National maintenance, refurbishment and fit out contractor Novus Property Solutions outlines the key themes from this year’s Housing Community Summit, which was organised by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) in partnership with the National Housing Federation (NHF).
Sustainability and achieving Net Zero targets
This was a major thread throughout the event. Discussions centred around retrofitting existing stock, ensuring sustainable procurement, and balancing carbon targets with financial realities. The emphasis wasn’t just on technological issues but also the operational challenges being faced by social housing providers who are increasingly having to do much more with much less budget.
The summit highlighted the need to adopt a big picture, long term view mentality rather than focusing on short term measures or quick wins. This means shifting asset management towards a lifecycle approach, prioritising long-term sustainability, and ensuring homes are future-proof both environmentally and in terms of quality.
With hundreds of thousands of new homes to be built over the next four years, many with renewable energy aspects, this puts more pressure on installers with these green skills for retrofit programmes. Novus’ Head of Social Value Kevin Rhone presented a panel session titled ‘Green skills for all: empowering communities for a sustainable future’ during the summit to address how to build resilient, climate-ready neighbourhoods. One of the ways Novus in particular is helping to address the green skills shortage as a contractor is by recruiting more apprentices then ever along with more skilled electricians and plumbers. Novus is also focussing on developing and upskilling its existing workforce to install energy efficient measures (EEM) effectively as part of Sustain – its decarbonisation service.
Creating an inclusive environment
During the summit Novus hosted an informal drinks reception and a ‘lunch and learn’ session on the topic of male allyship in the workplace at The Daffodil on Canning Dock, in partnership with WISH and Women in Property. Lee Hartley, Chief Executive Officer at Novus was on the panel, along with James Fleming, MD at The Power Within – a leadership training specialist, Andrew Buckels of Waterstons and Andrew Fairman from MSB Solicitors.
The panel of male professionals highlighted the role of male allies in housing and construction by exploring how men can actively support gender equity, challenge bias, and foster inclusive environments in what is a traditionally male-dominated sector. They each shared their own personal experiences and practical actions with the aim to inspire attendees to foster allyship in their own workplaces.
Strategic policy and landscape
There was a strong focus on how political changes, funding pressures, and regulatory developments are converging to reshape requirements for social housing providers. Just days before the Housing Community Summit took place, there was political upheaval in the housing sector with Steve Reed appointed as the new Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. But despite this, there was still a sense of optimism that together we can affect real change across the sector.
The Decent Homes Standard, spending review, and frameworks for long-term stability emphasised that housing organisations must be proactive, not just reactive, and adapt their strategies accordingly. With Awaab’s Law now in force since 27th October and the Future Homes Standard coming into force imminently, this is likely to have further impact on strategy for social housing providers. As a contractor, it’s crucial we continue to work collaboratively with housing providers to understand the challenges they’re facing to retrofit properties efficiently and cost-effectively.
The Housing Community Summit is billed as the most collaborative event in housing and the panel discussions and speakers all reinforced the importance of collaboration. While challenges such as workforce shortages and rising costs persist, the sector is responding with innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to long-term sustainability and by working together the whole sector can benefit.
To find out more about Novus Property Solutions please visit www.novussolutions.co.uk