identification of common problems.

December
A picture of two puzzle pieces, one with the Union Jack the Other with the European Flag on it

Brexit and Social Housing

21 December 2020
With 35 days to go before the Brexit transition period what will be the effect of exiting without a free trade agreement? What will be the effect on our communities and housing? How will this be affected by the pandemic and the governments approach?

A picture showing a person writing the word Audit

Introduction To Audit

10 December 2020
This session will consider the general role of ‘audit’ and consider the two main functions that Boards come across – internal and external audit. The session will look at their key roles and responsibilities, especially the major differences between them. Delegates will learn how to get the most out of both functions and there will a general discussion at the end to take questions from delegates if they have any issues regarding their auditors.

October
September
July
June
May
April
March

What Is Treasury Management?

4 March 2020
Treasury management is often an area that many board members see as a total mystery and full of jargon. This session is intended to dispel many of those myths and present treasury management in a simple format. It is ideal for all board members and officers new to treasury in housing associations.

February
January
December
November
October
September