The Audit and Risk Conference is our two-day event for people who want to future proof their housing association. The 2024 conference is now over. You can book super early bird tickets for this event next year on 12-13 November.

Looking back on Audit and Risk 2024

Audit and Risk 2024 was an exploration of topics vital to the future of housing associations. Everyone who attended helped contribute to truly meaningful discussions into this area of work.

Our conference began on Tuesday with Vicki Pryce from Centre for Economic and Business Research (CEBR) talking through her mixed reaction to last week’s budget. She also shared her expectation of interest rate cuts and how borrowing and spending cuts might unfold across this parliament.

We then moved on to a highly anticipated session with Kate Dodsworth from the Regulatory of Social Housing and Steve Coffey of Torus. They spoke to us about the new inspection regime and the importance of data, being responsive to residents and using the tenant satisfaction measures (TSMs) in business decisions.

We then split off into breakout sessions on changes to UK corporate governance and responding to cyber attacks. We also learnt about the impacts of climate change, including how we must identify and prioritise homes in vulnerable places.

After another set of breakout sessions, we hear about the cost of bad data. Jon Cocker of Platform Housing and Mark Mayler of Selwood Housing spoke about how “we can’t afford not to get data right” and how providers must be ready to explain data decisions to residents.

Day one ended with a discussion on how we remain resilient during change with Ian Howard of Inclusion Group, Mary-Kathryn Adams of Abri and Dr Susan Khan. Among other things, we learnt how resilience involves integrating thinking with strategy, risk, and culture. We should also be putting risk management at the forefront of the business.

After an invigorating net-walk, day two of Audit and Risk began with a look at the political outlook. Salma Shah of Kraken Strategy was on stage with Rhys Moore, Executive Director of Public Impact at the NHF. Both agreed that social housing is not just a matter of supply but recognising that “housing is an ecosystem” concerning not just policies but also mechanisms.

Fiona MacGregor then spoke to us about the Sector Risk Profile. This session had a large focus on the financial position of housing associations with a salutary reminder that renegotiated covenants created headroom but not cash.

The first round of breakout sessions included advice on connecting risk management to service delivery and recovering from a downgrade. Delegates heard how assets and liabilities registers can help housing providers understand and manage risk.

After lunch, we had a very well attended session on internal audit and the vital importance of “professional curiosity”, as well as boards championing the internal audit function. At our forward planning for rents session, we heard about the importance of “understanding what affordability looks like in your area”. Delegates also attended a session on preventing and learning from maladministration.

The 2024 conference ended with two crucial topics for audit and risk to be thinking about. Kai Jackson, Chair of the Resident Scrutiny Panel at Black Country Housing Group and Guy Stenson, Chair of Audit and Risk at Newport City Homes, spoke about resident voice. They reminded us of the implications of risk and assurance for residents and the problems that "don't stop at five o'clock".

Stewart Davison of Elim Housing, Mark Whelan from Trowers and Hamlins and Dave Lingwood from Phoenix Software spoke about artificial intelligence (AI). One of the challenges is how to achieve human-centric uses of AI in the housing sector. Even though the technology is different our governance and social responsibilities are the same.

Audit and Risk 2024 covered a broad range of topics in amazing depth, largely thanks to our speakers and insightful contributions from delegates. We want to give special recognition to Jenny Brown, Chair of Longhurst Group and chair of Audit and Risk 2024. Her broad knowledge and guidance were an invaluable part of the past two days.

Thank you everyone who attended, sponsored and exhibited at Audit and Risk. We will see you in 2025.