Igniting opportunity for the housing sector’s next senior leaders
Last month, the NHC partnered with the Centre for Partnership to run the Edge Programme, a new and innovative leadership initiative, to inspire and develop the housing sector’s next senior leaders.
We brought together a brilliant cohort for the IGNITE Leadership Cabin for a focused few days of learning, challenge and inspiration. Highlights included:
Honest leadership insights from housing chief executives
Thoughtful discussions on the future of social housing and the strategic opportunities ahead for the sector
A closer look at Riverside Sunderland’s regeneration strategies and its ambitious vision
Visits to Housing, Innovation and Construction Skills Academy and the Stadium of Light and the Beacon of Light to see community impact in action
Abigail Harries and Carla Platell of Bromford Flagship LiveWest Group were part of the group.
Abigail said:
“The IGNITE Leadership Cabin was an inspiring experience that created genuine connection with senior leadership peers from across the UK and Ireland. Whether debating the role of housing in regeneration, hearing real stories from CEOs, or exploring Sunderland’s ongoing transformation, the programme pushed us to think differently.
“Visiting Dame Irene Hays at Hays Travel and seeing their culture in action was a particular highlight. I’ve come away from IGNITE with fresh insights, new connections, and a renewed sense of purpose.”
Carla said:
“The IGNITE Leadership Cabin was such a refreshing experience. Exploring Sunderland’s regeneration and spending time at the SAFC Foundation of Light helped me reconnect with why we do this work … to create places people can be proud of.
“I left feeling inspired, challenged, and excited to be part of a community of senior leaders who genuinely want to make a difference. My key takeaway from the Hays Travel study visit at this inaugural cabin was the importance of looking at psychological safety in my team and how as a leader can I allow people to share their ideas confidently and build on their strengths.”
At the NHC, we are keen to support emerging senior leaders who will shape the next chapter of housing. It was fantastic to see such energy and ambition in this year’s group.
You can find out further details about the Edge Programme here.
https://northern-consortium.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Member-News-Blogs-2.jpg400495Dan Ellwoodhttps://northern-consortium.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NHC-Home-Logo.pngDan Ellwood2026-04-28 15:29:532026-04-28 15:29:55Igniting opportunity for the housing sector’s next senior leaders
Temporary Accommodation in the North Seminar supports members to address homelessness
We held the second Temporary Accommodation in North Seminar, in collaboration with Devonshires and Campbell Tickell as part of the national Temporary Accommodation Network.
NHC members are facing increasingly acute challenges in addressing homelessness. The seminar brought together over 40 local authorities and registered providers to discuss emerging approaches to make sure temporary accommodation is as safe, comfortable and people are offered a more permanent home as soon as possible.
We heard from:
The North East Combined Authority, discussing how strategic authorities were responding to the National Plan to End Homelessness and a role for Mayors in driving regional coordination and collaboration.
Liverpool City Council, sharing an update on their Test and Learn Pilot, and how their emerging prevention approach was having a huge impact on the number of children in B&B’s and hotels.
Calderdale Council, talking through their Built for Zero work with Crisis, an innovative culture shift that was resulting in better outcomes for people using temporary accommodation.
The Temporary Accommodation Network (Campbell Tickell & Devonshires), briefing attendees on how the Government’s National Plan was impacting on temporary accommodation, and the subsidy gap faced by Local Authorities.
Key points from the discussion include:
Quality, timely data is a catalyst for change – from developing real time dashboards to building a clearer regional picture of demand and provision.
Test-and-learn approaches can deliver impact fast – with a focus on prevention, keen oversight of spend, and culture change.
Culture and ways of working matter – real-time problem solving, accountability without blame, and a bias towards action can shift outcomes.
Prevention remains hard to measure – but storytelling and partnership working can help demonstrate impact while the evidence base grows.
System-wide collaboration is essential – across local authorities, combined authorities, housing providers and wider partners.
To learn more about the Northern Housing Consortium’s work with members around the Private Rented Sector, homelessness, and temporary accommodation, contact Liam Gregson, Senior Engagement Manager (Devolution and Place Lead) – liam.gregson@northern-consrtium.org.uk
https://northern-consortium.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Member-News-Blogs-1.jpg400495Dan Ellwoodhttps://northern-consortium.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NHC-Home-Logo.pngDan Ellwood2026-04-28 15:11:362026-04-28 15:11:39Temporary Accommodation in the North Seminar supports members to address homelessness
We held a series of in-person roundtables with Fiona MacGregor, Chief Executive Officer of the Regulator of Social Housing, as she prepares to conclude her tenure at the end of this month. These sessions in Leeds, Manchester, and Newcastle brought together senior leaders from across the North—from local authorities to housing associations—for an honest, constructive, and forward-looking conversation about the future of regulation in the social housing sector. Across all three events, Fiona shared thoughtful reflections on her time at the regulator and engaged closely with members on their experiences of the evolving regulatory and political landscape. The discussions were rich, open, and energising. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the sessions. And of course, our sincere thanks to Fiona for her time, candour, and continued commitment to supporting the sector as it navigates a period of significant change. If you’d like to learn more about our regulatory engagement work, feel free to get in touch with matthew.johnston@northern-consortium.org.uk.
https://northern-consortium.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Tracy-Fiona-Charlie.jpg400495Dan Ellwoodhttps://northern-consortium.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NHC-Home-Logo.pngDan Ellwood2026-04-28 15:05:542026-04-28 15:07:23Roundtables with Fiona MacGregor
Insightful first session at new Decent Homes Network
We recently held the first meeting of our new Decent Homes Network, a collaboration between NHC and NHC Procurement, bringing together housing providers, procurement specialists and policy colleagues to consider the implications of significant reform to housing standards and regulation. The first session of the network covered major aspects of housing policy announced by Government at the beginning of the year and gave members the chance to discuss the implications for their organisations.
The session opened with Simon Thirtle, Partner – Built Environment at Ward Hadaway, providing an overview of the current legislative landscape, including the phased introduction of Awaab’s Law and the move towards a single Decent Homes Standard across social housing and the private rented sector. Simon engaged with members as they discussed the policies in detail and provided important clarity on reforms.
NHC Procurement’s Head of procurement, Drew Frame and Head of commercial, Alistair Merchant outlined procurement and regulatory changes under the Procurement Act 2023. Procurement will play an important role in enabling members to implement regulatory changes – so procurement will be a continued theme in future sessions.
The NHC’s Senior Policy Advisor, Karen Brown discussed the review of government guidance for the implementation of the new Decent Homes Standard and the opportunity for the sector to influence clearer, more practical interpretation. Karen invited members to discuss the most recent sector engagement information from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on how the Decent Homes Standard can be applied in practice. We recently submitted a consultation response about implementation of the new Standard to Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, read it here.
Our next meeting will take place on 16 June, 10:00-11:30 and will involve colleagues from MHCLG sharing what they have learned from their sector engagement work. You can find more information on this here.
https://northern-consortium.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/What-the-New-Green-Book-Changes-Mean-for-the-North-thumbnail.png400495Dan Ellwoodhttps://northern-consortium.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NHC-Home-Logo.pngDan Ellwood2026-04-28 14:20:252026-04-29 08:26:17Insightful first session at new Decent Homes Network
We’re delighted to announce that applications for the NHC’s Unlocking Success Bursary 2026 are now open.
Unlocking Success helps people living in social housing to realise their ambitions, by supporting them to access education and training, or to run or launch their own business. We offer £500 cash bursaries to cover costs including course fees, travel, equipment, childcare and even living expenses.
The Bursary is a key part of our shared commitment to creating opportunity, supporting inclusion, and delivering meaningful social impact for tenants across the North. But we need your help to spread the word and encourage tenant applications for 2026.
The success of the programme relies on the support of members, and particularly colleagues working directly with tenants.
The Unlocking Success Bursary Lunch will take place on Friday 4th December at Ramside Hall. This is our flagship fundraising event and a celebration of tenant achievement. We’ll be sharing more details on this soon, but do get in touch with lynda.redshaw@northern-consortium.org.uk to book your table.
Thank you in advance for your support in helping unlock opportunities for tenants across the North.
April has been a significant month for the Renew inquiry.
Lord Best, our Renew Advisory Group chair, the NHC’s Tracy Harrison and Patrick Murray and our Chair Charlie Norman went to Downing Street to brief No. 10 advisors about housing-led regeneration in the North. The group shared insight from our Renew inquiry about how housing-led regeneration can deliver growth, help tackle the housing crisis, and strengthen communities across the North.
This meeting was a fantastic opportunity to engage with key people at the heart of the Government and to put forward a case about why housing-led regeneration is an essential part of northern growth and the delivery of new homes, alongside improving existing homes and places. It was also great to get insight from the No. 10 team about current policy priorities and how our work can link in.
At the beginning of April we launched Perspectives on Regeneration, a series of think-pieces from the North’s leading voices on regeneration. The collection sets the context for the Renew inquiry looking at why regeneration is an essential part of tackling the housing crisis in the North.
The articles share examples of best practice and partnership working, as well as covering the importance of resident voice in regeneration. Some of the articles look beyond the social housing sector into the private rented sector, and at community-led initiatives. Inside Housing has supported the series as part of their month-long focus on regeneration publishing articles from our Chief Executive Tracy Harrison and Chair of Homes England Pat Ritchie.
We also brought together the Renew Advisory Group for their first face-to-face meeting in York to discuss initial findings from the Call for Evidence, with the interim report set to launch this summer. We received submissions from housing providers that own or manage 70 per cent of the North’s social housing.
The meeting was followed by a site visit to York Central, one of the UK’s largest brownfield regeneration schemes. The group heard from Homes England’s Leon Guyett about how the site will deliver over 2,500 homes and add in excess of £1.2bn to the local economy. Work is well underway on infrastructure, and the start of the first phase is in sight. The scheme will undoubtably bring massive benefits to the city, but there have been challenges along the way. The site was first identified around 20 years ago, yet only now is it close to becoming a reality.
Planning is underway for a series of visits with northern housing partnerships to member regeneration sites across the North. The tours will showcase sites at different stages of the regeneration journey and share lessons about what works well and barriers to successful delivery. They will help decision makers understand the real-life impact of current and future policy priorities on communities and social housing providers in the North. The NHC will capture learning from the visits and feed it into the Renew inquiry to develop policy and funding recommendations which support successful regeneration in the future.
https://northern-consortium.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Member-News-Blogs.png400495Dan Ellwoodhttps://northern-consortium.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NHC-Home-Logo.pngDan Ellwood2026-04-28 12:40:312026-05-14 13:16:05Renew inquiry – meetings at the heart of Government and first publication now live!
Our Renew inquiry has launched a series of think-pieces from the North’s leading voices on regeneration. The collection sets the context for the Renew inquiry, looking at why regeneration is an essential part of tackling the housing crisis in the North.
The articles share examples of best practice and partnership working, as well as covering the importance of resident voice in regeneration. Some of the articles look beyond the social housing sector into the private rented sector, and at community-led initiatives.
Renew is an inquiry, led by the NHC and supported by Homes for the North and Muse, to explore how housing-led regeneration can deliver growth, help tackle the housing crisis, and strengthen communities across the North.
Publication of the ‘Perspectives on Regeneration’ follows the Renew Call for Evidence, which closed at the end of February. The response received from housing associations and local authorities who submitted evidence represents over 70% of the North’s social housing. The perspectives series aims to set the tone for Renew and encourage conversations, collaboration and debate about housing-led regeneration, while the Call for Evidence submissions are analysed.
Northern Housing Chief Executive Tracy Harrison said:
“I’m so grateful to everyone who has contributed to the perspectives on regeneration collection. It has been fantastic working with such a range of voices. This collection sets out what we want to achieve through Renew, the case for regeneration in the North, alongside some inspiring examples of people-centred housing-led regeneration. I hope the perspectives will definitively reset the narrative and change perceptions of regeneration.”
Chair of Homes for North Paul Fiddaman said:
“Housing-led regeneration has the potential to transform communities and turn ambition into real, longterm change for people and places. Our research has identified 80 strategic regeneration projects across the North that could deliver around 43,000 homes and unlock £5.2 billion in investment.
With the right investment — and partners pulling in the same direction — we can improve existing homes, deliver the new affordable housing the region needs, and build thriving communities across the North”
Managing Director of national placemaker Muse Phil Mayall said:
“Regeneration has a vital role to play in tackling the housing challenge across the North, not just by delivering new homes, but by strengthening existing communities and creating places where people want to live and stay.
“These perspectives highlight the importance of long-term partnership, local leadership and community voice in delivering lasting value for places, ensuring no one and nowhere is left behind.”
The perspectives series is available on the Renew website and includes the following articles:
Tracy explains how the Renew inquiry is an essential part of the NHC’s vision that everyone has a safe, warm home that’s affordable to them in a place they’re proud of.
Lord Best shares why he is chairing the Renew inquiry. He wants to make sure there is full recognition of the case for improving the lives of those living in highly unsatisfactory homes and environments – alongside developing new homes.
Ed challenges Renew to build a compelling case for housing-led regeneration by highlighting the social, economic and political benefits, learning from the past and identifying specific challenges in the North.
Paul shares Homes for the North’s findings about the need for and benefits of housing-led regeneration in the North. He discusses how regeneration complements development of new homes, and ways regeneration can be supported at scale.
Phil looks at the ingredients needed to make regeneration a success including partnership working and community trust built through delivering visible results.
Charlie and Nick believe that that devolution offers a massive opportunity. They argue a dedicated, locally administered funding pot for housing regeneration would be transformative. It would allow regions to target investment where it will have the greatest impact and drive long term regeneration
Andrew Cooper MP for sets out how housing-led regeneration gives Government the opportunity to connect national objectives – growth, opportunity, and fairness – with the everyday places where people live their lives.
Dr Michael shares learning from Liverpool’s Grove Street regeneration project. He says regeneration is about more than replacing old homes, it’s about renewing opportunity, restoring pride and building the conditions for long-term prosperity.
Cedric shares a different approach to regeneration talking about how Unity’s two main divisions, Unity Housing and Unity Enterprise, work together to provide a launchpad for people to transform their life chances.
Lara shares how a ‘Resident Power’ approach to the regeneration of Gleadless Valley has built trust and established an important community role in the future of the area.
Carla shares her views on issues in the private rented sector, and why the sector must be at front of mind when planning regeneration. Carla founded The Ethical Lettings Agency in Redcar in Teeside in 2015.
Paula sets out how East Marsh in Grimsby has been transformed by residents through a community-led movement.
The next steps for Renew include publication of an interim report in the summer, which will analyse responses to the Call for Evidence, and a series of tours visiting regeneration sites across the North.
To find out more about Renew and to read the perspectives visit the Renew website.
https://northern-consortium.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Renew-Perspectives-nhc-tn.png400495Dan Ellwoodhttps://northern-consortium.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NHC-Home-Logo.pngDan Ellwood2026-04-08 12:20:002026-04-22 12:24:34Renewed perspectives on regeneration in the North
We’re excited to invite you to the launch of the Northern Housing Consortium’s new Decent Homes Network — a dedicated space for members to come together at a pivotal moment for the sector. With the Government’s recent updates to the Decent Homes Standard (DHS) and Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), social housing providers are preparing for some of the most significant changes to home quality expectations in over a decade. Strengthened requirements around addressing disrepair, damp and mould, energy efficiency and core building components will shape the way services are delivered, alongside wider reforms such as Awaab’s Law and the Renters’ Rights Act.
This first session offers an opportunity to connect with peers, explore the implications of these changes and help shape the focus of the network going forward. We’ll discuss what the new standards mean in practice and how the sector can work collaboratively to respond. The network aims to bring together colleagues with shared challenges and ambitions, creating a forum for open discussion, shared learning and practical support. From asset management and repairs to tenant engagement and long‑term planning, the network will help members stay ahead of evolving expectations and develop approaches that support high‑quality, safe and well‑maintained homes. We will be joined at the session by Simon Thirtle, Partner – Built Environment at Ward Hadaway.
Great North Theatre at Housing 2026 23 June 2026, Housing 2026, Manchester Central Attendees will require a Housing 2026 delegate pass. Book online here using code NHC25 for 25% off: Housing 2026
This series of sessions taking place across the day will share emerging insights from the Renew inquiry, highlighting the case for housing‑led regeneration in the North and what can be achieved within current government policy. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the economic factors, funding models, and policy conditions needed to deliver regeneration at scale, alongside learning examples that show how place‑based renewal can be more responsive to community priorities.
The programme will also showcase adaptable models, from integrated settlement approaches to partnership structures that support effective multi‑agency working. Delegates will hear how partnerships across the North are deploying these practical tools to deliver faster, better outcomes for residents and support progress on devolution.
The first annual Housing Partnerships Northern Conference, hosted by the NHC, brings together housing partnerships, combined authorities, and local stakeholders from across the region. With housing partnerships emerging as one of devolution’s major success stories, this event will explore how the sector’s collective strengths can shape the future of housing across the North: driving growth, transforming places, and maximising the potential of collaborative working. Across the day, attendees will share learning and best practice, strengthen a collective voice for the sector, support regional policy priorities, and align partnership action with Mayoral ambitions.
Northern Housing Summit 2026 – save the date 5th November 2026, Park Plaza, Leeds
The Northern Housing Summit returns this year as the essential gathering for leaders shaping the future of social housing across the North. Bringing together registered providers, local authorities, ALMOs and combined authorities, the Summit creates the space for strategic thinking, honest discussion, and collective problem‑solving.
Across a day of high‑level debate and insight, we’ll convene with national policymakers, influential thinkers and sector innovators to explore the big questions, with a focus on how we accelerate regeneration that genuinely transforms communities.
With a balance of collaboration and practical action, this year’s Summit will equip leaders with the clarity, connections and confidence needed to navigate the challenges ahead and shape a stronger housing future for the North. Secure your place and be part of the conversation that will define the year to come.
The latest update to HM Treasury’s Green Book, published following the Green Book Review 2025, introduces a series of important reforms that are expected to strengthen the chances of spending proposals from the North being approved. For years, many Northern projects have struggled to progress through government appraisal processes, not because they lacked merit, but because the assessment framework did not properly account for the realities of place-based investment. The new Green Book represents a meaningful shift in that direction.
A central improvement is the move away from an overreliance on Benefit-Cost Ratios (BCRs). Previously, BCRs often acted as a blunt and restrictive tool, overshadowing other important considerations and disadvantaging areas where economic returns may take longer to materialise. The updated guidance reduces the dominance of BCRs and places much greater emphasis on the strategic case for investment. This means proposals can now be judged more holistically, reflecting the wider economic, social and environmental value they bring.
Another significant change is the Green Book’s enhanced ability to support assessments of transformational change. The new guidance allows multiple interventions across a place to be considered together, rather than in isolation. This is a crucial shift for the North, where the benefits of regeneration, infrastructure improvement, brownfield development and skills interventions are often interdependent. Assessing these collectively provides a more accurate picture of the lasting impact investment can have on a community and its future trajectory.
These reforms align closely with our organisation’s longstanding policy positions. Our Brownfield First reports—shared with both MHCLG and HM Treasury—highlighted how disproportionate weight on BCRs and the limited consideration given to the strategic case were preventing essential investment in many Northern towns and cities. Our Spending Review submission reinforced these concerns, demonstrating that Northern places were routinely disadvantaged by the old appraisal system. We are therefore pleased to see changes that reflect the evidence and arguments we have consistently put forward.
Our Executive Director (Policy and External Relations) also contributed to influential research led by the Future Governance Forum, which helped secure these reforms. This national engagement ensured that Northern voices played a direct role in shaping the new approach.
Ultimately, the updated Green Book aims to ensure that investment proposals from all parts of the UK receive a “fair hearing”. For communities across the North, this represents a long overdue step toward a more balanced, place sensitive system—one that recognises potential, supports ambition, and unlocks opportunities previously held back by outdated appraisal methods.
https://northern-consortium.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/What-the-New-Green-Book-Changes-Mean-for-the-North-thumbnail.png400495Dan Ellwoodhttps://northern-consortium.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NHC-Home-Logo.pngDan Ellwood2026-03-25 11:29:082026-04-22 11:33:09What the New Green Book Changes Mean for the North
