In the face of mounting pressures, this initiative aims to catalyse long-term, sector-wide innovation and build a shared roadmap for the future. 

As a new UK Government sets fresh priorities and impetus around housing, planning and regeneration, the sector faces the combined weight of rising demand on resources, economic fragility and rising community need across all corners of the UK. The urgency is clear.

Andrew van Doorn OBE, HACT’s chief executive, said: “This is about unlocking our collective potential. We’ve never needed each other more—and we’ve never had a better opportunity to design the future of this sector together.”

This programme has been designed to create space for long-term thinking, shared learning and cross-sector action and will engage senior executives, membership bodies, suppliers and stakeholders across the UK. The first phase focuses on identifying priority challenges and opportunities involving interviews and roundtables with CEOs and senior leaders, engagement with pre-existing collaborations and stakeholder networks, consultation with government, regulators and policy bodies and research into successful models inside and outside the housing sector.

This will culminate in the launch of a 3–5 year Sector Roadmap in September 2025.

Why Now?

The pressures facing the sector are converging: regulatory demands, inflation, rising poverty and homelessness, decarbonisation targets and the need for community regeneration. At the same time, the ability to respond with bold, long-term strategies is limited by siloed thinking, stretched capacity and short-term firefighting. Collaboration is no longer a nice-to-have—it is essential.

Andrew van Doorn added: “If we want to go far, we have to go together. This programme is about creating the space, structure and support for that to happen—so we can de-risk innovation, scale what works and deliver more, faster.”

The programme is supported by a growing coalition of housing associations, membership bodies, commercial partners and funders. Along with National Housing Federation, Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, Community Housing Cymru, PlaceShapers, and the Charted Institute of Housing, supporters already signed up include L&Q, Clarion, Orbit, Platform, Anchor, Guinness, Moat, Magna, Places for People, Fusion 21, South East Consortium,  Adecco, Ocean Media,  Anthony Collins and Auditel.

This is an inclusive initiative designed to bring in diverse voices from across the sector and beyond. HACT is calling on housing associations of all sizes and specialisms—as well as membership bodies and networks, suppliers, contractors and service providers, Government departments and policy bodies along with funders and philanthropic partners - to get involved and help shape the next chapter of collaboration and innovation in social housing.

Andrew van Doorn concluded: “This is a moment for the sector to come together with purpose. We have the talent, the insight and the determination across our sector. This programme is about bringing that together—creating a shared space to identify solutions, share learning and invest in what works, at scale. By working collaboratively, we can amplify our impact, accelerate innovation and build a shared future that delivers more for our residents and communities.”

To express interest in participating in discussions, sharing insights or supporting the programme, contact: Emily.Malcolm@hact.org.uk.