CHC Governance and Risk Conference 2025

Navigating Complexity: Balancing Opportunity and Risk

Join us for a must-attend event designed for board members, governance, and risk professionals in the housing sector. This year’s conference will explore the delicate balance between seizing opportunities to better serve tenants and communities while managing risks in an increasingly complex operating environment.

We will tackle key sector challenges, from leveraging digital innovation and fostering a positive culture to balancing financial pressures—ensuring investment in quality housing while maintaining affordability for tenants.

Reflecting on lessons from Grenfell and other pivotal events, we will examine their impact on governance today and what they mean for board members and governance professionals.

This conference will challenge us to consider the role of strong governance in driving progress while mitigating risk. How can we embrace innovation without compromising responsibility?

We will also explore the evolving legislative landscape and look beyond the sector for examples of success that challenge our thinking and inspire a modern, effective governance culture within Wales’ social housing sector.

With expert keynotes, engaging discussions, and opportunities to explore, debate, and innovate, this event will bring together board members, chief executives, governance practitioners, senior housing association leaders, and Welsh Government representatives.

Please note that timings may be subject to change.

Day 1 - Wednesday 26th March

8.45am | Registration, networking and exhibition viewing

09.30am | Introduction to Day One
Sian Lloyd, Conference Chair

An experienced journalist and broadcaster, Sian is a familiar face with viewers across the UK from presenting national programmes, including BBC Breakfast, BBC Crimewatch Roadshow and Panorama. She has also reported on some of the key moments in recent history as a senior news correspondent for the BBC network.

09.40am | Welcome and Scene Setting
Gerraint Oakley, Chair, Community Housing Cymru

10.00am | Keynote - Governance after Grenfell: Lessons learned and the road ahead

10.30am | Panel - Building a culture of accountability

11.00am | Coffee break, exhibition viewing and networking

11.30am | Keynote - Listen, act, learn: harnessing strategic insights from complaints
Michelle Morris, Public Services Ombudsman for Wales

The public services ombudsman possesses a unique and valuable perspective on the performance of housing associations and public services. Drawing on extensive experience and a wealth of case studies, she will share her insights on the service delivery of housing associations, together with reflections on the cultural conditions to create thriving organisations that deliver for our communities.

She will reflect on the proactive and responsive approach to complaints handling from housing associations that can not only improve tenant satisfaction and build stronger relationships with their communities but also demonstrate their commitment to good governance.


12.10pm | Workshops

Workshop 1 - Strengthening our approach to legislation

Join CHC Chief Executive Stuart Ropke to reflect on lessons learned from recent legislative development and implementation, and how we can continue to strengthen our shared response.

Workshop 2 - Navigating procurement - Governance, impact and opportunity

With procurement legislation evolving, organisations must adapt not just to remain compliant but to harness the opportunities these changes bring. This workshop will explore the wider impacts of the new procurement legislation, focusing on the role of board members and governance professionals in ensuring effective implementation. Featuring insights from Carl Thomas of the Welsh Government, we’ll discuss what good governance looks like in practice—covering strategic responses, risk management, and how organisations can embed best practices to drive value and social impact.

Workshop 3 - Navigating the social housing insurance market: challenges and strategies
Jill Jones, Gallagher

The social housing insurance market has faced significant challenges over the last few years with limited choice, key providers withdrawing from the market creating capacity constraints and forcing many housing organisations to seek alternative solutions. There are now signs that the Social Housing Insurance market is beginning to improve.

This session will examine the evolving landscape of social housing insurance, with a focus on governance, risk management, and strategic approaches to securing adequate cover. We will discuss the implications of market shifts for boards and risk professionals, explore best practices for mitigating exposure, and consider how organisations can navigate an increasingly complex insurance environment.

Workshop 4 - To be confirmed

13.10pm | Lunch, networking and exhibition viewing

14.00pm | Keynote: David Jones

In a world of rapid technological advancement, organisations face a crucial challenge: how to embrace innovation while safeguarding against risk. David currently holds roles as Non-executive Chair of the DVLA and is a Non-executive Director at Ofwat.

A seasoned leader in technology, regulation, and governance, David Jones brings invaluable insights into striking this delicate balance.
With a career spanning technology entrepreneurship, investment, and non-executive leadership across sectors including healthcare, telecoms, and financial regulation, David has a unique perspective on the intersection of innovation and risk management. Having advised organisations such as Ofcom and the Welsh Revenue Authority, he understands the complexities of navigating change while maintaining resilience.

In this keynote, David will explore how organisations can harness new opportunities without exposing themselves to unnecessary threats. Drawing on real-world experience and practical strategies, he will provide a roadmap for leaders looking to drive progress while ensuring robust governance and security.

Join us for an insightful session that will challenge conventional thinking and equip you with the tools to innovate with confidence.

14.45pm | Workshops

Workshop 1 - Looking into the legal horizon

Join Hugh James for an insightful overview of key legislative changes affecting the housing sector. Harriet Morgan, Partner at Hugh James and a leading expert in governance and property for charities and not-for-profits, will highlight key developments and their impact on housing associations.

Ranked by Chambers and Partners, Harriet specialises in governance structures, social housing developments, and regulatory compliance. Known as a “tough and highly ethical negotiator,” she provides clear, strategic advice to help organisations navigate legal complexities.

This session will explore upcoming legislation and the importance of strong governance in ensuring compliance and resilience.

Workshop 2 - Smart risk management: Balancing protection and opportunity

Risk management is often seen as a hurdle to innovation, but with the right approach, it can be a powerful driver of success. In this interactive workshop, Barcud Shared Services will explore how organisations can navigate risk effectively without stifling opportunities for growth and innovation.

With expertise in internal audit, procurement, governance, and risk management, Barcud Shared Services helps organisations enhance resilience, improve efficiency, and achieve strategic objectives. This session will provide practical insights, real-world case studies, and proven strategies to help you embed a proactive risk management culture that balances compliance with progress.

Designed for leaders, decision-makers, and risk professionals, this workshop will equip you with the tools to turn risk into a strategic advantage—boosting efficiency, reducing overheads, and unlocking new opportunities.
Join us to learn how smart risk management can empower, not restrict, your organisation’s future.

Workshop 3 - It’s all about the asset! How Board Members can shape what & how asset management services are delivered
Kieran Colgan, ARK Consultancy

The session will focus on using board members’ time better to drive what and how asset management services are delivered. Kieran will focus on the critical importance of strategy and ensuring scrutiny and oversight remain focused on the things that really matter.

Workshop 4 - Governance for Impact – and what unicorns have to do with it

Join Board Chair, Kirsten and Chief Executive, Marcia to hear how Caredig has been learning lessons from beyond the sector to shape their approach within the Board and across the organisation to governing with impact. This workshop will introduce the methodologies they have used, and their practical application, with a focus on achieving successful outcomes using risk based, data driven decisions.

15.45pm | Coffee break, exhibition viewing and networking

16.10pm | Keynote - Cyber Innovation Hub: Safeguarding the Future

In the digital age, cybersecurity is a fundamental aspect of any organisation’s operations. Yet, despite its critical nature, many organisations still perceive it as the sole responsibility of the IT department. This mindset is outdated and dangerous. Cybersecurity is an organisational-wide concern, and the ultimate responsibility lies with the highest levels of leadership. If a breach occurs, it is not the head of IT but the CEO who will be in the spotlight.
In this session, we will be joined by Andy from Cyber Innovation Hub who will share insights into how organisations can effectively safeguard themselves against the ever-evolving cyber risks. It is now a case of when, not if, your organisation will suffer a cyber-attack. This will include consideration of how to manage incidents and you will discover practical steps to improve your organisation’s cybersecurity posture. This is a must-attend session for anyone seeking to stay ahead of cybersecurity threats and improve the resilience of their organisation.

16.40pm | End of Day 1: Chair's reflections

17.00pm | Networking with exhibitors

17.30pm - 18.30pm | CHC Drinks reception and canapes

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Day 2 - Thursday 27 March

8.45am | Registration, networking and exhibition viewing

9.30am | Introduction to Day Two
Sian Lloyd, Conference Chair

9.40am | Keynote: Changing landscape: Rules, regulations and expectations

10.15am | Panel session: Housing Association Boards - from foundations to the future

Our panel will discuss the challenges of being a board member and ensuring effective governance in an increasingly complex environment. We'll reflect on how boards have evolved, explore future needs, and gain insights from diverse perspectives on navigating governance in housing associations.

10.45am | Coffee break, exhibition viewing and networking

11.10pm | Workshops

Workshop 1 - Regulatory update

Join this essential workshop delivered by the Regulator of Social Housing, where delegates will reflect on key regulatory matters shaping the sector. This session will provide valuable insights into current regulatory challenges and offer practical guidance for ensuring compliance and improving housing standards. It’s an opportunity for housing professionals to engage with the regulator and gain a deeper understanding of the latest developments in the sector.

Workshop 2 - Finance for non-financial professionals
Sarah Prescott, Redyn Consulting

This workshop will support board members and governance professionals with the skills to focus on finance and the critical questioning needed for financial planning, assurance, and comprehension. The session will reflect on examples and support attendees as board members and as governance professionals to create the conditions needed for good financial governance.

Workshop 3 - Welsh Language Standards: What could these mean for the housing sector?

Deputy Welsh Language Commissioner Osian Llywelyn will join us to discuss the implications of the language standards and what the transition to these standards could mean in practice for the sector. He will outline how the Commissioner's office will collaborate with housing associations, and be able to answer questions to support housing associations to prepare for this change.

Workshop 4 - Mapping your organisation's culture
Pip Gwynn, Insight HRC

This session will provide a clear definition of what "culture" is and the impact it can have on organisational performance. You will have the opportunity to use Insight's Culture Map to identify the strengths and potential risks in your existing culture. The Map will help you to find "quick wins" to support the culture you want to strengthen and where to start more significant change. Finally, the workshop will look at how organisational culture has changed as a result of hybrid working and what that means for culture change activities.

12.10pm | Lunch

13.10pm | Keynote: Creating a culture with connection: Understanding the human experience

John Sills, a leading author and partner at The Foundation will discuss the significance of the human experience. He will draw on his extensive research and real-world examples to illustrate why emotional experiences are as crucial as functional ones, and how organisations and leaders can harness this.

13.50pm | Workshops

Workshop 1 - The impact of the consumer regulations in England
Ceri Victory-Rowe, Campbell Tickell

The introduction of new consumer standards for social housing in England was heralded as a way to drive improvement in social housing standards in England. In this workshop Ceri Victory-Rowe will examine the impact that the standards have had to date.

Workshop 2 -Navigating the social housing insurance market: challenges and strategies
Jill Jones, Gallagher

The social housing insurance market has faced significant challenges over the last few years with limited choice, key providers withdrawing from the market creating capacity constraints and forcing many housing organisations to seek alternative solutions. There are now signs that the Social Housing Insurance market is beginning to improve.

This session will examine the evolving landscape of social housing insurance, with a focus on governance, risk management, and strategic approaches to securing adequate cover. We will discuss the implications of market shifts for boards and risk professionals, explore best practices for mitigating exposure, and consider how organisations can navigate an increasingly complex insurance environment.

Workshop 3 - To be confirmed

Workshop 4 - To be confirmed

14.50pm | Conference close

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Accommodation

Please note that CHC won’t be booking accommodation for delegates. We know many of you prefer to choose your hotel. There are many hotel options close by in central Cardiff.

However, we have secured an allocation of 20 rooms at the Park Plaza on Greyfriars Road, about 20 minutes from the venue. For bookings of 26th March 2025, they have a special rate of £119.00 for single occupancy bed and breakfast. Please get in touch with Park Plaza directly on 029 20 111 125 to make a reservation.

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Getting there

At CHC, we encourage sustainable travel to our events. Here are the best ways to reach the venue.

By bike

There’s external bike parking available outside the main entrance to Sbarc. Please note that the venue or CHC cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage to bicycles that are stored there.

By train

Sbarc is only a 10-minute walk from Cathays train station. There are regular train services from Cardiff Central to Cathays train station.

By bus

There are several nearby bus stops on Maindy Road, Cathays Terrace and Albany Road, all with easy access to the Sbarc building. You can plan your journey here.

By car

There is accessible parking available at the front of Sbarc for Blue Badge holders. Please let us know if you’d like a space, we’ll make sure one is available for you.

There is on-street pay and display parking along Maindy Road, and the surrounding area. You can sse the MiPermitapp to pay for parking or call the number on the signage displayed by the parking bays.


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