Housing Sector Podcast Episode #20 Violet Barling
In this week’s Housing Sector Podcast, Episode #20, we explore the deeply impactful issue of hoarding, a challenge that not only affects residents but also comes with significant long-term costs for housing associations. Our guest, Violet Barling, is a qualified counsellor and transformative coach who has dedicated her career to helping individuals overcome hoarding behaviors through her specialized program, Hoard Halt. Hoarding, if left unaddressed, can lead to serious health and safety concerns, damage to property, and a lack of effective use of living space.
For housing associations, these challenges translate into costly maintenance, repairs, and legal issues, not to mention the emotional and physical toll on the residents themselves. Violet’s work goes beyond the surface, tackling the psychological barriers that often fuel hoarding behaviors and providing residents with the tools and support they need to reclaim their lives. Her Hoard Halt program offers a structured, compassionate approach to helping individuals make lasting changes, improving their living conditions and overall well-being.
Housing Sector Podcast Episode #19 - Sarah Wilson
In this episode, we explore the increasingly common use of surveys within the housing sector with Sarah Wilson, a leading expert in social housing. While surveys are often relied upon as a tool for collecting feedback, we question whether housing associations are truly using the information gathered or simply ticking a box. Are these surveys being acted upon, or are they just a formality with little impact on the services that residents receive? We also dive into the issue of survey engagement, asking whether residents only respond when they are either extremely pleased or extremely angry.
This narrow range of feedback means housing providers may be missing out on valuable data from the middle ground—those residents who are neither overly satisfied nor deeply dissatisfied. In this conversation, we discuss strategies that can help engage residents at all levels, ensuring that the surveys provide a fuller picture and lead to real improvements in housing services.
Housing Sector Podcast Episode #18 Josh McDonald from Trust Hire Recruitment
In this episode of the Housing Sector Podcast, we sit down with Josh McDonald, a recruitment expert from Trust Hire Recruitment, to tackle some of the most pressing issues in housing recruitment. Together, we explore the challenges of attracting and retaining fresh talent in the sector, the importance of breaking outdated mindsets, and strategies to moderniSe workplace culture. Josh offers insights into aligning values with hires, offering meaningful perks beyond wages, and planning the crucial first 6-12 months for new employees to ensure their success.
We also discuss how to create a balance between employee and employer needs in flexible working arrangements, avoiding bad hires, and ensuring the sector remains competitive by appealing to talent from other industries. Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode packed with practical advice for housing providers aiming to build stronger, more dynamic teams.
Housing Sector Podcast Episode #17 - Suz Muna from SHAC
In this episode we sit down with Suz Muna from SHAC (Social Housing Action Campaign) to explore critical issues impacting tenants and residents across the housing sector. We discuss the growing divide between smaller providers, who are more focused on maintaining the quality of their homes, and larger providers, who seem overly fixated on building new developments at the expense of maintaining existing properties.
We also tackle the troubling trend of empty, fit-for-purpose homes being left unused, the long lead times for planning, and the increasing un-affordability of so-called “affordable housing.” With social rents rising in line with inflation plus 1%, we question whether housing remains accessible for those who need it most.
Suz shares insights into building a united power-base for tenants and residents, addressing the imbalance of power that often leaves residents without effective support. Together, we emphasise the importance of continuing to unite and fight for a fairer housing system—because we’re all in this together.
Housing Sector Podcast Episode 16 - Gerraint Oakley
In this episode of the Housing Sector Podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with Gerraint Oakley from Platform Housing. He educates me on the pressing challenges facing the housing sector today. With 1.5 million new homes pledged, we discuss why these ambitious targets may be at risk.
We explore critical issues such as ongoing skills shortages and the implications of an ageing workforce. We also examine the potential of modular buildings as a solution, the merging of house-builders and its impact on the industry, and the urgent need for rejuvenation and infrastructure development.
Housing Sector Podcast Episode 15 - Advance your Wellbeing with Marie Jenkins
In this episode of the Housing Sector Podcast, we delve into the critical topics shaping the housing landscape today. We discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, the need for effective communication, and the role of middle management in fostering a positive work environment. Additionally, we explore innovative strategies for enhancing resident satisfaction and the impact of rewards programs in boosting team morale.
Join us as we share insights, personal experiences, and practical tips for navigating challenges in the housing sector. Whether you're a resident, a housing association leader, or simply interested in improving community engagement, this episode offers valuable perspectives to inspire action and collaboration.
Housing Sector Podcast Episode #14 - Greg Reed CEO Places For People
In this episode, we speak with Greg Reed, CEO of Places for People, about his transition from a banking background to the housing sector, driven by a passion to improve homes and provide better opportunities for people. Greg shares insights from his time at HomeServe and Clarion Housing, and his journey to becoming CEO at Places for People.
We discuss his focus on investing in repairs to safeguard housing stock, how this has led to an increase in completed repairs, his innovative plans to create a skilled workforce through apprenticeship schemes, and his approach to meaningful customer engagement.
It's inspiring to hear how a fresh perspective is bringing tangible results and creating a positive impact for residents.
Housing Sector Podcast Episode #13 - Behind The Spin
In Episode 13 of the Housing Sector Podcast, Behind The Spin, we explore how misleading PR tactics and poor communication from housing providers undermine resident trust. From misquoted statements in the media to Hexagon’s selective messaging around emergency repairs and ongoing legal battles, we highlight the gap between what residents are told and what’s really happening.
We also examine the financial instability within several providers, why properties are being sold without resident input, and the growing frustration over empty social media celebrations that ignore real issues. This episode calls for honest, transparent communication to rebuild trust and accountability in the sector.
Housing Sector Podcast Episode 12 - ASB with Jacqueline Parkes
In this episode of The Housing Sector Podcast, we delve into the critical issue of antisocial behaviour (ASB) in social housing, featuring insights from Jacqueline Parks. Drawing from the SHAC report titled The Antisocial Social Landlord, we explore the alarming reality of landlords failing to address ASB effectively, often treating victims as perpetrators.
Jacqueline discusses shocking statistics, including that 25% of ASB reports receive no response, and 40% of residents felt they were treated as troublemakers. Furthermore, we uncover how 30% of landlords retaliate against tenants for reporting issues. This episode highlights the devastating impact ASB has on mental and physical health, with landlords frequently neglecting their responsibilities, as outlined in the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Tune in to hear Jacqueline’s perspective on what needs to change to support tenants and address the ongoing failures in social housing management.
Housing Sector Podcast Episode 11: Understanding Asset Management with Laura Young
In this episode I’m joined by Laura Young from Complex Asset Management Solutions to discuss practical strategies for managing housing assets effectively. As housing providers face increasing financial and operational challenges, Laura shares simple yet powerful asset management techniques that can make a big difference. We delve into how these methods help housing providers spread costs over time, prepare for future needs, and gain a clearer understanding of the true value of their assets—the homes they manage.
This conversation is packed with actionable insights, offering value not only for housing providers but also for residents. We explore how proper asset management can create more sustainable, well-maintained homes while ensuring long-term financial viability for housing providers. Whether you're a tenant or a housing provider, this episode highlights the importance of adopting forward-thinking practices that can lead to better outcomes for everyone.