The Housing Plus Academy Think Tank model

The think tank model works as a know-how swap between social housing staff at all levels, specialists, researchers and government, to help social landlords respond constructively to austerity.

The Housing Plus Academy think tanks offer a unique chance to learn for different levels of staff and tenants. They are organised around key issues that directly affect social landlords and communities, such as housing young people or people needing care; involving tenants.

The events are action-orientated, practical and hands-on with experienced facilitators from Trafford Hall and LSE. The Think Tanks use participatory learning techniques, and showcase live examples of innovation, best practice and problem solving. Participants are grouped café-style at tables of around six to eight, with a mix of regions, ages, and landlords.

Special efforts are made to include ethnic minorities, younger tenants and smaller associations.

Events draw from all regions, including Wales and Scotland. Government officials have attended several Think Tanks. There is a strong practice focus to each think tank and participants get opportunities to share their experiences, materials and learning.

We produce briefings and headlines after each event. Each Think Tank produces follow up proposals for action, which reach government, chief executives, local government and major housing organisations.