The government promised a “crackdown on damp and mould under new legislation” and it will feature in the imminent Social Housing (Regulation) Act. Earlier in 2023, the Housing Ombudsman identified “ten key tests for governing bodies to evaluate its organisation’s response to damp and mould.”

But, of course, it is not simply about meeting statutory, legal or regulatory requirements and expectations. It’s about challenging the way we have historically dealt with damp, mould and condensation and coming up with a more effective, customer focused approach.

At this workshop (following the publication of our damp, mould & condensation toolkit), we look in detail at the different aspects of a comprehensive approach to tackling the problem of damp, mould and condensation in residents’ homes.

Delegates will hear from Wayne Hughes, who has carried out numerous reviews of landlords’ approaches. Wayne will set out the key factors in a comprehensive approach to tackling the issue from a technical perspective. We’ll also hear from Lydia Dlaboha, HQN’s Deputy CEO, on how to ensure you keep a customer focus at all times. We will be joined by practitioners, who will set out how they have approached the challenges with a view to delivering a comprehensive solution to the problem.

This workshop expands on the damp and mould toolkit HQN has developed after consulting with members, sector experts, including the Housing Ombudsman service, along with HQN’s repairs and maintenance specialists. The workshop will be of use to anyone working within the fields of repairs and maintenance, housing management or customer services.

Delegates will gain an insight into how to develop a comprehensive approach to tackling damp, mould and condensation, addressing the concerns of and supporting tenants and residents at the same time.

10:30 Welcome and introduction

• • Lydia Dlaboha, Deputy CEO, HQN

10:35 Overview of HQNs toolkit

• • Lydia Dlaboha, Deputy CEO, HQN

10:45 A comprehensive approach to tackling damp and mould

• • Wayne Hughes, Associate, HQN

11:15 Using data to tackle damp and mould cases

• • Mike Hall, Islington London Borough

  • Rebecca Nicholson, Islington London Borough

11:40 Break

12:00 Positive practice in legal matters

• • Dorota Pawlowski, Partner, Trowers and Hamlins LLP

12:30 A look at the work of the Orbit Damp, Mould and Condensation Taskforce

• • Tom Leon-Grimes, Customer Resilience Lead, Orbit Group

13:00 Q&A

13:15 Close

Lydia Dlaboha, Deputy CEO, HQN

Lydia joined HQN in 2007 and is currently the Deputy CEO. Her background is in housing management – both general needs and supported. She has worked extensively as a consultant on a wide variety of performance improvement projects. In her current role, Lydia has responsibility for overseeing all of HQN’s work and for quality assurance in particular. She spends the majority of her time talking to HQN members to make sure that our service meets their needs, and on consultancy-related work.

Dorota Pawlowski, Partner, Trowers and Hamlins LLP

Dorota has over 20 years’ experience in the residential property sector having started her housing career at Birmingham County Council.

Specialising in all aspects of issues that may face a residential landlord, Dorota advises registered providers on all aspects of housing management issues but has developed a particular expertise in relation to disrepair claims and increasingly, claims for unfitness for human habitation. Dorota leads a team of solicitors and paralegals who deal with a large volume of disrepair cases and fights hard to defend cases or settle them for as low a sum as possible.  She regularly represents clients in the County Courts in applications for injunctions and possessions. She has advised extensively on the drafting of tenancy agreements and has reviewed registered providers’ policies and procedures.

Dorota also speaks and trains regularly on all aspects of housing management issues both internally and externally such as at CIH events. She has trained extensively in relation to all issues concerning disrepair.  She is a Committee member of the Social Housing Law Association and was instrumental in reforming the Midlands regional branch of this organisation which she now jointly chairs.

Tom Leon-Grimes, Customer Resilience Lead, Orbit Group

Tom has held a successful and enjoyable career in housing for over 10 years, starting as an Apprentice Housing Assistant, aged 16. Tom has developed a vast understanding of housing through roles in front-line housing, data analysis, business improvement, project management and service development. Last year, Tom was awarded as the winner of the Housing’s Next Generation Competition 2022, run by the Housing Quality Network.

Tom’s current role is with Orbit Housing, head-quartered in Coventry, with over 45,000 homes. As their Interim Customer Resilience Lead, Tom is seconded to an urgent taskforce focussing on improving damp, mould and condensation issues. Tom leads a blended customer service team, overseeing the coordination, communication, complaints, referrals, data and process functions.

Making a positive difference to customers’ lives, and providing much needed quality housing, is Tom’s reason for enjoying working in social housing.

Wayne Hughes, Associate, HQN

Mike Hall, Islington London Borough

Rebecca Nicholson, Islington London Borough

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.