With just one week to go until our webinar exploring inclusive recruitment and retention in housing, it’s time to meet the speakers who will be guiding us through this important topic.
Event Chair:
Claire Lee – Managing Director, The Learning Foundry
“The housing sector is undergoing rapid change. From the professionalisation of the sector through changes to qualification requirements to the challenges in homes themselves. It’s essential that we support organisations find the right people and create a culture where they feel supported to learn and grow.”
With over 20 years’ experience in the education and skills sector, Claire works with business leaders to attract, train and retain the workforce of the future though bespoke training programmes and tailored learning.
As part of The Regenda Group, The Learning Foundry understand the housing sector and the challenges faced in attracting and retaining the right people. They work with housing associations from across the North West, providing talent solutions to ensure that the sector can continue to deliver high quality services to residents.
Claire and her team of 60 training and development experts are passionate about upskilling businesses and supporting people with opportunities to thrive.
Claire sits on a number of local skills and employment boards to provide further place-based employment and skills opportunities to local people.
Anthony Were – Development Manager, UNIFY Network
“I’m looking forward to sharing how to unlock the benefits that can be achieved by increasing inclusivity at all levels of your organisation.”
Anthony is Chair of UNIFY Network (the ethnicity cross-sector staff network group). He led the design and implementation of their flagship leadership and coaching programme LeadershipNOW! targeted at providing practical recruitment tips and personal development training.
Anthony also has over 15 years’ experience working in housing and social policy. He is passionate about representation, placemaking and providing residents with a voice. Anthony currently leads the planning and design of new affordable homes across London and the East Midlands. He previously led the housing, regeneration and social & economic activities for Notting Hill Genesis’ regeneration Woodberry Down. Anthony also sits on the Community-Led Housing London Hub and is a Non-executive Director at Future of London.
Ellie Benton – Senior Research Assistant, LSE Housing and Communities
“I know from my conversations with staff and tenants at Housing Plus Academy events that having the right staff in position, and ensuring they feel supported in their role is crucial in ensuring tenants receive the best possible service. I am excited to build on the conversations we had at the Think Tank in October and learn more about how this can be done in the best way.”
Ellie leads on qualitative research across a range of topics impacting low-income communities these include housing management, the environmental upgrading of social housing estates, and the response of community groups in the pandemic and cost of living crisis. She also organises the Housing Plus Academy, a series of events that aim to empower people to make a difference within their own community or organisation.
Nisha Bolt – People Business Partner, Irwell Valley Homes
“A strong organisational culture is essential for maintaining high levels of colleague retention and innovation. I’m looking forward to sharing tips about how to create an empowering work environment where colleagues feel engaged, valued and in turn want to stick around.“
Nisha has been a People Business Partner at Irwell Valley Homes for just over three years. She started my HR career in Housing around fifteen years ago, working for an Association in Stafford. Whilst she loved the ethos and purpose of Housing, at the time she felt that she didn’t want to be boxed into the sector, so worked in HR for various other private sector companies to gain experience, including contract catering and HR consultancy. But the Housing sector was unique within the world of HR and she was keen to return to an organisation that empowered colleagues, focussed on doing the right thing and had a genuine interest in organisational culture, leading her to Irwell valley Homes. Her priorities at IVH include recruitment, retention and culture, and she is really passionate about colleagues feeling accepted, engaged and empowered.
Book today to take advantage of our 2 for 1 ticket offer (automatically applied at checkout!).
Event details:
Date: Friday 24th November
Time: 11am – 1pm
Tickets: £45
