Communications Hub

About the Communications Hub

Transparency and accountability sit at the heart of the new era of resident empowerment in social housing, and it has never been more important for communications professionals working in the sector to get their messaging right, from demonstrating empathy and striking the right tone to using the appropriate channels.

HQN’s Communications Hub is designed to give comms professionals working in housing an opportunity to discuss challenges and share best practice in a dedicated space while also tapping into briefings, podcasts, blogs and other resources that will help them to navigate their day job.

We also understand that comms isn’t just about how we engage with residents – we will look at internal communications, working with partners, and how we can influence national policy and tackle issues such as stigma and the sector’s reputation.

This page is the place to bookmark for all the hub’s activity. For more information, contact [email protected]

News

Max Salsbury | Friday, 29 May 2026 – 9:06

Opinion: On a digital journey? Here’s what we learned from ours

By Natalie Cunningham, Wythenshawe Community Housing Group “14,000?” “Yep, that’s more web pages than the number of homes we manage.” “Wow.” “I know, right!” A stat that hinted at the challenge ahead. When I joined … Read more

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News

Jon Land | Tuesday, 19 May 2026 – 11:24

People with vulnerabilities feel more likely to be treated unfairly by organisations – research

The UK’s most vulnerable consumers are less satisfied than the wider population when it comes to customer service, according to new research from the Contact Centre Management Association (CCMA). The CCMA’s Voice of the Contact … Read more

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HQM

Sam Wiggle | Friday, 01 May 2026 – 8:43

Housing Quality Magazine April 2026

In the April 2026 edition of our quarterly magazine, we have an exclusive interview with Resolution Foundation director Lindsay Judge where we ask her to mark Labour’s performance on housing after nearly two years in … Read more

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News

Jon Land | Tuesday, 07 Apr 2026 – 12:44

Twenty tenant-focused projects awarded share of £2 million funding from Social Housing Innovation Fund

The government has revealed the details of 20 tenant-focused projects that will each receive a share of £2 million from the Social Housing Innovation Fund launched last year. The projects have all been chosen because … Read more

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News

Rob Gershon | Wednesday, 01 Apr 2026 – 9:22

Opinion: HQN Comms Fest 2026 – why I finally feel a bit sorry for comms teams

By Rob Gershon I’ve been considering what it means for me, Rob Gershon, social housing tenant and general troublemaker, to be an HQN associate. Not just recently, but across the whole 10-ish years that I’ve … Read more

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Suzy Histon | Thursday, 12 Mar 2026 – 16:05

Latest member question EDI and Comms roles

A member would be keen to know how you approach communication roles related to EDI: Do have any EDI roles in place focused on ensuring messaging is inclusive? Their research suggests EDI Specialist roles and … Read more

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Job

HQN | Wednesday, 11 Mar 2026 – 0:00

Brand Storyteller

Are you an experienced content creator with a passion for telling stories that make people want to know more? As our Brand Storyteller, you’ll play a key role in bringing to life real lives and … Read more

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News

Sam Wiggle | Friday, 06 Feb 2026 – 14:16

Talking heads: Housing predictions for 2026

As 2026 gets underway, we have invited some of housing’s leading lights to predict what’s in store for the sector over the next 12 months (and beyond). AI (obviously), cybersecurity, geopolitics, housing delivery and homelessness … Read more

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News

Sam Wiggle | Friday, 06 Feb 2026 – 11:54

The last word: Social media is in decline – it’s time for HAs to step up in the digital sphere

Have you stopped using social media? People everywhere are breaking up with their smartphones and falling out of love with social networks. From apps that block access to protect your focus during work hours to … Read more

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Sam Wiggle | Thursday, 29 Jan 2026 – 15:04

Housing Quality Magazine January 2026

In the January 2026 edition of our quarterly magazine, we have an exclusive interview with Crisis chief executive Matt Downie where he talks about the charity’s pioneering plans to become a social landlord, his frustrations … Read more

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Job

HQN | Wednesday, 24 Dec 2025 – 0:00

Digital and Social Media Manager

Are you an experienced digital whizz with a passion for engaging a wide range of audiences? As Digital and Social Media Manager, no two days are the same. You’ll take a lead role in delivering … Read more

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Job

HQN | Friday, 19 Dec 2025 – 0:00

Digital and Social Media Manager

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Job

HQN | Friday, 19 Dec 2025 – 0:00

Communications Assistant (PR and Corporate)

Are you an experienced assistant looking for a new opportunity? We’re looking for someone to join our fast-faced communications team, who has the passion and organisational skills to help us communicate effectively with our colleagues, … Read more

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News

Jon Land | Thursday, 11 Dec 2025 – 9:00

Social landlords face complex ‘no access’ challenges as new safety laws raise the pressure – research

‘No access’ has long been an operational challenge for councils and arms-length management organisations (ALMOs), but landmark new research shows the issue is increasing in scale, cost and complexity, driven by a wide range of … Read more

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News

Max Salsbury | Monday, 24 Nov 2025 – 9:47

Housing Ombudsman shares learning from ‘complex’ leak cases

The Housing Ombudsman has published its latest severe maladministration report, which focuses on leaks, one of the primary causes of damp and mould in homes. The report looks at where landlord’s ineffective oversight of works made resolving … Read more

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News

Max Salsbury | Tuesday, 04 Nov 2025 – 10:40

RSH publishes tenant satisfaction analysis

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has published its analysis of large social landlords’ Tenant Satisfaction Measure (TSM) results. Nearly half a million tenants were surveyed by landlords for this year’s analysis, reporting how satisfied they … Read more

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Job

HQN | Thursday, 30 Oct 2025 – 0:00

Marketing and Communications Lead

We are currently looking for a Marketing and Communications Lead to join The Sovini Group. Fully committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion; we promote a positive culture of valuing and celebrating diversity and accepting … Read more

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News

Jon Land | Monday, 27 Oct 2025 – 15:01

Government launches £1 million social housing innovation fund as Awaab’s Law comes into force

Millions of social housing tenants across the country are set to benefit from safer homes from today as the first phase of Awaab’s Law comes into effect. Under the legislation, social landlords will be required … Read more

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Job

HQN | Friday, 24 Oct 2025 – 0:00

Marketing and Communications Lead

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HQM

Sam Wiggle | Thursday, 23 Oct 2025 – 11:31

Housing Quality Magazine October 2025

In the October edition of our quarterly magazine, we talk to Rochdale Boroughwide Housing chief executive Amanda Newton ahead of Awaab’s Law coming into force, Keith Cooper investigates the recent struggles at Homes England and … Read more

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News

Max Salsbury | Thursday, 23 Oct 2025 – 9:38

A Frontline Journey in Social Housing – author interview

Middle Ground: A Frontline Journey in Social Housing is the recent book by Joe Carpenter (a pseudonym) that outlines the author’s 13 years working as a repairs operative in the social housing sector. The book has … Read more

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News

Jon Land | Tuesday, 07 Oct 2025 – 11:09

Housing Ombudsman investigation exposes serious failures at Lewisham Council

The Housing Ombudsman has today published a special investigation report into Lewisham Council highlighting serious concerns about the way it manages hazards and handles complaints and repairs in its homes. In 92% of cases it investigated, the … Read more

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News

Jon Land | Monday, 06 Oct 2025 – 13:24

Housing associations required to comply with new STAIRs standard from October 2026

Housing associations will be required to comply with the new Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs) from 1 October 2026, the government has confirmed. Initially the focus will be on “proactively publishing information” relevant … Read more

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Job

HQN | Friday, 03 Oct 2025 – 0:00

Communications Business Partner

Are you an experienced communications professional with a passion for providing excellent customer service? With the voice of our customers at the heart of all that we do, we’re looking for a brilliant communicator to … Read more

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Job

HQN | Friday, 26 Sep 2025 – 0:00

Marketing and Communications Lead

We are currently looking for a Marketing and Communications Lead to join Sovini, part of The Sovini Group. Fully committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion; we promote a positive culture of valuing and celebrating … Read more

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News

Jon Land | Tuesday, 23 Sep 2025 – 10:47

Ombudsman reports ‘signs of cautious optimism’ but social housing complaints continue to rise

The Housing Ombudsman says their “signs of cautious optimism” about landlord performance despite the number of complaints continuing to rise. According to the ombudsman’s Annual Complaints Review 2024-25, there was a 2% fall in … Read more

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Job

HQN | Monday, 22 Sep 2025 – 0:00

Marketing and Communications Assistant

Marketing and Communications Assistant We are currently looking for a Marketing and Communications Assistant to join The Sovini Group. Fully committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion; we promote a positive culture of valuing and celebrating … Read more

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News

Jon Land | Tuesday, 09 Sep 2025 – 10:52

Regulator highlights key lessons for landlords in casework review

The Regulator of Social Housing has today published a review of its regulatory casework over the last year highlighting key lessons for landlords since the new inspection programme got underway last year. This new annual … Read more

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News

Jon Land | Monday, 08 Sep 2025 – 13:17

Steve Reed appointed Housing Secretary following Rayner’s resignation

Steve Reed has been appointed Secretary of State for Housing in Keir Starmer’s reshuffle following the resignation of Angela Rayner. Following his appointment, the MP for Streatham and North Croydon, who was previously Environment Secretary, … Read more

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News

Jon Land | Tuesday, 19 Aug 2025 – 10:31

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About the Communications Hub