Tpas Regional Event 2025: Empowering Tenants, Breaking Stigmas, and Raising the Bar with Bold Regulation!
Monday 14th of April 2025
The Tpas Regional Event 2025 was an energising celebration of innovation, collaboration, and real change in social housing. Held on April 10th April by our hosts Wolverhampton City Council, the event brought together up to 80 people who represented, local authorities, housing associations and tenants’ representatives.
Regulation Spotlight
One of the highlights of the day was the Regulator spotlight se
ssion. Michael Hill, Tenant Engagement Manager at the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH), asserted that rather than a one-size-fits-all checklist, the Regulator wants to foster a "viable, efficient, and social" housing sector that champions transparency, accountability, and active tenant engagement. Key points raised about regulatory inspections during this spotlight were:
• Importance of Tenant Feedback: A recurring theme during Michael’s presentation was the need for genuine and meaningful tenant engagement. Housing providers must have effective ways for tenants to contribute feedback and raise concerns. The regulator looks for evidence that tenants are heard and that their input informs decision-making.
- Tenant Representation in Inspections: Although the inspection process is focussed on the landlord level, , there is a clear effort to include tenants and their insight:
- Tenants that form part of the transparency & accountability framework such as scrutiny mechanisms, are involved in inspections.
- Tenant views are also utilised if provided as evidence from consultations for example or other feedback mechanisms.
- Although the detailed internal report is not made public, tenants should be made aware of the narrative judgement, especially if there are areas for improvement where tenants could influence and be involved in those improvements
• Outcome Over Process: The regulator is focused on results that reflect high-quality service and tenant respect rather than mandating every operational detail. This philosophy allows housing providers the flexibility to innovate while still meeting the core standards.
• Flexible Risk-Based Inspections: Inspections now incorporate a range of evidence—from tenant feedback and field observations to detailed internal documentation—ensuring that assessments are robust and fair. The process is designed to utilise multiple sources of evidence confirming the integrity of the ratings.
• Grading System: The grading system (starting at C1 as the minimum acceptable standard) and guiding continuous improvement. This method acknowledges the unique challenges of each housing provider while highlighting areas for future improvement.
Q&A with the Regulator: Clarifying the New Landscape
An engaging Q&A session provided the opportunity to dive deeper into the practical implications of these new regulatory methods. This interactive part of the day offered direct access to regulatory insights, allowing our tpas members to gain a clearer understanding.
Here are some highlights:
• Applicability of Technical Standards:
It was queried whether technical measures—such as fire risk assessments for duplex properties—should apply universally or only to communal areas. The regulator will follow-up and feedback to ensure clarity on these nuanced issues.
• Impact of Government Changes:
With concerns around civil service reductions potentially impacting the inspection process, the regulator offered a cautious but reassuring message. They stressed that, despite any staffing reviews or adjustments, the core mandate and regulatory processes would stay robust and reliable.
• Tenant Referrals and Influence:
Another important question focused on how tenant referrals might impact a landlord’s regulatory grading. The regulator clarified that although tenants play a vital role in the feedback process, the system is designed to draw on a broad range of evidence. No single referral could derail an overall assessment, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive evaluation.
• Use of Enforcement Tools:
Questions about when penalties might be applied were met with clear guidance: enforcement via penalties is regarded as a last resort. This tool is reserved for cases where there is a clear pattern of non-compliance, reaffirming the regulator’s preference for promoting improvement over punishment.
This underscores the Regulator’s commitment to transparency and fairness in regulation, ensuring that all stakeholders involved feel heard and supported.
Breaking Barriers: The “Stop the Social Housing Stigma” Movement
The update on the Stop the Social Housing Stigma campaign was a standout. This tenant-led initiative is challenging outdated stereotypes and paving the way for cultural change within the sector:
• Challenging Outdated Narratives:
Research highlighted that nearly half of social housing tenants feel stigmatised due to longstanding misperceptions. The campaign is committed to rewriting these narratives by showcasing the strength and dignity of social housing communities.
• A Collaborative Journey:
The introduction of the Tackling Stigma Journey Planner promises to facilitate continuous dialogue between tenants and landlords. This innovative tool is designed to build trust, inspire constructive change, and transform theoretical ideas into actionable steps.
• Empowering Voices:
Central to the campaign is the empowerment of tenants. By placing their experiences and feedback at the forefront, the initiative is proving that real cultural change must be driven by those who live the reality of social housing every day.
This movement is campaigning for the entire sector to move beyond superficial fixes and address deeply rooted issues head-on.
Other moments of Fun, Connection, and Insight
The event balanced serious discussions with vibrant, engaging activities:
• Networking with a Twist:
The Engagement Exchange session spurred participants to share success stories and tackle current challenges, creating an environment where there are innovative ideas and mutual support.
• Celebrating Engagement Heroes:
A dedicated moment was reserved for recognising those making remarkable strides in tenant engagement, reinforcing our community’s shared commitment to excellence.
The Tpas Regional Event 2025 was an opportunity to demystify regulation, network, understand what everyone can do to break down stigmas and celebrate tenants who committed to making an impact and a difference in their communities.
Watch a short video summarising key messages from the day - LinkedIn Facebook