RAAC found in dozens of Welsh social housing properties

A Welsh social housing provider has revealed that 60 of its homes are affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). Trivallis says the properties on the Gower estate in Hirwaun are the only homes it … Read more

Second-home ownership ‘unparalleled’ in Wales, warns minister

Issues caused by second-home ownership in Wales are “unparalleled in a UK context”, the Welsh Climate Change Minister, Julie James, has warned. Addressing the large number of second homes and short-term lets in many communities … Read more

Course of the week

Collecting with care 2024 – Mental health, housing income and rent arrears: 13 March – Live virtual training  The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute estimates that one in three social housing tenants with rent arrears, … Read more

BRAND NEW TRAINING COURSE

Boards under the spotlight: Fit for purpose governance in the new regulatory world: 29 February – Live virtual training  April 2024 sees the implementation of the biggest changes in regulation for more than a decade.  … Read more

Course of the week

An introduction to HHSRS and housing standards: 28 March – Live virtual training  This virtual training is aimed at frontline workers who frequently go into residents’ properties. It raises awareness and knowledge of the property … Read more

Course of the week

A new era for resident engagement – for housing staff: 22 February – Live virtual training  This course will take delegates through the new regulatory expectations, help you get where you need to be and … Read more

Course of the week

Condensation, damp and mould for non-technical officers: 13 February – Live virtual training  Condensation, damp and mould if left untreated can have profound consequences on quality of life and health as well as the fabric … Read more

Course of the week

Customer complaint handling workshop: 28 February – Live virtual training  The Housing Ombudsman says that 2 of every 3 complaints they see could have been handled better by the landlord. Getting complaint handling right saves … Read more

HQN Training – new for 2024

New for 2024 all of our courses are now certificated with professional development hours. View all our upcoming public courses here.  Further details on professionalisation requirements and the competency and conduct standard for the social … Read more

Housing Quality Magazine January 2024

Welcome to the January 2024 edition of HQM. We start the year with a look at the planned 2024/25 rent increase and its implications for both landlords and residents. We also ask some of the … Read more

Opinion: Give boards a bigger range of voices – and stop worshipping the governance gurus

By Alistair McIntosh, HQN CEO If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging. Why does no one ever follow that advice? A year or so ago I was on the train and got talking … Read more

HQN appoints Chloe Fletcher as new director

HQN is delighted to announce the appointment of Chloe Fletcher as a new director. A well-known and highly regarded figure in the social housing sector, Chloe joins from the National Federation of ALMOs, where she … Read more

Welsh Housing Quality Standard

What do you think of the new Welsh Housing Quality Standard? How does it compare with the work you already do to maintain and improve homes? HQN will be publishing a briefing on the WHQS … Read more

HQN’s housing regulation quiz 2023

Who doesn’t look forward to a housing regulation quiz at this time of year? And we have one for you that gradually gets harder to really test hardcore regulation fans! If you don’t get 100%, … Read more

Autumn statement: National Insurance slashed but chancellor has failed ‘the poorest households in cold and unsafe homes’

The chancellor Jeremy Hunt has unveiled plans to slash national insurance and cut taxes for businesses, but his autumn statement has failed “the poorest households in cold and unsafe homes”. From January, 27 million working … Read more

Housing Quality Magazine October 2023

The autumn edition of HQM features a big interview with Richard Blakeway, the Housing Ombudsman, in which he shares his insights into the service’s progress and his views on everything from leasehold to mergers. Lara … Read more

First Things First episode 86

Social landlord appoints new chair to its management board

A social landlord has appointed a new chair to its management board. Grŵp Cynefin has confirmed Tim Jones as the new chair, who succeeds Carys Edwards, who came to the end of her three-year term … Read more

Latest member question: housing management systems

Could colleagues in Homelessness Services in Wales please tell us which Housing Management system they use please, if they can gather info from the system to report on the WHO12 to Welsh Government and if … Read more

First Things First episode 84

HQN launches updated social housing regulation toolkit

HQN is delighted to announce our updated social housing regulation toolkit. The toolkit will help you to get ready for the start of what the minister says will be “Ofsted-style” inspections for housing. Every member … Read more

Latest member question: asset management software

A member would be keen to find out what Asset Management IT systems others are using. Can you help? Let us know below.

Opinion: A personal pledge to shape the future of housing leadership

By Elly Hoult, candidate for Chartered Institute of Housing vice presidency I am excited and honoured to step into the spotlight as a candidate for the position of vice president. This moment is a heartfelt … Read more

Opinion: We know what the problems are, but what about the solutions?

By Alysha Burrell, candidate for CIH vice presidency Skills shortages are crippling the housing market. There is inadequate investment in social housing, tenant and resident voices are rarely heard, and there is still a slow … Read more

Opinion: Everything begins at home

By Eileen Patterson MSc CIHCM, candidate for CIH vice presidency Everything begins at home. Having a decent safe and affordable home is a basic human right which impacts on life chances, health, education and employment … Read more

Opinion: Let’s regain our housing sector reputation!

By Hony Premlal, candidate for CIH vice presidency The prospect of serving as vice/president for CIH members presents an incredible opportunity for me to inspire our housing community to fight for our reputation. I am … Read more

Welsh housing association names new CEO

A Cardiff-based housing association has named its new chief executive officer, having promoted from within their organisation. Brian Pickett, who currently serves as Cardiff Community Housing Association’s (CCHA) deputy chief executive, will step into his … Read more

TSM survey

With the Tenant Satisfaction Measures now underway, we’re keen to check the progress members are making with their surveys and analysis. So, if you could spare 5 minutes to answer some simple questions, please click here. … Read more

Annual Conference 2023 – Kate Ratcliffe and Alistair McIntosh interview

Annual conference 2023 – Keynote address – Patrick Vernon OBE