duration

Location
Virtual

HQN is teaming up with Guildford Borough Council for this free session providing an in-depth look at their regulatory improvement journey inside two years.

  • Read more

    This isn’t a story about a rating. It’s a story about people, leadership, honesty and sustained effort.

    Join Strategic Director of Housing Communities and Environment, Julian Higson and Assistant Director of Housing Services, Annalisa Howson from Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils, as they share their housing service journey. From facing the reality of a C3 regulatory judgement, to building the culture, capability and confidence needed to achieve a C1.

    This virtual session is a candid reflection on what it really takes to turn things around in local government:

    • Confronting hard truths
    • Supporting and challenging teams
    • Keeping residents at the heart of every decision
    • And refusing to settle for “good enough”.

    Julian and Annalisa will talk openly about what worked, what didn’t, what they would do differently – and why this is very much a journey that continues, grounded in working closely with tenants to improve the quality and consistency of housing services.

    If you work in housing, regulation or leadership within local government, this session offers practical insight, reassurance and inspiration from peers who’ve been there – and are still learning.

    Come and be part of the conversation.

  • Our speakers

    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.  His hands-on approach sees Alistair leading on all HQN’s mock inspection exercises 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.

    Annalisa Howson, Assistant Director of Housing Services, Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils
    Annalisa is a proud housing professional with more than 30 years’ experience in social housing, driven by a commitment to ensuring everyone has a good place to call home. As Assistant Director for Housing at Waverley Borough Council and Guildford Borough Council, she leads teams through a rapidly changing housing landscape, with a strong focus on tenant involvement, performance management and professionalism.

    Annalisa has also led teams through Regulator of Social Housing engagement and inspection processes, achieving a C2 rating for Waverley Borough Council in February 2025 and, most recently, a C1 rating for Guildford Borough Council in March 2026.

    Formerly CIH South East and London Regional Group Leader, Annalisa is a dedicated CIH member, helping to raise the profile of social housing and promote professionalism across the sector to ensure everyone has a good place to call home.

    		  

    Julian Higson, Strategic Director of Housing Communities and Environment, Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils
    Julian has been the Strategic Director of Housing, Communities and Environmental services across Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council since March 2024.

    His career spans senior leadership roles in local authorities, housing associations and the private sector holding director‑level posts at London borough councils, Bristol City Council and two G15 housing associations. Passionate about service improvement and delivering positive outcomes for residents and communities, he is proud to be at the forefront of developing the next generation of council housing.
  • Programme

    Welcome and introductions

    Alistair McIntosh, Chief Executive, HQN

    Guildford’s journey from C3 to C1

    Annalisa Howson, Assistant Director of Housing Services, Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils
    Julian Higson, Strategic Director of Housing Communities and Environment, Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils

    An overview of Guildford’s regulatory journey, from self-referral and improvement planning through to inspection, feedback and final grading.

    What made the difference

    A practical look at the four key themes behind the improvement journey: a single prioritised plan, strong governance and communication, engagement with the regulator, and careful management of the inspection process.

    Four top tips for the sector

    Key lessons, reflections and practical advice for organisations preparing for inspection or working through service improvement.

    Q&A and discussion

    Alistair McIntosh, Chief Executive, HQN
    Annalisa Howson, Assistant Director of Housing Services, Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils
    Julian Higson, Strategic Director of Housing Communities and Environment, Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils

    Closing remarks

    Alistair McIntosh, Chief Executive, HQN
  • Cancellations and substitutions

    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.

  • Price and booking

    Bookings are closed for this event.

    If you experience any issues when submitting your booking, please email [email protected] with the name and date of the session along with the delegate name(s), email address(es) and job title(s) and we'll process the booking for you.

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