0ver 90 delegates took part in debate and conversation at the annual Governance conference held in Cwmbran about the changes and challenges facing housing in Wales. Nearly a quarter of the delegates represented shadow boards and newly formed stock transfer bodies which brought a new dimension to the conference.
It therefore seemed timely to shake up the usual format of the conference. We saw the introduction of the first speed networking session (not speed dating as Ian Williams the Chair liked to refer to it as!), an internet Café with help on hand for delegates to set up their own email accounts, access CHC website or receive basic training on using the internet and finally we saw the introduction of Open Space, an opportunity for delegates to lead their own workshops on a subject of their choice.
Key note speakers Ian Williams, Nick Bennett, Sue Essex, Paul Griffiths, Neil Wooding and Duncan Forbes talked about the future prorities for the sector, the Deputy Housing Ministers’ independent review of regulation, the governance research, the continued growth in new transfer organisations and collaboration between housing associations.
The conference blog www.greatgovernance.blogspot.com was active before during and after the event – including clips of interviews and presentations.
Workshops included:
Delegates took the opportunity to reflect on what they want to get from the Board Member Network – and made recommendations on the format and content for future meetings. Some key messages that came across loud and clear included:
This valuable feedback can be viewed in full at http://greatgovernance.blogspot.com/2008/03/conference-feedback-on-future-board.html