The Housing Community Summit: A Celebration of People and Progress
Thursday 18th of September 2025
The Housing Community Summit, held in Liverpool on September 8th and 9th, brought together housing professionals, tenants, and thought leaders from across the UK for two days of learning, sharing, and connection. For many, it felt less like a conference and more like a family reunion, thanks to the warmth, openness, and shared purpose that defined the event.
As Caritas Charles, Tpas's Senior Policy, Innovation and Insights Manager put it, “I chaired a session, spoke at another, and met what felt like a million people in between. But what stood out most was the presence of tenants, not just as participants, but as central voices in the conversation." Their involvement underscored a powerful message: co-production is key. Tenants must be at the heart of housing strategy, not just operations.
Caritas’s Top Takeaways from the Summit
Co-production matters most
Tenants should be involved in shaping housing policy and governance from the ground up. Their lived experience brings the most important insight that must inform strategic decisions.
Consumer grades are just the beginning
Achieving a good consumer rating isn’t the end goal, it’s the starting point for deeper, more meaningful engagement.
Culture is the stepping stone to success
Housing isn’t about units or portfolios, it’s about people and homes. The language we use and the values we uphold must reflect that.
Tpas at the Summit: Leading the Conversation
Tpas had a strong presence throughout the summit, with staff, associates, and board members speaking on a wide range of topics including tenant engagement, governance, building safety, and data.
Key Sessions Chaired by Tpas Leaders
Caritas Charles chaired “The Tenant Experience Journey – Are You Getting It Right from Start to Finish?” This session explored how improving every touchpoint in the tenant journey can lead to higher satisfaction, fewer voids, and longer tenancies.
Dr. Aasia Nisar, Tpas Board Director, led “The Role of Tenants in Governance Structures”, highlighting how meaningful tenant participation strengthens board decision-making and showcasing practical strategies for embedding engagement into governance frameworks.
Digital Goody Bag: Resources for Change
Visitors to the Tpas stand (A10) had the opportunity to download a Digital Goody Bag packed with resources, including:
‘Seat at the Table’ Report by Kai Jackson – exploring why ethnic minority tenants are underrepresented in social housing.
Procurement Toolkit – offering guidance on effective tenant engagement in procurement processes.
Success Stories – showcasing impactful tenant involvement activities from Tpas members.
These resources are designed to empower housing professionals and tenants alike to drive meaningful change in their communities.
Special thanks go to the Chartered Institute of Housing and the National Housing Federation, especially Alex Gibson and Curtis Coker, for their incredible work in organizing the event.
The Housing Community Summit reminded us that housing is about more than bricks and mortar it’s about people, relationships, and community. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event and continuing the journey toward better tenant engagement and stronger housing outcomes.
See you next year!