Within the last 12 months the focus of strategic housing services and links with the wider place shaping agenda has shifted significantly; the new role of strategic housing is more vital than ever for sustainable neighbourhoods and the quality of life of a community.

We have witnessed major change in regulation regime, focusing more on the outcomes for an area and its residents. Central government policy is focusing increasingly on supporting local government to result in successful outcomes for people and communities. Effective partnerships with citizens and communities, and in particular, those with support needs, is essential to delivering this.

This demanding time has also been made more challenging with pressures on the housing market, a reduction in the funding for local public services and a looming general election – what will the future hold for strategic housing services?

The sixth annual strategic housing conference run in conjunction with the Audit Commission allows us time to debate the future of the strategic housing role; for those working in the sector, an opportunity to consider how to respond to the challenges ahead in the most effective ways for our communities.

In particular the event will seek to address:

• Where the direction of the strategic housing function is headed and how can we ensure it is delivered effectively?
• The vision from the Homes and Communities Agency; what progress has been made since the 1st December 2008 and how they will work with local authorities and their partners to ensure sustainable communities?
• Lessons learnt from the Comprehensive Area Assessment and how to maximise the new Audit Commission guidance to fulfil the priorities of a local area
• The role of housing services in contributing to wider social outcomes, and responding to the needs of vulnerable and diverse communities, in particular the links with the health and social care agenda in an ageing society
• How to develop a robust intelligence base to inform plans and policies that contribute to wider economic and social outcomes
• Practical examples of achieving positive outcomes for communities
• How to effectively influence the housing market
  Successful partnership working and community investment

Who should attend?
Anyone working within the strategic housing function or any of their essential partners; in particular Directors of Housing, Housing and Planning Portfolio Holders, Strategic Housing Managers, Housing Policy Managers, Private Sector Housing Managers, Investment Managers, Regeneration Managers, Chairs of Housing Partnerships, Performance Managers and anyone involved in planning or delivering their Strategic Housing role.

Delegate Fees
£299 + vat
£249 + vat for NHC Members

Book 3 places only pay for 2!

Book before 23rd April 2010 and save £30 off the delegate fee

Speakers for this event include:

Yvonne Davies Head of Housing and Economic Development, Audit Commission

Paul Downie Head of Housing Management & Performance, Communities and Local Government – INVITED

Deborah McLaughlin Regional Director, Homes and Communities Agency - INVITED

Charlotte Harrison Director of Strategy and Policy, Northern Housing Consortium

Joy Lockhart Head of Housing, Northumberland County Council

Ian Morris Strategic Housing Manager, Durham County Council

Louise Harris Head of Advantage, Knowsley Housing Trust

Kerry Kirkpatrick Advantage Team Leader, Knowsley Housing Trust

Representative from South Tyneside Warm Zone