The Village Hotel in Swansea, a new venue for CHC events, was host to this year’s Housing Management and Supported Housing Conference, held in July. Chaired by Mark Sheridan, currently seconded to CHC, and Clare Spear, Vice Chair of CHC’s Supported Housing Services Forum the event took a visionary look at the future of housing and support services in Wales.
CHC Chief Executive Nick Bennett and former WFHA Director, Gareth Hughes, launched the conference with their take on the politics of manifestos, coalitions and housing. Both Nick and Gareth were positive about what the current elevation of housing as a political issue would mean for social housing, however, they felt that predictions about which parties would form the next Welsh Assembly Government were any bodies guess and they were happy to pass the crystal ball to Sue Finch (WLGA), Paul Webb (WAG) and Joy Kent (Cymorth) to give their outlook for the future of housing related support.
While some consensus emerged between the three individuals discussions on the implications of grant redistribution and the benefits of SPRG transfer were still ongoing well into day 2. As the focus of discussions shifted towards homelessness, debates around "intentionality" heated up and delegates were engaging in discussions around the merits of developing more temporary accommodation and the appropriateness of implementing models developed in other areas of the UK in Wales.
The conference sessions also included opportunities for delegates to hear the latest changes in housing law, in particular, the use of Super ASBIs (Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions) and pre-action rent arrears protocols.
There were also hard-hitting messages about customer service delivery. Michael Hill certainly provided food for thought with his view that complaints are a positive outcome and are good for business. Unfortunately no one from WAO was at the session to comment!
Transporter Theatre Company also brought delegates back to the realms of reality by engaging them in lively and humorous role plays around equal opportunities and supporting vulnerable tenants.
Overall the event was a perfect blend of thought provoking ideas, practical solutions and good fun! CHC wishes to thank everyone involved in the conference, including Shelter Cymru for their "Stand up bingo session" which, in conjunction with money from CHC’s Finance, IT and HR conference, raised almost £900 in donations.
As for next year’s conference, while we can’t guarantee that we will raise more money for Shelter, we can tell you that it is an event not to be missed and will be a big hit for the housing calendar in 2008!
Conference presentations and photographs will soon be available to download from the resource column to the right.
For copies of any other presentations which are not loaded on the resource column, please contact rhian-robinson@chcymru.org.uk