duration

Location
Virtual

Join HQN experts for a run through of what to expect in 2026 – policy developments, a horizon scan, practical reflections on the impact on local strategies and decision-making, and a round table discussion with peers.

  • Read more

    There’s so much going on across housing strategy and policy that it’s hard to know what matters most for local delivery. From changes in homelessness duties and PRS reform, to allocations, planning, supported housing and funding shifts – keeping up while still getting work done is a real challenge.

    This focused 90 minute session is specifically for strategy and policy professionals working across strategic housing agendas who want a practical, time-efficient update and the chance to learn from each other.

    HQN associates Emma Lindley and Tim Brown will cover:

    • A roundup of policy developments across the Strategic Network’s core areas
    • A horizon scan on policy updates for 2026
    • Practical reflections on how policy shifts will affect strategies and decision making
    • Round table discussion around what organisations are doing to prepare.

    Why attend?

    • Get the latest information on what policy developments you can expect in 2026
    • Hear from HQN Associates, Emma Lindley and Tim Brown
    • Network with your peers and discuss how you’re preparing for incoming legislative changes.

    Essential for:

    • Housing strategy and policy teams
    • Heads of housing/Directors of housing
    • Strategic leads covering homelessness and housing options, PRS, allocations/lettings, planning and enabling, and supported housing.
  • Our speakers

    Emma Lindley, Associate, HQN
    Emma is a lead associate for HQN’s Strategic Network and has been an HQN Associate since 2013 . She regularly writes briefings for HQN and has produced a toolkit on allocations and lettings. Emma has nine years’ experience of working in housing associations and a local authority in the East Midlands. She has worked in a variety of roles including managing a PRS portfolio, providing housing options advice, tenancy management and most recently strategic housing with responsibility for the homelessness service, affordable housing delivery and private sector renewal strategy.

    Tim Brown, Associate, HQN
    Tim has extensive knowledge of social housing allocations. He played a major role in the 1990s in the development of what is now referred to as choice-based lettings. Subsequently he has been involved in the review and evaluation of over 30 allocations schemes in the UK. He has also contributed to government research as well as co-producing good practice guides for the Chartered Institute of Housing and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. A number of governments in Western Europe have commissioned Tim to review allocations eg France, the Republic of Ireland and Sweden.

    He currently produces HQN’s allocations toolkit which is updated monthly.
  • Programme

    8:30am Welcome and introductions

    Emma Lindley, Associate, HQN
    Tim Brown, Associate, HQN

     

    8:35am 2026 horizon scan

    Emma Lindley, Associate, HQN
    Tim Brown, Associate, HQN
    • Overload of government housing policy announcements in 2025 and early 2026 with plenty more to come including a national housing strategy
    • Importance of horizon scanning in starting to identify priorities for local strategic housing activities
    • Effective horizon scanning involves not just listing what’s coming down the line but also understanding and analysis as well as action
    • Don’t forget the elephants in the room such as local government reorganisation, devolution and council finances.

    9:05am Practical reflections on how these shifts are likely to affect local strategies and decision-making

    Emma Lindley, Associate, HQN
    Tim Brown, Associate, HQN

     

    9:30am Round table discussion with peers

    • Discussions around emerging policy signals
    • Gain insight into practical actions you can take back to your team
    • Engage in peer-led learning and support from others facing similar pressures.

    10:00am Close

  • 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.

Dates



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