Unveiling the Future of Welsh Housing
The Welsh housing sector is gearing up for its premier gathering, the CHC One Big Conference 2025, a pivotal two-day event themed "Our Place," set to unfold on July 3rd and 4th, 2025, at the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells. This annual conference is designed to bring together professionals from every facet of the housing landscape. Providing a crucial forum to discuss the evolving role of social housing in Wales, particularly as the nation heads towards a significant election.
"Our Place" serves as more than just a conference; it's a collaborative space dedicated to driving lasting change, celebrating the profound impact of social housing across Wales, and collectively addressing both the myriad opportunities and persistent challenges that lie ahead. Through a focus on innovation and the sharing of best practices, attendees will explore how to continue fostering meaningful progress within an ever-changing political and social environment.
Day One: Shaping Society and Community Flourishing
The first day of the CHC One Big Conference 2025, Thursday, July 3rd, promises a deep dive into the foundational elements of societal structure and the vital role of community. Following initial introductions, the afternoon will commence with a powerful keynote address at 4:10 PM by Dr. Faiza Shaheen. Her session, titled "How society is built, the people it leaves behind, and what we can do about it," is poised to provoke thought and inspire action. Encouraging attendees to critically examine systemic issues and their impact on housing and communities. Dr. Shaheen's extensive background as an economist and advocate for social justice ensures a compelling and insightful presentation.
Earlier in the day, concurrent sessions will highlight groundbreaking initiatives. Attendees will gain insights from "Growth for Good and Blaenau Gwent Flourish and Thrive". Projects spearheaded by Valleys to Coast, Tai Calon, and SamKat. These sessions will reveal the latest advancements in land use. Also effective community engagement strategies and crucial sustainability efforts within the sector. Furthermore, a dedicated session will delve into how communities can actively participate in improving their living environments and promoting sustainable practices for the collective good. Day one will then conclude with the Chair’s reflections. Leading into an evening drinks reception and dinner, offering invaluable networking opportunities.
Day Two: Delivering Homes and Breaking Barriers
Friday, July 4th, the CHC One Big Conference 2025 will open with registration, networking, and exhibition viewing. Followed by an introduction to the day's agenda by Chair Sian Lloyd. The morning's proceedings will be highlighted by another significant keynote at 9:40 AM: "Reflections and takeaways from the Affordable Homes Taskforce," delivered by Lee Waters MS.
In November 2024, the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jane Bryant MS, established the Affordable Homes Taskforce with a clear mandate. To expedite the delivery of homes within the Welsh Government’s current build programme and to formulate recommendations for streamlining the long-term delivery of more homes for social rent. Lee Waters MS led this crucial taskforce. He will share its findings, key recommendations, and the practical implications for housing associations throughout Wales. This session is particularly timely, given the ongoing pressures on housing supply and affordability.
Following the keynote, a dynamic panel session will feature confirmed panellists including Caroline O'Flaherty from Hugh James, Craig Sparrow from ClwydAlyn Housing, Gemma Clissett from Lovell, and Councillor Andrea Lewis. Their collective expertise will offer diverse perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, fostering a rich discussion. A mid-morning coffee break will provide further opportunities for networking and visiting the exhibition stands.
Workshops: Practical Solutions and Innovative Pathways
The heart of the conference's second day lies in its series of concurrent workshops. Offering attendees practical insights and solutions across a range of vital topics. These sessions are designed to be interactive. Providing deeper dives into specific areas of innovation and best practice:
- Building at Pace: Led by Hugh James and Welsh Government. This workshop will explore strategies and frameworks for accelerating housing development without compromising quality or sustainability.
- Harnessing Procurement for Decarbonisation and Social Value in Welsh Social Housing: Barcud Shared Services and Merthyr Valleys Homes will shed light on how procurement can serve as a strategic tool. This session will explore how housing associations can leverage procurement to bolster local economies, and generate wider community benefits. With a focus on how the Procurement Act 2023 supports these ambitious outcomes.
- Trivallis' Journey to Transforming the Housing Management Model and Building a ‘Team Around the Tenant’: This workshop will offer a case study from Trivallis. Detailing their innovative approach to housing management and their commitment to creating a holistic support system around their tenants.
- Tai Ffres: An Innovative, Alternative Housing Pathway for Young People: Presented by United Welsh and Llamau, Tai Ffres is a pioneering youth housing service. It offers genuinely affordable homes coupled with optional support. Catering specifically to young people who may not meet traditional homelessness service thresholds. Or for whom conventional supported accommodation might not be suitable. The workshop will cover the roadmap to ending youth homelessness in Wales. With young people’s views on forthcoming legislation. Also the operational model of Tai Ffres, and insights from Cardiff University on its impact. Demonstrating how these insights are used for continuous service development.
Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: Amy Varle’s Whole System Approach to Ending Homelessness
A highlight of the afternoon sessions on Day Two, at 1:10 PM, will be the session led by our Adas Army star, Amy Varle. Her session is entitled "Breaking Barriers, Building Futures - A Whole System Approach to Ending Homelessness." Amy is an exceptionally knowledgeable and enthusiastic advocate for people who are homeless. Drawing not only from extensive professional experience but also from her own lived experience of homelessness as a teenager.
Her journey into advocacy began with profound research into alternative housing options and innovative techniques being implemented globally. This led her to become a passionate proponent of a ‘Housing First’ led approach towards homelessness in Britain. With the sponsorship of the National Housing Federation, she authored the in-depth strategy report, ‘Social Property Investment: Pioneering Strategies for 21st Century Homelessness Prevention and Response.’ This significant work was shared with key policymakers. Including the Prime Minister, and garnered positive attention from leading homelessness and social justice advocates such as Amnesty International.
Amy's practical impact is equally compelling. To date, she has directly facilitated homelessness solutions for over 1,000 individuals. A testament to her dedication and the efficacy of her approach. Furthermore, a 2020/21 pilot evaluation demonstrated substantial savings of £25 million. Underscoring the economic as well as social benefits of her strategies. Her session promises to be an invaluable exploration of comprehensive, systemic solutions to one of society's most pressing challenges.
A Conference for Collective Progress
The CHC One Big Conference 2025 is more than just an event; it is a vital convergence point for shared learning, strategic planning, and collaborative action. By bringing together diverse voices and expertise, it aims to reinforce the social housing sector's role as a cornerstone of Welsh communities. Attendees will leave equipped with renewed inspiration, practical tools, and an expanded network, all crucial for continuing to build a fairer, more prosperous Wales where good housing is truly a basic right for all.