CHC Finance Conference 2024
The Future of Finance
For the first time since 2019, our Finance Conference returns to the iconic Metropole Hotel & Spa in Llandrindod Wells.
With pressure on supply chains, concerns about inflation, and real issues around poverty, housing associations face increasing strains on their finances.
Key questions persist: How will we fund the decarbonisation of our existing homes? How do we address the ongoing work needed to ensure building safety? And what implications do these challenges have for the finance professionals of the future?
This conference offers directors, managers, and officers the opportunity to explore these themes and more, including how both you and your business can build resilience. Colleagues from across the sector, government, and the finance industry will find ample opportunities to learn, share experiences, and hear from a line-up of high-profile experts on a range of topics.
We look forward to welcoming you to our conference, which promises to be an exciting and thought-provoking event. Speakers and workshops will provide insights on many subjects, including the political and economic environment, treasury and asset management, financing decarbonisation, and risk, regulation and governance.
Thursday 3rd October
Day 1 | Draft agenda, subject to change |
12.30pm | Registration, Networking and Exhibition Viewing |
1.00pm | Lunch, Networking and Exhibition Viewing |
2.00pm | Welcome to the Future of Finance - Sophie Wint, Director of Finance and Procurement, Newport City Homes |
2.15pm | Workshops |
WORKSHOP - Exploring the social housing insurance market with Jill Jones, Account Director, Gallagher The social housing insurance market is currently in a delicate position, with signs that the hard market for property stock may be easing. Historically, there has been a limited pool of insurers providing property insurance for social landlords. However, over the past 24 months, several established providers have withdrawn from the market. This contraction has led many social housing organisations to seek new insurers during a time of reduced market capacity. We’ll be exploring the latest developments in social housing insurance, focusing on risk management, coverage options, and strategies to ensure comprehensive protection for housing organisations | |
WORKSHOP - TBA | |
WORKSHOP: Strategic Asset Management with Kieran Colgan, Director, Ark Consultancy Gain insights into the strategic management of assets within the housing sector, focusing on optimisation, sustainability, and long-term planning to enhance the value and performance of housing portfolios. | |
3.20pm | 2nd opportunity for delegates to attend workshops |
WORKSHOP - Exploring the social housing insurance market As above | |
WORKSHOP - TBA | |
WORKSHOP: A Guide Through Board Assurance with Ceri Victory-Rowe, Director, Campbell Tickell Effective board assurance is crucial for governance and risk management in housing organisations. This session, led by Ceri Victory Rowe from Campbell Tickell, will guide participants through best practices in board assurance, helping them to understand how to provide robust oversight and ensure organisational accountability. | |
4.20pm | Refreshment Break |
4.45pm | Keynote Speaker - TBA |
6.00pm - 9.00pm | Drinks Reception followed kindly sponsored by: Savills Financial Consultants, followed by dinner and evening activities, hosted by Shelter Cymru |
Friday 4th October
Day 2 | |
8:30am | Registration, Refreshments, and Exhibition Viewing |
9:15am | Welcome to Day 2 - Sophie Wint, Director of Finance and Procurement, Newport City Homes |
9:25am | Keynote Speaker - Economic and Political Backdrop: navigating volatile times with Daisy McAndrew Daisy McAndrew, a renowned journalist and political commentator, will provide an insightful analysis of the current economic and political landscape. In this keynote, she will explore the challenges and opportunities of working in a volatile environment, offering perspectives on how organisations can navigate uncertainty and prepare for the future. |
10:00am | Panel Session -The benefits of getting you out of your lane This panel will discuss the importance of working across the organisation and outside conventional finance roles. By understanding the bigger picture, we see opportunities to mitigate risks associated with global accounts and economic downturns. The discussion will focus on innovative approaches that have proven successful, drawing on the experiences of key industry leaders. Attendees will gain insights into how flexibility and adaptability can drive success in challenging environments. |
Confirmed speakers - Jayne Owen - Finance & Resources Director, NWHA Stuart Ropke, CEO, Community Housing Cymru and Paul Stevens, Executive Director, Centrus Advisors | |
10:35am | Panel Session - What is value for money? How do Financial, Social, and Environmental factors affect our thinking? This panel session will explore the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in the housing sector, focusing on how organisations can achieve value for money while balancing financial, social, and environmental objectives. Chaired by Sophie, the session will feature insights from key stakeholders, including housing experts and financial institutions, on best practices and innovative strategies for ESG implementation. Confirmed Speakers - Anna Haskins, Consultant, The Good Economy, Adam West, Professional Doctorate student at Cardiff Metropolitan University |
11.05am | Refreshments & Networking |
11.30am | WORKSHOPS |
WORKSHOP: TBA | |
WORKSHOP: Is your treasury fit for purpose? Aharon Donaghy, Clara Hurst, John Tattersall, Paul Stevens – Centrus Advisors This session will provide a comprehensive review of treasury functions, focusing on how to evaluate their effectiveness, understand external factors that impact treasury, and navigate the current challenges and opportunities. Participants will leave with actionable insights and best practices to ensure their treasury operations are robust and future-proof. | |
WORKSHOP: Pensions Landscape Explore the evolving pensions landscape, with a focus on the latest trends, challenges, and regulatory changes. This session will provide practical advice on managing pension schemes, ensuring compliance, and optimising outcomes for both organisations and employees. | |
WORKSHOP - Business Partnering Skills In today’s dynamic business environment, finance professionals need strong business partnering skills to drive strategic decisions. This session, will cover the key skills required for effective business partnering, including communication, influence, and collaboration, ensuring finance professionals can add value across their organisation | |
12.30pm | Lunch, Exhibition Viewing & Networking |
1.30pm | WORKSHOPS |
WORKSHOP: Regulatory Update with Ian Walters, Welsh Government | |
WORKSHOP: What does merger mean for us? This session will explore the recent trends in mergers within the social housing sector, examining the drivers behind these mergers, the challenges faced, and the opportunities they present. Paul Stevens from Centrus, alongside another industry expert, will provide insights into the strategic considerations and implications of mergers. | |
WORKSHOP: Treasury training - how to make sure finance professionals understand funding - Arun Poobalisingam, Director, The Housing Finance Corporation THFC will run a session focusing on their expertise in housing finance. Specific details are forthcoming, but the session is expected to cover innovative financing solutions, market trends, and strategies for securing funding in the social housing sector. | |
WORKSHOP: TBA | |
2.30pm | Funding Green Homes: Solutions for decarbonisation - Sarah Cole, Carrie Satherly and Elin Lang, Welsh Government This session will discuss the financial solutions available to support the ambitious goals of decarbonising homes and delivering 20,000 new homes in Wales. Experts from the Welsh Government, including Sarah Cole, Carrie Satherly, and Elin Lang, will provide updates on funding mechanisms, investment opportunities, and strategies to meet these critical targets. |
3pm | Keynote Speaker - TBA |
Accomodation
If you would like to book accommodation for the night of the 3rd October at The Metropole Hotel & Spa, we have secured an allocation of rooms at discounted rates for those attending the conference. To book your rooms, please call the hotel reception on 01597 823700 quoting "Community Housing Cymru - Finance".