Good board leadership always looks to the future

I became Chair of the NHF just over two years ago and in that time the social housing sector has seen significant change.

Housing associations have faced ongoing regulatory reforms and increased scrutiny, as well as financial instability and higher demand for services.

What has really impressed me throughout this is the sector’s resilience and ability to cope with whatever challenges are thrown its way.

Boards play a crucial role in effectively leading their organisations to deliver their social purpose and provide safe, quality homes for their residents – regardless of what external factors are at play.

The recent change in government will inevitably lead to changes in policy and a shift in direction for social housing.

Boards must be ready to proactively respond and react, reflecting on how a changing climate could influence and affect current strategies, and future strategic planning and decision-making.

That’s why the NHF hosts a dedicated Board Leadership Conference, this year taking place in London on 13-14 February. It’s the only conference of its kind, exploring what the future looks like specifically for our sector from a board perspective.

NHF colleagues and experts will provide in-depth guidance, invaluable insight and advice on being an effective leader and helping your organisation plan for the future.

Sessions cover a range of topics in a packed two-day agenda, from engaging with politicians to regulation policy, managing risk to developing a sustainable sector.

I have already had the privilege of meeting many of the dedicated Chairs and members from across the sector and I hope to both catch up with some of these and meet others for the first time at the event, which is also a great opportunity to network, share best practice and learn about upcoming new developments.

At the NHF, we are also looking to the future.

In April we will launch our new five-year business strategy, outlining our key priorities and workstreams for the rest of the decade.

Over recent weeks, members have been telling us what they think the sector’s challenges, vulnerabilities and opportunities are as part of our strategic review.

All of that feedback will help shape the strategy, so thank you very much to everyone who has taken the time to get involved.

My role alongside the NHF Board going forward will be to support and guide my executive team in implementing the strategy and ensuring we meet our goals.

It’s more important than ever that we at the NHF continue to influence, campaign, and engage on behalf of the social housing sector, and be resilient to future challenges.

We are proud of our strong political engagement work, underpinned by the positive relationships we have built with people in government and opposition parties.

Our call over recent years to have in place a long-term plan to fix the housing crisis paid dividends earlier this year when the new government announced its intention to do just that. You can read more about that in our latest Impact Report.

We will continue to campaign for the financial stability housing associations need to deliver for residents and communities in the future, from building new homes to improving existing ones.

Coming, as I do, from the education sector, I understand and appreciate the important links between decent housing, inclusion and people reaching their full potential. Having a safe, warm, secure place to live is everything.

The work housing associations do and the services they provide are vital and having effective boards in place to provide strong leadership into the future has never been more important.

I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible at the Board Leadership Conference next year.