Hosted at the iconic Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow on Thursday 7th and Friday 8th November, the programme showcased an unrivalled line-up of expert speakers, the most topical workshops, insightful study visits, and engaging discussions, across a two-day format to explore, discuss, and challenge how to deliver the Scottish Government’s ambitious social housing plans amidst the current financial crisis and housing emergency and social economic inequalities that shadow the sector.

Focused on manifesting five key themes (tenants at the heart, housing emergency, safe and warm homes, health and wellbeing, and cost of living and affordability) the most eagerly anticipated highlights of the event included a panel session, chaired by award-winning journalist and broadcaster, Pennie Taylor.

Panellists, including Carolynne Lochhead – director of external affairs at SFHA, Deborah Hay – senior policy adviser (Scotland) at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Brian Gannon
– chief executive at West of Scotland Housing Association, and Colin Stewart – chairperson at Tenants Together, were invited to share facts and offer opinions on how to build a housing system resilient enough to tackle some of the most pertinent issues.

Interactive workshops explored revitalising and boosting economy, tenant scrutiny in action, mental health and trauma, poverty, exclusion and inequality, youth engagement, and providing safe, secure, and well maintained homes, led by Barrhead Housing Association, Dundee City Council, Glasgow Youth Council, Gilfoot Tenants and Residents Action Group, Homeless Network, Impact Arts, Link Living, Wise Group, Scottish Housing Regulator, South Lanarkshire Council, Simon Community, and Tenants Together.

Study visits invited delegates to see the latest housing and community developments, first-hand, at the Barclay’s Bank campus – rooted in the local community and economy, and the Hamiltonhill development which will see around 670 new homes, led by Queens Cross Housing Association.

Keynote sessions included a profound presentation by Vicki Appleby, a survivor of domestic abuse, as she focused on equipping people to identify the signs of domestic abuse
and urged organisations to take on board their part to provide a safety net to victim-survivors. Angela Moohan – founder and chief executive of the Larder, took to the stage to
share her mission to empower the most disadvantaged children, young people, adults, and communities to improve their life chances through access to learning and good food.

At the close of the conference, Ilene Campbell – chief executive at TIS announced plans to step down from her role in Summer 2025. Ilene first joined TIS in 1991 before being
appointed the role of CEO in 2002. Under Ilene’s two decades of leadership, TIS has enjoyed great success as she steered its team to become the leading organisation in
Scotland focused on housing, community development and engagement practice.