In this episode of the Scottish Housing News Podcast, Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black discuss the theme of 'Everybody Needs Good Neighbours' for Scottish Housing Day. They explore the importance of community and neighbourliness, the role of housing associations in fostering social connections, and the challenges of social isolation.
Guests Callum Chomczuk, the national director for Scotland at the Chartered Institute of Housing, and Jamie Ballantyne, social regeneration manager at Queens Cross Housing Association, share insights on community engagement, the impact of digital connectivity, and the significance of small gestures in building trust and cohesion within neighbourhoods.
The conversation emphasises the need for investment in social housing and the potential for positive change through community-driven initiatives.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Scottish Housing Day
02:49 The Importance of Neighbourliness
05:33 Community Engagement and Regeneration Projects
08:25 Building Trust and Connections
11:08 Addressing Anti-Social Behaviour
13:49 The Role of Housing Associations
16:28 Celebrating Community Initiatives
19:34 The Impact of Social Isolation
22:19 Measuring Success in Community Work
25:03 Challenges and Opportunities for Housing Associations
28:04 Fostering Pride in Communities
30:54 Conclusion and Neighbourly Gestures
Further reading:
Scottish Housing Day report: https://www.cih.org/publications/scottish-housing-day-report-everybody-needs-good-neighbours/
Queens Cross Housing Association Social Regeneration Impact Report: 2024/25: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/uploads/SR%20Impact%20Report%20and%20cover%20202425%20Final%20Draft%20V3.pdf
Cedar mural design: https://www.qcha.org.uk/news/484-over-200-local-children-help-with-cedar-mural-design
A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/scottish-housing-day-celebrating-good-neighbours-podcast-transcript
Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here:
Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.
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In this episode, Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black discuss the pressing issue of homelessness with Maureen Knight from Albyn Housing Society and Pamela Forrest from Riverside Scotland.
They explore innovative strategies to prevent homelessness, focusing on proactive tenancy sustainment and the Housing First for Families initiative. The conversation highlights the unique challenges faced in different regions, the importance of community support, and the need for sustained funding from policymakers to effectively address housing issues.
Success stories from both organisations illustrate the positive impact of their services on families and individuals in need.
Chapters
00:00
Introduction
02:54
Highland Housing Challenge
07:38
Housing First for Families initiative
13:42
Proactive tenancy sustainment services
17:53
Community benefits and Tenant Support Fund
19:44
Expansion of Housing First in Dumfries and Galloway
22:04
Support systems for homeless families
27:10
Common challenges in remote communities
30:24
The role of policymakers in housing solutions
35:17
Success stories: Transforming lives through support
A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/tenancy-sustainment-podcast-transcript
Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-avoiding-arrears-voids-relets-and-failure
Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.
Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:
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Join hosts Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black as they delve into the complexities of housing adaptations in Scotland. Featuring insights from Professor Vikki McCall from the University of Stirling and SFHA policy manager Susie Fitton, this episode explores the challenges and opportunities in adapting homes for an ageing population.
Discover findings from the ‘What’s Next For Adaptations?’ report, the latest research from ISPA and the University of Stirling which has been commissioned by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), the Chartered Institute for Housing Scotland (CIH Scotland) and the Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers (ALACHO).
Highlighting the urgent need for policy reform to support independent living and future-proof housing stock, the episode also explores the importance of timely and appropriate adaptations, challenges in the current adaptation system, the role of housing associations and local authorities, and the impact of adaptations on health and social care.
Resources:
‘What’s next for adaptations?’ full report - https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/uploads/SFHA%20-%20ISPA%20What%27s%20Next%20for%20Adaptations%20-%20Full.pdf
‘What’s next for adaptations?’ executive summary - https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/uploads/SFHA%20-%20ISPA%20What%27s%20Next%20for%20Adaptations%20-%20Summary%20DIGITAL.pdf
‘Road to 2026: Homes Fit for the Future’ report - https://www.sfha.co.uk/sites/default/files/2025-07/PDF%20-%20Road%20to%202026%2C%20Homes%20Fit%20for%20the%20Future.pdf
Don't forget to subscribe and share the podcast. Visit our website for more insights and resources.
A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/whats-next-for-adaptations-podcast-transcript
Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-adapt-and-thrive
Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.
Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:
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Host Kieran Findlay delves into the world of cohousing with guests Tom Morton, convener of Cohousing Scotland, and Jenny Rambridge, a founding member of Hope Cohousing.
Discover how cohousing fosters supportive communities, addresses housing challenges, and promotes sustainability, but also hear about the challenges and barriers in implementing the model in Scotland.
Explore more about cohousing and join the conversation by visiting Cohousing Scotland's website and engaging with their online community.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0hUoRAykGtHzsA1Jikeruw
https://www.facebook.com/cohousingscotland
A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/cohousing-transcript
Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News.
Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:
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For this episode of the Scottish Housing News Podcast, Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black discuss the pressing issues of damp and mould in housing, focusing on the new Awaab’s Law legislation that mandates social landlords to address health hazards within strict timelines.
Kerry Brown, co-founder and director of Alator Data Services, and Patrick McRedmond, the company’s technical product support manager, believe that not all RSLs are ready for the change.
With backgrounds in housing, compliance, and environmental monitoring, they bring a unique perspective to this field and raise an important question: if the problem is now clearly the landlord’s to solve, is it still possible — and appropriate — to talk about tenant behaviour?
A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/damp-mould-and-tenant-behaviour-podcast-transcript
Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-data-beats-damp
Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.
Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:
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In this episode of the Scottish Housing News podcast, hosts Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black discuss the complexities of retrofitting tenement buildings in Scotland with experts Josiah Lockhart, Mike Heffron, and Chris Carus.
They explore the unique challenges posed by the ownership structures of tenements, the barriers to decarbonisation, and the importance of community engagement.
The conversation highlights the need for innovative financial models, regulatory frameworks, and technical solutions to address the pressing issues of energy efficiency and climate resilience in Scotland's housing stock.
Josiah Lockhart is the chief executive of Changeworks, one of Scotland’s leading environmental charities driving low-carbon living and retrofit innovation. Mike Heffron is the chief executive of Under One Roof Scotland, the national information service for tenement owners tackling common repair and maintenance. Chris Carus is co-founder and executive officer of Loco Home Retrofit CIC, a social enterprise empowering communities to take climate action through home retrofit.
Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-we-need-to-talk-about-tenement-retrofit-and-heat-networks
Related links
General info: underoneroof.scot
Guidance for owners on the installation of solar panels, heat pumps or insulation in common parts of tenements in Scotland: https://underoneroof.scot/local-energy-scotland-partners-with-harper-macleod-under-one-roof-and-loco-homes-on-new-retrofit-guidance/
Retrofit for factors toolkit: https://underoneroof.scot/new-toolkit-available-factoring-in-tenement-retrofit/
Whole Tenement Retrofit feasibility study Loco Homes and Under One Roof: https://underoneroof.scot/what-will-new-heat-in-buildings-bill-mean-for-homeowners-whole-tenement-retrofit-feasibility-study-finds-out/out/
Loco Home - New Report: Whole Tenement Retrofit Feasibility Study: https://locohome.coop/2024/10/our-new-report-whole-tenement-retrofit-case-study/
Living Rent report critical of Edinburgh's Lochend council flat retrofit project: https://www.livingrent.org/lochend_mtis_a_retrofit_case_study and https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/melissa-esquerre-a-personal-account-of-edinburghs-dystopian-mandatory-retrofit-scheme
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to tenements in Scotland
02:59 Challenges of retrofitting tenements
05:50 Community and ownership dynamics
09:01 Barriers to decarbonisation
11:54 Case studies and real-world examples
15:03 Legal and regulatory frameworks
17:48 Future directions and innovations
21:04 Community engagement and support
23:56 Financial models and investment
26:55 Technical solutions and heat pumps
29:47 Conclusion and next steps
Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.
Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:
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In this episode of the Scottish Housing News Podcast, Professor Duncan McLennan discusses the complexities of the Scottish housing system, addressing the notion of a housing emergency, the implications of the right to buy policy, and the urgent need for increased social housing.
Speaking with hosts Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black, he emphasises the economic impacts of housing, the importance of quality and location, and the challenges faced in rural housing markets. The conversation also touches on the role of government in housing policy, the necessity for disruption in current practices, and the future directions for housing in Scotland.
A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/duncan-mclennan-transcipt
Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-i-was-aghast
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Housing Challenges in Scotland
03:02 Understanding the Housing Emergency
05:55 The Right to Buy and Its Implications
09:12 The Need for Increased Social Housing
12:03 Housing as a Merit Good and Economic Impact
15:00 The Role of Government in Housing Policy
17:56 Housing and Economic Growth
20:49 Productivity and Housing Quality
24:07 The Importance of Location in Housing
26:57 Challenges in Rural Housing Markets
29:52 The Future of Housing Policy in Scotland
33:04 Rent Control and Investment Concerns
36:00 The Need for Disruption in Housing Policy
38:48 Conclusion and Future Directions
Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.
Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:
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In this episode of the Scottish Housing News Podcast, the discussion revolves around the proposed amendments to the Housing Scotland Bill, particularly focusing on homelessness prevention.
The conversation features insights from Susie Fitton, policy manager at the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), Meave McGoldrick, head of policy and communications at Crisis in Scotland, and John Mills, head of housing at Fife Council and co-chair of ALACHO, exploring the implications of the Bill, the role of local authorities, the importance of collaboration, and the challenges faced in implementing these changes.
The episode also addresses the need for a cultural shift in how homelessness is approached, emphasising prevention over crisis management, and the necessity for adequate resources and support systems to effectively tackle the issue.
A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/amendments-to-the-housing-bill-with-susie-fitton-john-mills-and-maeve-mcgoldrick-podcast-transcript
Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-do-your-job-by-law
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to the Housing Scotland Bill
03:09
Key Amendments and Their Implications
05:48
The Role of Local Authorities in Homelessness Prevention
09:01
Challenges in Implementation and Resource Allocation
11:52
The Importance of Collaboration and Data Sharing
15:10
Addressing Domestic Abuse in Housing Policy
18:02
The Carrot vs. Stick Debate in Housing Legislation
20:46
Future Directions and Key Amendments Needed
24:08
Conclusion and Next Steps
Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.
Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:
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Gillian Campbell, director of the Existing Homes Alliance, and CIH Scotland's policy and practice manager, Ashley Campbell, join Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black to discuss the Scottish Government's newly revised Heat in Buildings Bill.
They explore the Bill's key provisions, its impact on industry, the challenges it faces, and the importance of balancing climate goals with fuel poverty. The conversation also highlights the need for effective communication and public awareness regarding energy efficiency, as well as the diverse solutions required for different properties.
The role of social landlords and the private rented sector in meeting energy efficiency standards is also examined, along with the pressing issue of energy costs.
A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/the-revised-heat-in-buildings-bill-with-gillian-campbell-and-ashley-campbell-podcast-transcript
Chapters
00:00 -Introduction to the Heat in Buildings Bill
03:02 - Key Provisions and Objectives of the Bill
06:08 - Impact on Industry and Investment
08:51 - Challenges and Concerns with the Bill
12:07 - Balancing Climate Goals and Fuel Poverty
15:02 - Communication and Public Awareness
17:56 - Diverse Solutions for Different Properties
21:11 - Role of Social Landlords in Energy Efficiency
24:11 - Private Rented Sector and Minimum Standards
27:00 - Addressing Energy Costs and Efficiency
Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.
Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:
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Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black catch up with Martin Wilkie McFarlane, who shares insights from his experience with Wellhouse Housing Association during a critical period of regulatory intervention.
The conversation explores the challenges faced by Wellhouse, the impact of regulatory actions, and the broader implications for the housing sector in Scotland.
Martin reflects on his career in housing, the ongoing homelessness crisis, and his future plans after leaving Wellhouse.
A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/martin-wilkie-mcfarlane-on-wellhouse-regulatory-intervention-and-more-transcript
Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-my-fascinating-catch-up-with-martin-wilkie-mcfarlane
Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.
Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:
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“Compulsory purchase reform is absolutely critical because we do need a backstop if landowners aren't prepared to come to the table on reasonable terms.”
In this episode, Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black speak to two guests who have new proposals to help adequately house people living in rural areas.
Hamish Trench is the chief executive and accountable officer of the Scottish Land Commission, which has just published a new report that outlines various proposals to increase the supply of developable land and therefore the supply of affordable homes in rural areas.
And returning to the podcast is Ailsa Raeburn, chair of Community Land Scotland, which among other things has called for a Right to Live to be introduced to establish a legal right for people to live in the community where they grew up.
This podcast episode discusses the pressing issue of rural housing in Scotland, focusing on the challenges faced by communities in securing affordable homes. The conversation highlights the 'Right to Live' proposal aimed at ensuring local residents have access to housing, the importance of land supply for development, and the need for coordinated efforts among public bodies to address the housing crisis.
The guests emphasise the role of local authorities and the necessity of innovative solutions to support builders and developers in rural areas. The conversation delves into the pressing issues surrounding housing emergencies in Scotland, exploring the roles of compulsory purchase, taxation measures, and planning reforms.
The speakers discuss innovative strategies for housing development, the impact of the closure of Rural Housing Scotland, and the need for long-term solutions to ensure sustainable community growth. They emphasise the importance of collaboration across government and the necessity of creative thinking to address the housing crisis effectively.
A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/rural-housing-public-land-acquisition-and-the-right-to-live-podcast-transcript
Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-more-equitable-land-ownership-can-put-future-of-rural-housing-on-solid-ground
Further reading:
SHN report on the new report from the Scottish Land Commission -https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/strong-role-for-public-land-acquisition-to-tackle-rural-housing-crisis-finds-scottish-land-commission
Land supply for housing in rural Scotland -http://scottishhousingnews.com/uploads/Land%20supply%20for%20housing%20in%20rural%20Scotland.pdf
‘Right to live’ coverage on SHN -https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/tag/right-to-live
Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.
Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/
https://www.instagram.com/scottishhousingnews
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“We go into this project not looking for awards but it's good actually to recognise the contribution of our staff and it's also a good way for our suppliers and the other stakeholders in this to be recognised as well. So it's a win-win-win for customers, us and the contractors.”
If you could cut your tenants’ heating bills by 80%, you would, wouldn’t you? That’s what River Clyde Homes think they’ve achieved at a multi-storey block with 91 flats on the wild and windy hill above Greenock.
So Jimmy Black and Kieran Findlay got in the car and went to see chief executive Richard Turnock and head of energy & sustainability Duncan Smith, as well as Ryan Ferrier, design manager from Kier Construction, for a guided tour of their energy centre and the fabulously refurbished Prospecthill Court, which is now a very desirable multi.
Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-prospecthill-court-shows-how-multis-can-be-desirable-places-to-live
Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.
Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:
https://twitter.com/ScotHousingNews
https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/
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Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/
“If we can get 90% of it right, I'd be delighted if somebody else came up with the other 10% and built on that. That's the history of social housing, right? Standing on the shoulders of giants and keeping getting better and better and better. We're just part of that chain.”
Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black wrap up their series on accessible housing with an exploration into what it takes to deliver a fully accessible home.
Simon Fitzpatrick, the chief executive of Blackwood, shares the story behind a £17.5 million development that will bring 66 highly adapted, technologically advanced homes to the Charleston area of Dundee.
Each of the homes is equipped with Blackwood's CleverCogs technology and there’s also some larger properties based on the Blackwood House design, both of which are explained in this episode.
Recorded just days after the Housing & Social Care Accessibility Summit, the episode also includes discussions about the collaboration required to deliver a fully accessible development, measuring success and housing legacy.
A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/accessible-housing-part-4-podcast-transcript
Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-wheels-lifts-and-transformational-housing
Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.
Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:
https://twitter.com/ScotHousingNews
https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/
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Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/
“Partnership work is about relationships, it's knowing people, it's understanding each of us have roles and responsibilities but keeping in mind what we're all trying to achieve at the end of the day and that's the outcomes for people that live in our communities to allow them to thrive and survive.”
Continuing with their accessible housing series, Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black focus on the link between housing and social care services with a look into a region where it is working really well.
Jacquie Pepper, chief officer/director at the Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership and Elaine Ritchie, strategic lead for Housing & Communities at Perth & Kinross Council, share how their Independent Living Panel serves as a forum for partnership working between housing, PKHSCP and other agencies, including RSLs and care providers.
There’s a look into how Perth & Kinross has integrated technology into its social care services and why the Gannochy Trust estate provides an ideal development for care integration.
The episode ends with a plea from Elaine Ritchie for the Scottish Government to reinvest in affordable housing to ease the current pressure on services and advance its own poverty agenda.
Jacquie Pepper will join one of the panel sessions at the Housing & Social Care Accessibility Summit, which will take place at the V&A Dundee on September 26th.
A transcript of this episode is available here:
https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/accessible-housing-part-3-podcast-transcript
Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here:
Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.
Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:
https://twitter.com/ScotHousingNews
https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/
https://www.facebook.com/ScotHousingNews
Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/
“If we don't grab and grab with both hands that prevention agenda, do more now, given we know what's coming our way from our demographics, then we are going to be in a much worse state than we are now in 10, 20 years time.”
Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black continue their exploration of the current issues surrounding social care and accessible housing with Angela Currie, the chief executive of Hanover Scotland.
Angela talks about the difficulty in forging the cross-sector relationships required to deliver the level of service and quality of homes to its older residents, particularly with regard to procurement and strategic partnerships.
We look ahead to the results of the Scottish Housing Accessibility Standard consultation and look back on the legacy of the late Julia Fitzpatrick.
Hanover has recently come on board as a sponsor for the event, which will take place at the V&A Dundee on September 26th.
A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/accessible-housing-part-2-podcast-transcript
Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-ijbs-and-the-sword-of-damocles
Further reading:
Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.
Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:
https://twitter.com/ScotHousingNews
https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/
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Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/
“You can't do all of the things that people take for granted if you can't get in and out of your house.”
In the run-up to the Housing & Social Care Accessibility Summit in Dundee, Jimmy Black and Kieran Findlay discuss the practical housing issues often confronted by people with disabilities with the campaigning MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy.
Pam, who represents a Glasgow regional seat and is deputy convener of the Cross Party Parliamentary Group on Disability, will chair a session at the event in September.
The discussion touches on her role in a public consultation on accessible housing, which fed into a wider commission on housing, and the following conclusions of that report.
They also speak about the wider benefits of people being able to live independently and how important it is that people with accessibility requirements are involved in these discussions.
A transcript of this episode is available here.
Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here.
Tickets for the Housing & Social Care Accessibility Summit are available here.
Further reading:
Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.
Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:
https://twitter.com/ScotHousingNews
https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/
https://www.facebook.com/ScotHousingNews
Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/
“We have a theory of change which demonstrates the changes we are hoping to see in people's lives that will ultimately help us achieve our vision of a world where everyone has an equal chance to create a safe and supportive place to call home.”
Returning to the subject of homelessness, Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black speak to two charities that between them have been operating in Scotland for almost 350 years.
Helen Murdoch and Janet Haugh provide brief histories of their respective charities, The Salvation Army and Right There, before turning the focus to current challenges.
We then discuss The Salvation Army’s Breaking the Cycle report, which recommends urgent collection of data on the number of people rough sleeping, along with cause-of-death data for anyone who dies while living in temporary accommodation, as well as the Right There Impact Report, which measured the saving to the public purse as a result of the support that it provides to people facing or experiencing homelessness.
A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/the-holistic-approach-to-homelessness-podcast-transcript
Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-space-time-empathy-and-practical-stuff-saves-cash
Further reading:
Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.
Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:
https://twitter.com/ScotHousingNews
https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/
https://www.facebook.com/ScotHousingNews
Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/
“In crisis situations, don't try and save face in front of us. Tell us the warts and all. Tell us the reality of the situation here. If we're going in with one hand tied behind our back, then it isn't going to end well.”
In this episode of the Scottish Housing News Podcast, Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black discuss the value of effective communications in the social housing sector with Sally Thomas, the chief executive at the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, and Chris Fairbairn, an associate director at public relations consultancy Holyrood PR.
Social landlords have great stories to tell and its important to raise the reputation of your association and your work.
But what about when things aren’t going so well? The increased expectations of social landlords today bring ever-heightened scrutiny, and couple that with a cost of living crisis and a housing emergency then communicating the right message to the right people is crucial.
Listen to the guests share their insights on managing expectations against budget pressures, how landlords can recover their reputation amid a housing emergency and whether the ‘black arts’ are still practised by today’s PR companies.
A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/communications-during-a-crisis-podcast-transcript
Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany this episode here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-if-you-put-peoples-backs-up-they-go-to-the-papers
Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.
Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:
https://twitter.com/ScotHousingNews
https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/
https://www.facebook.com/ScotHousingNews
Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/
Jimmy Black and Kieran Findlay conclude their series on the Scottish Government’s new Housing Bill with an interview with the minister responsible for bringing the legislation through Parliament, housing minister Paul McLennan.
The wide-ranging discussion centred on measures in the proposed legislation such as rent controls, homelessness and domestic abuse.
Mr McLennan also shared details of the first meeting of the Housing Investment Taskforce, which he described as one of many avenues the Scottish Government is looking to boost housebuilding.
The minister also said he intends to share details on an action plan to tackle Scotland's housing emergency over the next few days after a Housing to 2040 strategy group meeting took place last week.
A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/housing-bill-part-4-paul-mclennan-podcast-transcript
Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany this episode here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-half-an-hour-with-the-housing-minister
Catch up with the rest of the Housing Bill series here:
For more information on SHN’s Housing & Social Care Accessibility Summit in partnership with Horizon Housing, click here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/horizon-announces-summit-to-develop-solutions-for-accessible-housing-and-social-care-crisis
Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.
Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:
https://twitter.com/ScotHousingNews
https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/
https://www.facebook.com/ScotHousingNews
Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/
Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black continue their look into the new Housing Bill with a look at the duties expected of social landlords regarding domestic abuse.
Under the proposed legislation, social landlords will have to provide support to tenants experiencing rent arrears or risk of homelessness due to domestic abuse, and to publish a policy on how it will exercise these functions.
To help explore what a domestic abuse policy could entail, and the key role that social landlords could have in tackling the issue, the panel included Michelle Meldrum, the chief executive at Berwickshire Housing Association, Eileen McMullan, policy lead at the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, and returning to the podcast was Sophie Berry, a solicitor at Govan Law Centre.
A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/the-housing-bill-part-3-domestic-abuse-podcast-transcript
Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-violence-in-the-home
Further reading:
Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.
Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:
https://twitter.com/ScotHousingNews
https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/
https://www.facebook.com/ScotHousingNews
Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/