Led by HQN chief executive Alistair McIntosh, our workshop will give you everything you need to transform your annual reports from a glossy and vacuous PR exercise into something truly worthwhile and regulator approved.

What you’ll get from this session:

• Understand what the Regulator of Social Housing is looking for in terms of transparency, influence and accountability and how your annual report can help meet those requirements
• Top tips on producing effective annual reports – from learning how to write attention-grabbing copy to exploring new formats
• Understand the importance of finding the right tone of voice for your organisation
• Hear experiences and case studies from sector colleagues
• A chance to quiz the experts.

Plus – some free advice

Send us your latest publications or drafts, we’ll provide you with constructive feedback.

We’ve been tracking the quality of annual reports for the last few years so have plenty of experience to share. We are seeing signs of improvement but, for many, there’s still a long way to go.

With a government commitment to further strengthening the new regulatory regime by introducing new access to information requirements (STAIRs) for private registered providers as well as extending the Freedom of Information Act to cover Tenant Management Organisations (TMOs), now is the time to get the quality of your annual report right.

The Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard clearly states that registered providers must “annually publish their performance against the tenant satisfaction measures” and ensure the information is “published in a manner that is timely, clear and easily accessed by tenants”.

Facts, figures and essential messages are hugely important. But when buried in a long document, does anyone actually see them?

Common flaws include:

• Unsubstantiated boasting (‘we are fantastic’) when the reality that is experienced by tenants does not bear it out
• Introductions from chairs/leaders/executives not in plain English or readable
• Too much jargon and corporate bluster
• Spellbinding graphics that contain no actual information
• Zero comparative data – a claim of 85% customer satisfaction looks good until you are named and shamed by your residents in the national media
• No sign that tenants have been asked what they want to see in these reports (in fact, it is often impossible to discern the intended audience at all).

Jon Land, Head of Content, HQN

Jon joined HQN in October 2015 after five years as editor of 24housing magazine. A journalist by profession, he started his career at the Hereford Times before joining allpay in 2005 to establish the 24dash.com news website and 24housing magazine. At HQN, Jon leads on business development and external relations.

Alistair McIntosh, Chief Executive, HQN

Alistair McIntosh is one of the social housing sector’s most respected and best known personalities.

As founder and Chief Executive of HQN, he is regarded as one of the foremost advisers on governance and regulation, specialising in VfM and stress testing. His hands-on approach sees Alistair leading on all HQN’s in-depth assessment mock exercises and support work, designing and running the popular Iron Grip sessions and chairing/speaking at conferences and events.

Career highlights include setting up and running the National Federation of ALMOs, leading the popular consultation on the regulatory standards for housing, and developing an approach to VfM that won praise from the housing minister.

A regular contributor to the housing press, Alistair’s columns are known for their humorous, pointed and painfully accurate assessment of the state of social housing.

Tom Palmer, Strategic Communications, Ocean City Media

Tom founded OCM with fellow BBC editor Samantha Smith and filmmaker Chris Quevatre in April 2021.

He has spent the last decade leading successful digital strategies for the BBC and delivering significant audience growth through website and social media platforms.

As well as working for BBC South West, Tom has also worked for BBC World Languages, supporting digital teams in Kenya, Tanzania and Somalia.

Prior to joining the BBC, Tom worked mainly in print journalism, starting at the Plymouth Herald before stints at the Press Association and Yorkshire Post, and has been a defence reporter, political editor and news editor.

Tom’s corporate experience includes leading a digital media team to bring investment to Leeds and working with some of the biggest marketers and brands in the UK.

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

Lydia Stockdale is Communications & External Affairs Director at Eastlight Community Homes, where she leads engagement with residents, colleagues and partners. She ensures clear, meaningful communication as part of the 14,600-home organisation’s leadership team.

Previously an award-winning journalist, Lydia was Assistant Editor (Features) at Inside Housing before moving into specialist housing communications at See Media. In 2023, she became CIPR Chartered, recognising her expertise and commitment to ethical practice.

She was also a trustee for Citizens Advice Birmingham for five years, supporting its free, independent advice services.

10:30am Welcome and introduction

• Jon Land, Head of Content, HQN

10:35am What the regulators and your tenants want (and what they don’t want)

• Alistair McIntosh, Chief Executive, HQN

11:15am Top tips on telling your story

• Tom Palmer, Strategic Communications, Ocean City Media

11:55am Break

12:10pm Case study

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

12:50pm Closing comments

• Alistair McIntosh, Chief Executive, HQN

1:00pm Close

If you are unable to attend an event or public training course, please let us know in writing (email is fine) at least 48 hours before. Please email [email protected]

Otherwise, a cancellation fee of £60 plus VAT will be chargeable.

If you are using a package place to attend and do not inform us within the agreed time frame, then a place will be taken to cover your non-attendance.

Cancellations must be made in writing and will be acknowledged by HQN Limited.

Cancellations must be made in writing and will be acknowledged by HQN Limited. Delegates may be substituted at any time.