This is an interactive session, and we would very much welcome contributions and questions.

The session is free to all Housing Quality Network members but places are limited to ensure a good discussion for the group.  Book now to avoid disappointment.

Panellists:

• Jeni Harvey, Director of Marketing and Communications, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing
• Lydia Stockdale, Director of Communications and External Affairs, Eastlight Community Homes
• Lucy Dixon, Head of External Affairs, Karbon Homes
• Josie Twinning, Interim Director of Communications, Home Group
• Rhys Edwards, Head of Communications and PR, Wythenshawe Community Housing Group
• Caroline Lamprey, Communications and Marketing Manager, Golden Lane Housing.

Rhys Edwards, Head of Communications and PR, Wythenshawe Community Housing Group

Rhys is the Head of Communications and PR at Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG). With a passion for inclusive communications his career has always focused on making sure everyone’s voice is heard. He began in the charity sector supporting a wide range of people including those with life-limiting illnesses, military personnel and members of the deaf community. After leaving the charity sector Rhys worked in higher education at the University of Salford before moving into social housing. He also serves as a non-executive director at North Wales Housing.

Jeni Harvey, Director of Marketing and Communications, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing

Jeni is the Director of Marketing and Communications at Rochdale Boroughwide Housing and vice-chair of LGComms, the organisation that champions excellence in public sector communications.

With more than two decades’ experience across communications, marketing and journalism, Jeni started her career with newspapers in Greater Manchester before moving to the Yorkshire Post, where she spent five years as a senior reporter. Since making the transition into communications a decade ago, Jeni has worked in strategic leadership roles across the full spectrum of public sector organisations, including councils, policing and regional government.

She has also led PR and journalism courses at the University of Sheffield and is currently a Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) trainer with the BBC.

Lydia Stockdale, Director of Communications and External Affairs, Eastlight Community Homes

Lydia is the Communications and External Affairs Director at Eastlight Community Homes, leading engagement with residents, colleagues and partners.

An award-winning journalist and section editor, she spent five years at Inside Housing, specialising in sector analysis, interviews and investigations. Lydia was also a director at See Media, where she helped housing associations and sector organisations with stakeholder engagement. In 2022, she became a chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).

Lydia served as a trustee for Citizens Advice Birmingham for five years, contributing to its mission of providing free, independent advice.

She holds a first-class degree in English and History and an MA in Journalism.

Lucy Dixon, Head of External Affairs, Karbon Homes

Lucy Dixon is Head of External Affairs for Karbon Homes, which has 34,000 homes across the North East and Yorkshire. She has more than 20 years’ experience in communications across the public, private and voluntary sectors, including public relations, public affairs, crisis communications and stakeholder engagement. Prior to Karbon, she worked for the British Red Cross and the charity for blind and partially sighted people, RNIB. She also leads on communications and public affairs for the North East Housing Partnership.

Caroline Lamprey, Communications and Marketing Manager, Golden Lane Housing

Josie Twinning, Interim Director of Communications, Home Group