The HIP: The Housing Industry Podcast

James Leighton
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  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

The housing crisis looms large. The UK’s crying out for housing stock, and new builds can play a huge role in the recovery. Diversity and inclusion is finally getting the attention it deserves at a strategic level. Although there’s plenty of work still to do. And environmental concerns are taking centre stage, with time running out to reach ambitious targets in net zero carbon emissions. Suffice to say, the UK housing sector is going through a period of great change right now. With everything developing at such a pace, it can be hard to keep your finger on the pulse. That’s why we’ve launched The Housing Industry Podcast. Featuring lively conversations with key leaders in the housing sector, The Housing Industry Podcast will provide real value to anyone working in the UK housing market who cares about making a difference.

  1. Inside the Culture Strategy Driving One of Housing’s Top Performers With Wayne Gales

    30/04/2025

    Inside the Culture Strategy Driving One of Housing’s Top Performers With Wayne Gales

    How do you create a culture of trust and openness that drives results without compromising on performance or accountability? In this episode, we’re joined by Wayne Gales, Chief Executive of Weaver Vale Housing Trust, to unpack how a purpose-led approach can transform both internal culture and external impact. Fresh off receiving a G1, V1, C1 rating, Wayne offers a grounded, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to lead a housing organisation with an agile approach that keeps people at the heart of decision-making. With over eight years at the helm of Weaver Vale, Wayne shares how cultivating a culture of transparency, staff empowerment, and a relentless focus on listening have helped build a resilient, values-led organisation that continues to grow and innovate, even during turbulent times. In this episode, we cover: ● The leadership principles behind Weaver Vale’s G1, V1, C1 rating. ● Why purpose, not process, is the real driver of culture. ● Practical ways to retain talent in today’s competitive job market. ● How the role of a chief executive has changed in the new world of work. ● Why Weaver Vale treats their colleagues the same way as their customers. ● The surprising reason the Chief Exec doesn’t have an office. ● How to strike the right balance of openness with unions. ● One simple strategy for attracting talented people. Wayne offers his refreshingly candid insights into how listening and transparency have shaped an award-winning culture. His commitment to purposeful leadership and community impact makes this an essential episode for anyone leading in housing today. LEARN MORE Weaver Vale Housing Trust - https://www.wvht.co.uk/ Andersen James - https://www.andersenjames.com/ CONNECT Wayne Gales on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-gales-b6166b51/ James Leighton on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-leighton-65023b11/ LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1JHMfNs33BK4UTOgaYt3cB Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/the-hip/id1576686644 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7vH1zt3GSm3_B_-OhDSlRg

    29 min
  2. The 12-Step Guide For Tackling Digital Exclusion in Social Housing With Nick Horne

    16/04/2025

    The 12-Step Guide For Tackling Digital Exclusion in Social Housing With Nick Horne

    How can housing associations bridge the digital divide and ensure that no tenant is left behind? In this episode, we dive deep into the urgent issue of digital exclusion and what housing professionals can do about it. Nick Horne, Chief Executive of Wythenshawe Community Housing Group and Chair of the Manchester Housing Providers Partnership, joins us to explore the importance of digital access in tenant wellbeing. With extensive experience leading digital inclusion initiatives, Nick shares valuable insights on the challenges social housing providers face and the steps they can take to implement effective changes. We unpack how digital exclusion disproportionately affects social housing tenants and why it should be a priority alongside net zero and housing supply. Nick also walks us through his 12-point guide for tackling digital exclusion, offering practical steps for housing associations looking to embed digital inclusion into their strategy. In this episode, we cover: ● What digital exclusion really means. ● 4 key reasons housing associations need to take action. ● Why the digital divide gap is only going to get wider. ● Key lessons from Greater Manchester’s digital inclusion pilot, and why uptake was lower than expected. ● Why not having a smartphone doesn’t mean someone is excluded. ● Two surprising reasons that hold people back from technology. ● How partnerships with internet service providers are helping tenants get online. ● Why digital access should be embedded in every transformation strategy. Nick’s insights shed light on a hidden challenge in the housing sector, one that impacts tenants’ financial security, job opportunities, and access to essential services. If you’re a housing professional looking to future-proof your organisation and better support your tenants, this episode is a must-listen. LEARN MORE Good Things Foundation: Living Standard for a digital age- https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/policy-and-research/research-and-evidence/research-2025/mdls-animation Wythenshawe Community Housing Group - https://www.wchg.org.uk/ Andersen James - https://www.andersenjames.com/ CONNECT Nick Horne on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickhornesolutions/ James Leighton on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-leighton-65023b11/ LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1JHMfNs33BK4UTOgaYt3cB Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/the-hip/id1576686644 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7vH1zt3GSm3_B_-OhDSlRg

    28 min
  3. How Housing AI Is Set To Revolutionise The Sector with Jenny Danson and Lee Reevell

    02/04/2025

    How Housing AI Is Set To Revolutionise The Sector with Jenny Danson and Lee Reevell

    Where does AI fit into the social housing sector? And can it really give professionals precious time back, improve frontline services, and drive sector-wide collaboration? In this episode, Jenny Danson and Lee Reevell, co-founders of Healthy Homes Hub, join us to talk about Housing AI, an AI-powered assistant specifically designed for the social housing sector. With decades of combined experience in housing, IT, and innovation, Jenny and Lee have made it their mission to simplify access to regulatory knowledge, best practice, and policy guidance, freeing up housing professionals to focus on what matters most. We dive into how Housing AI works, debunk the barriers to AI adoption in social housing, and how Healthy Homes Hub is working to make AI accessible, safe, and effective for housing associations of all sizes. In this episode, we cover: ● The difference between Housing AI and generic AI tools like ChatGPT. ● 8 real-world examples of how housing providers are already using AI. ● How Housing AI could free up 2 to 10 hrs a week of staff time. ● How to do more with the resources you’ve got. ● Demystifying the barriers to AI adoption. ● Why we shouldn’t rely on ChatGPT. ● The guardrails that keep Housing AI an accurate resource for the sector. ● How to access articles that aren't available on the internet. ● How to get involved with Healthy Homes Hub and start benefiting from Housing AI. This episode is a must-listen for housing professionals looking to innovate, collaborate, and get ahead in an increasingly complex and resource-stretched sector. LEARN MORE Healthy Homes Hub - https://healthyhomeshub.uk/ Housing AI - https://healthyhomeshub.uk/housing-ai Andersen James - https://www.andersenjames.com/ CONNECT Jenny Danson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-danson-9280ab5/ Lee Reevell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-reevell-81a66818/ James Leighton on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-leighton-65023b11/ LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1JHMfNs33BK4UTOgaYt3cB Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/the-hip/id1576686644 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7vH1zt3GSm3_B_-OhDSlRg

    33 min
  4. How To Get More People To Choose Housing - The HIP Roundtable

    19/03/2025

    How To Get More People To Choose Housing - The HIP Roundtable

    Too many people ‘fall into’ a career in housing rather than actively choosing it. But what if the sector did more to attract fresh talent, showcase the breadth of opportunities, and reflect the communities it serves? In this roundtable episode, we’re joined by Chartered Institute of Housing President Elly Hoult and a panel of future housing leaders: ● Jaz Pugh, a Housing Officer at Barcud Housing Association and winner of the CIH Young Achiever in Housing Award 2024. ● Eoghan Cregan, a Neighbourhood Specialist at Co-operative Housing Ireland, with a focus on allocations and estate management. ● Patrick Penny-Annang, a Community Development and Engagement Officer at Brent Council, passionate about resident involvement. ● Tamzin Coombs, a Placemaking and Regeneration Engagement Officer at Flagship Housing Group, shaping community-led projects. Together, they explore the ‘Choose Housing Campaign’, and the urgent need to reposition housing as a first-choice career—one that offers purpose, impact, and career progression. The panel share their journeys into the sector, the challenges they’ve faced, and how housing organisations can do more to attract, retain, and support a diverse new generation of talent. Covered in this episode: ● Why so many professionals ‘fall into’ housing, and how to change it. ● The incredible variety of roles available beyond traditional housing officer positions. ● How to use social media channels to maximise outreach. ● Why recruiting from within social housing communities matters. ● The biggest challenges young professionals face in housing. ● How organisations can rethink recruitment strategies to attract a wider talent pool. ● Actionable ways every housing professional can help build the sector’s future. Housing is a career that changes lives, not just for tenants but for the professionals who work in it. Join us for an inspiring discussion on how we can brightest into this vital industry. LEARN MORE Peabody Trust - https://www.peabody.org.uk/ Barcud Housing Association - https://www.barcud.cymru/ Co-operative Housing Ireland - https://www.cooperativehousing.ie/ Brent Council - https://www.brent.gov.uk/housing Flagship Housing Group - https://www.flagship-group.co.uk/ Andersen James - https://www.andersenjames.com/ CONNECT Elly Hoult on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellyhoult2504/ Jazmin Pugh on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazmin-pugh-14a138249/ Eoghan Cregan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoghan-cregan-22b366162/ Patrick Penny-Annang on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickpennyannang/ Tamzin Coombs on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamzin-c-8b34a8171/ James Leighton on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-leighton-65023b11/ LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1JHMfNs33BK4UTOgaYt3cB Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/the-hip/id1576686644 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7vH1zt3GSm3_B_-OhDSlRg

    55 min
  5. Lessons From The North East Devolution Deal With Paul Fiddaman

    05/03/2025

    Lessons From The North East Devolution Deal With Paul Fiddaman

    Can housing providers collaborate effectively to solve the sector’s biggest challenges? In this episode, Paul Fiddamen, Group Chief Executive of Karbon Homes and Chair of the North East Housing Partnership, shares how strategic collaboration is shaping the future of housing in the region.  With extensive experience in the housing sector and leadership of Karbon Homes’ 34,000-strong housing stock, Paul unpacks the priorities of the North East Housing Partnership, from employability and homelessness to decarbonisation and regeneration.  We dive into how housing providers and local authorities can collaborate to drive real economic and social benefits, and why long-term thinking is key to success. Paul shares key lessons from housing devolution, the challenges faced so far, and what’s next for turning strategy into action. In this episode, we cover: ● The four key priorities of the North East Housing Partnership. ● How collaboration is speeding up progress on decarbonisation. ● The economic benefits of long-term planning in housing. ● Why aligning with local authorities is the way forward. ● The biggest barriers to housing development in the North East. ● What other regions can learn from the North East devolution deal. ● The challenge of regeneration in the North compared to the South. ● A surprising example of successful collaboration, and why it wasn’t obvious at first. Paul’s candid insights into the realities of housing partnerships, from the successes to the challenges, make this episode a must-listen. LEARN MORE Karbon Homes - https://www.karbonhomes.co.uk/ Andersen James - https://www.andersenjames.com/ CONNECT Paul Fiddaman on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-fiddaman-35332716/ James Leighton on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-leighton-65023b11/ LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1JHMfNs33BK4UTOgaYt3cB Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/the-hip/id1576686644 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7vH1zt3GSm3_B_-OhDSlRg

    32 min
  6. What Innovation in Housing Really Means With Elizabeth Froude

    19/02/2025

    What Innovation in Housing Really Means With Elizabeth Froude

    When people hear ‘innovation,’ they often think of technology—but true innovation in housing goes far beyond digital tools. Elizabeth Froude, Group Chief Executive of Platform Housing Group, shares how bold decision-making, digital transformation, and a culture of progressive thinking are helping shape the future of housing. With over 50,000 homes across the Midlands, Platform Housing Group has embraced new ways of working, empowering employees, and integrating technology to improve services. Elizabeth’s career spans multiple sectors, from finance to and television, giving her a unique perspective on how commercial practices can enhance housing services. We dive into the lessons she learned from COVID-19, the realities of remote working, and how AI and automation can free up staff to focus on more valuable, customer-centric work. We also explore how housing associations can remain agile, adapt to evolving customer expectations, and ensure that purpose-driven leadership drives long-term success. In this episode, we cover: ● The truth about remote working—and it’s not what the studies show. ● How AI can find and help ‘silent customers ● The simple strategy that allows Platform to attract top talent. ● The role of innovation labs in fostering company-wide change. ● Why a culture of experimentation is essential—and what happens when things don’t go to plan. ● Managing the Amazon generation, and how to keep up. ● How Platform Housing is preparing for the future of social housing. Elizabeth’s forward-thinking leadership continues to drive meaningful change in the housing sector. Tune in to hear her insights on modernisation, innovation, and the future of housing. LEARN MORE Platform Housing Group - https://www.platformhg.com/ Andersen James - https://www.andersenjames.com/ CONNECT Elizabeth Froud on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-froude-43b40262/ James Leighton on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-leighton-65023b11/ LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1JHMfNs33BK4UTOgaYt3cB Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/the-hip/id1576686644 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7vH1zt3GSm3_B_-OhDSlRg

    31 min
  7. How Diversification Can Build Resilience In Housing With Wendy Evans-Hendrick

    05/02/2025

    How Diversification Can Build Resilience In Housing With Wendy Evans-Hendrick

    Can a housing association balance care, housing, and affordability in today’s complex landscape? In this episode, Wendy Evans-Hendrick, Chief Executive of Orwell Housing, shares how embracing diversity and being responsive has shaped their mission to provide seamless care and housing services. Wendy has dedicated 31 years to Orwell Housing. Under her leadership, Orwell has grown to serve a wide range of communities across Suffolk, southern Norfolk, and parts of Essex. With a team of 800, Orwell provides a diverse range of housing services, from general needs housing to specialised care and support for vulnerable populations, including older adults, domestic abuse survivors, and those with learning disabilities. We dive into the challenges and rewards of managing an organisation where care and housing intersect. Wendy discusses the unique advantages of offering integrated landlord and support services, the evolving needs of diverse customer bases, and the importance of recognising and valuing care work in society. In this episode, we cover: What seamless care and housing integration looks like in practice.Key lessons and challenges of managing a diverse customer base.How Orwell Housing leverages diversity to strengthen its services.Why responsiveness and adaptability are essential in today’s housing landscape.Where the line is between being a landlord vs a care provider.How to balance affordability while delivering high-quality care.The impact of undervaluing care roles and why professionalisation matters.How to adapt to external pressures, from rent freezes to compliance demands.The challenges of balancing fair staff decisions with 24/7 care demands. Wendy shares her in-depth understanding of how housing associations can create meaningful, positive change in communities. Tune in to hear her passion for making care and housing seamless, inclusive, and impactful. LEARN MORE Orwell Housing - https://www.orwell-housing.co.uk/ Andersen James - https://www.andersenjames.com/ CONNECT Wendy Evans-Hendrick - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-evans-hendrick-b3121a58/ James Leighton on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-leighton-65023b11/ LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1JHMfNs33BK4UTOgaYt3cB Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/the-hip/id1576686644 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7vH1zt3GSm3_B_-OhDSlRg

    26 min
  8. Behind The Scenes Of A Purpose Driven Housing Strategy With James Francis

    22/01/2025

    Behind The Scenes Of A Purpose Driven Housing Strategy With James Francis

    How can a strong organisational purpose help teams make better decisions—and put those decisions into action? In this episode, James Francis, Chief Executive of Saffron Housing, shares how his organisation is reshaping its approach to tenant service, safety, and decision-making, all guided by clear principles and a strong purpose. With five years as CEO and a deep connection to Saffron’s heartlands, James shar what it really means to embed principles like ‘doing the right thing,’ even when it involves tough choices. We dig into Saffron’s shift from a policy-driven to an empowerment-based approach, its work co-producing solutions with tenants, and initiatives like the ‘Community Membership Model’ to transform engagement with their residents. James also shares how to create a sense of psychological safety within teams to drive better decisions and outcomes for everyone. In this episode, we cover: ● What ‘doing the right thing’ looks like in the housing sector. ● How a clear purpose can drive better decisions across an organisation. ● Why regulatory goals can create tension with tenant needs. ● Key lessons from shadowing frontline staff and why listening matters. ● The 3 principles shaping Saffron’s approach to tenant service. ● The importance of tenant voices in shaping organisational strategy. ● What Saffron plans to spend 33p out of every £1 on in 2028. ● A key lesson from the Grenfell Tower testimony. ● How Saffron uses the ‘CPI plus 1%’ rent increase to ‘do the right thing’. James is candid about the challenges Saffron has faced, but his unwavering commitment to building thriving communities makes this an unmissable episode for housing professionals looking to make a real impact. LEARN MORE Saffron Housing Trust - www.saffronhousing.co.uk Andersen James - www.andersenjames.com CONNECT James Francis on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/james-francis-3b793619 James Leighton on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/james-leighton-65023b11 LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1JHMfNs33BK4UTOgaYt3cB Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/the-hip/id1576686644 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7vH1zt3GSm3_B_-OhDSlRg

    32 min
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About

The housing crisis looms large. The UK’s crying out for housing stock, and new builds can play a huge role in the recovery. Diversity and inclusion is finally getting the attention it deserves at a strategic level. Although there’s plenty of work still to do. And environmental concerns are taking centre stage, with time running out to reach ambitious targets in net zero carbon emissions. Suffice to say, the UK housing sector is going through a period of great change right now. With everything developing at such a pace, it can be hard to keep your finger on the pulse. That’s why we’ve launched The Housing Industry Podcast. Featuring lively conversations with key leaders in the housing sector, The Housing Industry Podcast will provide real value to anyone working in the UK housing market who cares about making a difference.

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