This year was an exciting new era for the event – returning for the first time since 2019. Hosted at the iconic Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow, the programme showcased an unrivalled line-up of expert speakers, the most topical workshops, insightful study visits, and engaging discussions, across a new two-day format.

Ilene Campbell, TIS chief executive, said: “I was delighted to see the TIS National Housing Conference and Exhibition return face-to-face this year; the first since 2019 and post-pandemic.

“Throughout that time the Scottish social housing landscape has changed, and new challenges have risen. I can’t stress enough that it is more important than ever before that tenants, communities and housing organisations, come together, as a collective to reinforce the legal obligation to consult tenants, and provide meaningful opportunities to influence housing policy and practice and promote better housing for the tenants of today and tomorrow.”

Focused on manifesting five key themes (cost-of-living, net zero ambitions, Housing to 2040 and a New Deal for Tenants, vibrant communities, and housing as a human right) the most eagerly anticipated highlights of the event included a panel session, chaired by award-winning journalist and broadcaster, Pennie Taylor.

Panellists, including Professor Paddy Gray OBE – professor emeritus of housing at Ulster University, Louise Butchart – head of housing and construction at Dundee City Council, Jon Turner – chief executive at Link, and Janelle Couper – member of Maryhill Tenant Service Improvement Group, were invited to share facts and offer opinions on how we build a housing system resilient enough to tackle some of the most pertinent issues.

Interactive workshops explored revitalising and boosting economy, climate change and your home, tenant scrutiny in action, international housing perspectives, campaigning to end fuel poverty, youth engagement, damp and mould, supporting refugees to rebuild their lives, and the regulatory framework review, led by Aico, CIH Scotland, Connect Modular, Cunninghame Housing Association, Elderpark Housing Association, Energy Action Scotland, Scotland’s Housing Network, Scottish Housing Regulator, and Swedish Tenant’s Association.

Study visits invited delegates to see the latest housing and community developments, first-hand, at the Claypits – Glasgow’s inner city nature reserve, Lambhill Stables – an 1815 staging post turned community hub, and the £140 million Laurieston transformation led by New Gorbals Housing Association.

Keynote sessions included a truly inspirational plenary by Michael Byrne, director of community housing services at Thenue Housing Association, on his journey through trauma to triumph, focused on overcoming traumatic life events and challenges with mental health, and a detailed outline of the ambitions for the future of housing in Scotland, delivered by the minister for housing, Paul McLennan MSP.

TIS were also equally successful in inviting delegates to participate in raising awareness for Barnardo’s – a charity who support children, young people, and their families in specialised community-based services across the country. Delegates showcased their generosity and raised over £600.

In response to the event, TIS said it has been overwhelmed with positive feedback such as: “TIS is by far the go to conference of the year. I really appreciate all the work that TIS does to support tenants and to empower organisations and individuals like me; to step up and do what is right for our customers. I’m very proud of my connection to a wonderful organisation with such a dedicated team.”

Jonathan Giddings-Reid from Elderpark Housing Association said: “The venue was beautiful, and the speakers, workshops, and study visit to Lambhill Stables were all interesting and informative. We met delegates from all over Scotland and have made contacts to share the work that we are doing, and to build on it.

“The whole conference was excellent. It was my first time, but I hope to be back again next year. I thoroughly enjoyed the event, and it was great to talk with so many dedicated people.”

Official photographs from the event will be available to view and download online soon at www.tis.org.uk.