Partnership at the heart of Progress

Some of the most pressing issues facing the social housing sector will be discussed at a series of leadership forums in 2012 entitled ‘Progress – Leadership in Housing’, sponsored by Mobysoft and delivered in partnership with Housing magazine.

The first Progress event of 2012, Progress North, will take place at Wakefield and District Housing (WDH) on 10th February, followed later in the month by Progress Midlands, hosted by Stafford & Rural Homes (SARH) on 28th February.

As official media partner, Housing magazine will be at the heart of progressive dialogue between regional chief executives as they debate the issues that really matter.

Social landlords from the north of England will convene at WDH’s offices on Friday 10th February from 9.00am-1.00pm for ‘Progress North’, where presentations and round-table discussions will focus on the theme: “Reform or Revolution: The role of social housing in an inclusive society”.

Keynote presentations from Kevin Dodd, chief executive of WDH, and Michelle Reid, chief executive of the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS), will examine the causes and effects of August’s civil unrest, questioning whether social housing could be doing more to nurture productive, inclusive communities.

Later in the month, SARH’s chief executive Karen Armitage will deliver the principle address at ‘Progress Midlands’, which will focus on the theme: “A House or a Home? Flexible housing for the future”. Neil Tryner, head of business at Midland Heart will follow on from Armitage on the impact of the forthcoming flexible tenancy changes, before roundtable discussions on the subject.

Michelle McKenna, Editor of Housing magazine said: “We are delighted and excited by this new media partnership and we look forward to working with Progress and its attendees.

“With so many leaders coming together, this will be a great opportunity for collaboration and discussion on some of the most pertinent issues facing the sector, such as the imminent welfare reforms and austerity measures.”

Derek Steele, Managing Director of Progress sponsors Mobysoft said: “Mobysoft are proud to be facilitating such potentially useful discussions, at a time when the entire sector faces a unique set of challenges.

“We’re delighted that Housing magazine will be in attendance, reporting all the important findings of these events to the wider social housing fraternity.”