In a session looking at leadership, the former First Minister will be joined by the chair of the Scottish Housing Regulator, George Walker, to discuss and reflect on what separates a good leader from a great leader, how best to build teams and how to deal with the unexpected.

A key event in the housing sector calendar, Scotland’s Housing Festival takes place at Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 March 2025.

The event brings together housing professionals from across Scotland to gain and share learning, collaborate and build relationships. From inspirational keynotes to roundtable discussions and networking activities, the festival provides access to a packed line-up of leaders and academics from a wide variety of disciplines, all committed to supporting everyone’s right to a safe place to call home.

Other speakers confirmed for the main stage include Andrew McMillan, former head of customer service, John Lewis, Professor Duncan McLennan from the University of Glasgow as well as parliamentarians from across Scotland’s political parties.

The festival will examine topics including the housing emergency, homes for life, meeting the ambitions of net zero, how to make a career in housing, the impact of artificial intelligence and action to prevent homelessness.

Callum Chomczuk, national director of CIH Scotland, said: “We have an incredible line-up of speakers for our 2025 Housing Festival, including the former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP. Her opening session with George Walker, chair of the Scottish Housing Regulator on leadership is a must attended for everyone in the sector.”