What's on
Wednesday 26 March

8.45am - Registration, networking and exhibition viewing

9.30am Introduction to Day 1 — Sian Lloyd, Conference chair 

An experienced journalist and broadcaster, Sian is a familiar face with viewers across the UK from presenting national programmes, including BBC Breakfast, BBC Crimewatch Roadshow and Panorama. She has also reported on some of the key moments in recent history as a senior news correspondent for the BBC network.

9.40am Welcome and Scene Setting
Gerraint Oakley, Chair, Community Housing Cymru

10.00am Panel session — Boardroom Culture: Lessons from Grenfell

The Grenfell tragedy was a stark reminder of the consequences of  governance failures and not listening to tenant voices, prompting significant change in boardroom culture. 

This panel will explore the actions taken in response—both past and ongoing—to ensure such a disaster is never repeated. From the rise of tenant voice to a strengthened focus on EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion), we will discuss how governance professionals can maintain and build on this progress. In an evolving landscape, where external pressures and the rise of far-right ideologies pose new challenges, how can boards continue to foster accountability, inclusivity, and trust? Join us for an insightful discussion on the future of boardroom culture.

In conversation with:

• David Wilton, TPAS Cymru

• Olu Olanrewaju, Altair

• Dominic Mika, SWFRS

• Alicja Zalesinska, Tai Pawb

11.30am Keynote — Listen, act, learn: harnessing strategic insights from complaints
Michelle Morris, Public Services Ombudsman for Wales

The public services ombudsman possesses a unique and valuable perspective on the performance of housing associations and public services. Drawing on extensive experience and a wealth of case studies, she will share her insights on the service delivery of housing associations, together with reflections on the cultural conditions to create thriving organisations that deliver for our communities.

She will reflect on the proactive and responsive approach to complaints handling from housing associations that can not only improve tenant satisfaction and build stronger relationships with their communities but also demonstrate their commitment to good governance.

12.10pm Workshops

Strengthening our approach to legislation

Join CHC Chief Executive Stuart Ropke to reflect on lessons learned from recent legislative development and implementation, and how we can continue to strengthen our shared response.

Navigating procurement - Governance, impact and opportunity

With procurement legislation evolving, organisations must adapt not just to remain compliant but to harness the opportunities these changes bring. This workshop will explore the wider impacts of the new procurement legislation, focusing on the role of board members and governance professionals in ensuring effective implementation. Featuring insights from Carl Thomas of the Welsh Government, we’ll discuss what good governance looks like in practice—covering strategic responses, risk management, and how organisations can embed best practices to drive value and social impact.

• Carl Thomas, Welsh Government
  
  

Navigating the social housing insurance market: challenges and strategies

The social housing insurance market has faced significant challenges over the last few years with limited choice, key providers withdrawing from the market creating capacity constraints and forcing many housing organisations to seek alternative solutions. There are now signs that the Social Housing Insurance market is beginning to improve.

This session will examine the evolving landscape of social housing insurance, with a focus on governance, risk management, and strategic approaches to securing adequate cover. We will discuss the implications of market shifts for boards and risk professionals, explore best practices for mitigating exposure, and consider how organisations can navigate an increasingly complex insurance environment.

• Jill Jones, Gallagher

Safeguarding Against Ever-Evolving Cyber Threats

In this session, the Cyber Innovation Hub will share insights into how organisations can effectively safeguard themselves against the ever-evolving cyber risks. It is now a case of when, not if, your organisation will suffer a cyber-attack.  This will include consideration of how to manage incidents, some guiding principles for communications and some practical steps to improve your organisation’s cybersecurity posture.  This is a must-attend session for anyone seeking to improve the resilience of their organisation and stay ahead of cybersecurity threats.

• Andy Dodge, Cyber Innovation Hub

2.00pm Keynote — Innovating with confidence while safeguarding against risk
David Jones, Non-executive chair of DVLA and non-executive director of Ofwat

In a world of rapid technological advancement, organisations face a crucial challenge: how to embrace innovation while safeguarding against risk. David currently holds roles as Non-executive Chair of the DVLA and is a Non-executive Director at Ofwat.

A seasoned leader in technology, regulation, and governance, David Jones brings invaluable insights into striking this delicate balance.

With a career spanning technology entrepreneurship, investment, and non-executive leadership across sectors including healthcare, telecoms, and financial regulation, David has a unique perspective on the intersection of innovation and risk management. Having advised organisations such as Ofcom and the Welsh Revenue Authority, he understands the complexities of navigating change while maintaining resilience.

In this keynote, David will explore how organisations can harness new opportunities without exposing themselves to unnecessary threats. Drawing on real-world experience and practical strategies, he will provide a roadmap for leaders looking to drive progress while ensuring robust governance and security.

Join us for an insightful session that will challenge conventional thinking and equip you with the tools to innovate with confidence.

2.45pm Workshops

Legal Insights for Housing Associations: Recent Changes You Can’t Ignore

This session focuses on the key areas of concern for you by highlighting the top three issues impacting you in 2025, identifies three legislative changes to look out for and reveals the top three pieces of advice housing clients need right now.

• Harriet Morgan, Hugh James

Smart risk management: Balancing protection and opportunity

Risk management is often seen as a hurdle to innovation, but with the right approach, it can be a powerful driver of success. In this interactive workshop, Barcud Shared Services will explore how organisations can navigate risk effectively without stifling opportunities for growth and innovation.

With expertise in internal audit, procurement, governance, and risk management, Barcud Shared Services helps organisations enhance resilience, improve efficiency, and achieve strategic objectives. This session will provide practical insights, real-world case studies, and proven strategies to help you embed a proactive risk management culture that balances compliance with progress.

Designed for leaders, decision-makers, and risk professionals, this workshop will equip you with the tools to turn risk into a strategic advantage—boosting efficiency, reducing overheads, and unlocking new opportunities.

Join us to learn how smart risk management can empower, not restrict, your organisation’s future.

• Nigel Ireland, Barcud Shared Services
  
  

It’s all about the asset! How Board Members can shape what & how asset management services are delivered

The session will focus on using board members’ time better to drive what and how asset management services are delivered. Kieran will focus on the critical importance of strategy and ensuring scrutiny and oversight remain focused on the things that really matter.

• Kieran Colgan, Ark Consultancy
  
  

Governance for Impact – and what unicorns have to do with it

Join Board Chair, Kirsten and Chief Executive, Marcia to hear how Caredig has been learning lessons from beyond the sector to shape their approach within the Board and across the organisation to governing with impact. This workshop will introduce the methodologies they have used, and their practical application, with a focus on achieving successful outcomes using risk based, data driven decisions.

• Marcia Sinfield and Kirsten Achtelstetter, Caredig

4.10pm Keynote — Cyber security as a leadership obligation
Andy Dodge, Cyber Innovation Hub

Nearly all organisations depend on digital technology to function.  Therefore, cybersecurity is a fundamental aspect of any organisation’s operations.  Yet, despite its critical nature, many organisations still perceive it as the sole responsibility of IT.  This mindset is both outdated and dangerous. Cybersecurity is an organisational-wide concern, and the ultimate responsibility lies with the highest levels of leadership. It is difficult to quantify the risks to an organisation’s reputation, but the potential cost of remedying a cyber incident can be significant.  All of this will put the leadership team in the spotlight. 

Andy will discuss the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape and the latest evidence from the ‘Cyber security breaches survey’ (DSIT, 2024).

4.40pm End of Day 1 — Chair's reflections

What's on
Thursday 27th March

8.45am Registration, networking and exhibition viewing

9.30am Introduction to Day 2
Sian Lloyd, Conference Chair

9.40am Keynote — Why Equity, Diversity and Inclusion matters on your Board
Claris D'cruz

Claris D’cruz is a EDI and Governance Consultant and Trainer with over 25 years experience of supporting not-for-profit boards. Claris will cover why equity, diversity, inclusion and lived experience matters on your board and how it will enable your housing association to deliver its vision and mission with greater impact. Drawing on the experience of boards she has been supporting on their EDI journey Claris will talk about why some boards are rolling back on their EDI commitments whilst other are forging ahead and what the consequences of doing either might be.

10.15am Panel Session — Housing association boards: from foundations to the future

Our panel will discuss the challenges of being a board member and ensuring effective governance in an increasingly complex environment. We'll reflect on how boards have evolved, explore future needs, and gain insights from diverse perspectives on navigating governance in housing associations.

In conversation with:

• Tobi Owolabi

• Olubunmi Ajayi-Obanewa

• Wiard Sterk

• Gemma Watkins

11.10am Workshops

Language standards - what could these mean for the housing sector?

Deputy Language Commissioner Osian Llywelyn will join us to discuss the implications of language standards and what the transition to these standards could mean in practice for the sector. He will outline how the Commissioner's office will collaborate with housing associations, and be able to answer questions to support housing associations to prepare for this change.

• Osian Llywelyn, Deputy Welsh Language Commissioner
  
  

Demystifying the Finances: A Workshop for Boards

Understanding the numbers is key to making informed decisions—but financial reports can sometimes feel like a different language. This practical workshop cuts through the jargon, equipping Board members (and executive teams) with the essential tools to confidently interpret financial information, ask the right questions, and drive strategic decision-making. Perfect for those looking to strengthen their financial oversight without getting lost in the detail.

• Sarah Prescott, Rhedyn Consulting

Mapping your organisation's culture

This session will provide a clear definition of what "culture" is and the impact it can have on organisational performance.  You will have the opportunity to use Insight's Culture Map to identify the strengths and potential risks in your existing culture.  The Map will help you to find "quick wins" to support the culture you want to strengthen and where to start more significant change.  Finally, the workshop will look at how organisational culture has changed as a result of hybrid working and what that means for culture change activities.  

• Pip Gwynn, Insight HRC

Regulatory update

Join this essential workshop delivered by the Regulator of Social Housing, where delegates will reflect on key regulatory matters shaping the sector. This session will provide valuable insights into current regulatory challenges and offer practical guidance for ensuring compliance and improving housing standards. It’s an opportunity for housing professionals to engage with the regulator and gain a deeper understanding of the latest developments in the sector.  

• Maria Round and Amy Bailey, Welsh Government

1.1pm Keynote: Creating a culture with connection: Understanding the human experience
John Sills

John Sills, a leading author and partner at The Foundation will discuss the significance of the human experience. He will draw on his extensive research and real-world examples to illustrate why emotional experiences are as crucial as functional ones, and how organisations and leaders can harness this.

1.50pm Workshops

Safeguarding your organisation against cyber risks effectively

In this session, the Cyber Innovation Hub will share insights into how organisations can effectively safeguard themselves against the ever-evolving cyber risks. It is now a case of when, not if, your organisation will suffer a cyber-attack.  This will include consideration of how to manage incidents, some guiding principles for communications and some practical steps to improve your organisation’s cybersecurity posture.  This is a must-attend session for anyone seeking to improve the resilience of their organisation and stay ahead of cybersecurity threats.

• Andy Dodge, Cyber Innovation Hub
  
  

Navigating the social housing insurance market: challenges and strategies

The social housing insurance market has faced significant challenges over the last few years with limited choice,  key providers withdrawing from the market creating capacity constraints and forcing many housing organisations to seek alternative solutions.  There are now signs that the Social Housing Insurance market is beginning to improve.

This session will examine the evolving landscape of social housing insurance, with a focus on governance, risk management, and strategic approaches to securing adequate cover. We will discuss the implications of market shifts for boards and risk professionals, explore best practices for mitigating exposure, and consider how organisations can navigate an increasingly complex insurance environment.

• Jill Jones, Gallagher

 Impact of the Consumer regulations in England

The introduction of new consumer standards for social housing in England was heralded as a way to drive improvement in social housing standards in England. In this workshop Ceri Victory-Rowe will examine the impact that the standards have had to date.

• Ceri Victory-Rowe, Campbell Tickell

2.50pm Conference close