Housing Rights recently held its 10th Private Rented Sector Conference on the 29th November at the Skainos Centre.
Kate McCauley, Chief Executive Officer at Housing Rights said,
“Over the past ten years, Housing Rights’ Private Rented Sector Conference has kept the focus on the improvements needed within private renting in Northern Ireland. The annual conference plays a pivotal role in fostering dialogue, disseminating best practice, and driving positive change within the housing sector.”
This year’s milestone conference examined the progress made in the private rented sector over the last decade and looked forward to the next ten years, identifying strides that can be made to deliver a safer, more sustainable and futureproofed sector for all. It featured keynote addresses from prominent housing professionals and experts, thought-provoking panel discussions and interactive workshops aimed at addressing the challenges and seizing opportunities within the private rented sector.
Jordan Buchanan, Chief Operating Officer, PropertyPal, conference speaker and sponsor of the conference said,
"The Housing Rights Annual Private Rented Sector Conference is a key event in the housing calendar. As the conference marks its 10th year, it gives us an opportunity to look back over the last decade and recognise the progress that has been made. More importantly, it gives us a platform to look to the future and consider how, as a sector, we need to invest our energies to meet the challenges that lie ahead and future-proof the private rented sector.”
The Future of Private Renting: Conference Highlights Included:
- Legislative Advocacy: The conference platformed experts involved in shaping and influencing housing policy, with attendees actively engaging in discussions which ranged from affordability issues, to vulnerable tenants, including older people, and how the sector needs to prepare to meet the challenges presented by climate change.
- Tenant Participation: The conference heard from tenants and experts by experience about the value of meaningful participation in policy making and influencing housing decisions which impact on their lives. An interactive workshop explored the power of tenants to influence the highest levels of decision making.
- Affordable Housing Initiatives: The conference explored initiatives to address the pressing issue of affordable housing, with a focus on creating sustainable solutions for both renters and landlords.
- Networking opportunities: Over the years, the conference has provided opportunities for tenants, landlords as well as academics, practitioners and policy makers to build relationships which support policy and practice developments.
Eamonn Hunt, Head of Tenancy Deposit Scheme, panel member and conference sponsor said,
“TDS is proud to sponsor Housing Rights’ 10th annual Private Rented Sector Conference. This landmark conference brings together housing experts and professionals and allows for collaboration across the sector to shape the future of housing to ensure that everyone has access to safe, affordable and dignified living conditions.”
Key Speakers:
Speakers at Housing Rights’ 10th Annual Private Rented Sector Conference included:
- David Polley, Director - Housing Supply Policy - Department for Communities
- Jordan Buchanan, Chief Operating Officer - PropertyPal
- Kieran McQuinn, Research Officer - Economic and Social Research Institute
- Kellie Armstrong MLA
- Ciara Ferguson MLA
- Cllr. Pete Wray
- John-Mark McCafferty, Chief Executive Officer - Threshold
- Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns – Propertymark
- Dr Brigitte Anton & Jenni Miller – Renters’ Voice
Contact Housing Rights for further information.