Join us for our Annual Conference: Working together to shape thriving communities.
Tuesday 17 - Wednesday 18 November, 2026.
Virtual
FREE FOR MEMBERS
What does it take to create a place that genuinely works for the people who live there?
Our two day virtual conference, free for members, will include a mix of sessions and speakers - from members, residents, stakeholders, politicians and experts.
Those attending will get access to inspiration, ideas, the latest thinking on place-shaping, and expert insight into the challenges we face and how to work together to overcome them.
You can attend for the full two days or just chose the sessions that work for you.
Over the two days we will explore:
- How we can understand what places need and how this might change in the future – from data to community insight.
- What housing providers can do to shape-places – from strategy to real-life examples of economic, social and physical place-shaping.
- How we can work with partners and stakeholders to build and support thriving communities – from residents and local and central government to the Regulator and public services.
Register now and get the date in your diary.
Please note: Member events places are only available to member organisations and their representatives.
9.45am-10am
Welcome and opening remarks
Welcome to the conference and opening remarks.
Matthew Walker, Chair, PlaceShapers and Chief Executive, Leeds Federated.
Catherine Ryder, Chief Executive, PlaceShapers.
10am-10.30am - Keynote
Working together for our communities
In this session, a leading political thinker will share how place-shaping housing associations can be key partners in delivering local and national growth and housing ambitions.
Speaker to be announced.
10.45am-11.15am - In conversation with
The role of regulation in supporting place-shaping
In conversation with Jonathan Walters, we will discuss the challenges facing the sector, the role of regulation in supporting place-shaping, and how the Regulator’s role might change in the future.
Jonathan Walters, Chief Executive, Regulator of Social Housing.
Catherine Ryder, Chief Executive, PlaceShapers.
11.40am-12.25pm - Panel session
What place-shaping means to us
In this panel session, three organisations working in different contexts will share their approach to place-shaping, including:
- How they define place and prioritise investment.
- What this means for their structure and governance.
- How they work with partners and communities to deliver place-shaping.
Kate Smith, Chief Executive, Connexus.
Ellen Sibthorpe, Group Strategy Director, Peabody.
Chaired by Jo Savage, Board Member, PlaceShapers and Chief Executive, Greatwell Homes.
Other speakers to be confirmed.
12.45pm-1.30pm - Roundtable
Dedicated communications session
Chaired by Joanna Charlton, Communications Lead, PlaceShapers.
1.55pm-2.40pm - Panel Session
Delivering genuine accountability to communities
In this panel session, we will explore what genuine accountability to communities for place-shaping looks like in practice, including:
- Lessons from Pride in Place.
- Moving from consultation to partnership.
- Measuring and communicating impact.
Jenny Osbourne, Chief Executive, TPAS.
Caroline Jenkins, Vice Chair, Hartcliffe and Withywood Pride in Place.
Paul Smith, Director, Places for People and Chair, Hartcliffe and Withywood Pride in Place.
Chaired by Victoria Keen, Head of Place Partnerships and Engagement, Karbon Homes.
3.05pm-3.50pm - Expert Insight
Challenge 2036
In this panel session, experts will share their thoughts on challenges that will shape our communities over the next ten years – including health, climate, demographics, and access to public services.
Karen Horrocks, Health and Wellbeing Programme Manager, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities.
Chaired by Anne Waterhouse, Board Member, PlaceShapers and Chief Executive, Wandle.
Other speakers to be confirmed.
4.15pm-4.50pm - In conversation with
One place, one partnership, one big ambition
In conversation with Vicky McDermott, we will discuss how Newcastle City Council, one of only three councils to receive Strategic Partnership funding, are working with partners and communities to define and deliver an ambitious vision for the city.
Vicky McDermott, Director of Placeshaping, Newcastle City Council.
Matt Sugden, Board Member, PlaceShapers and Chief Executive, Railway.
9.15am-10am - Panel session for board members
The role of boards in place-shaping
In this session for board members, chairs will share what it means for them to lead place-shaping organisations, including:
- How they balance decisions and invest in communities.
- What it means for their vision and strategic plan.
- How it drives the culture of the organisation and the role of the board.
Gavin Wallen, Chair, Phoenix Community Housing.
Danielle Oum, Chair, EMH.
Chaired by Peter Hubbard, Partner, Anthony Collins Solicitors.
10.25am-11.10am - Panel session
Supporting community cohesion
In this panel session, we will explore the role of housing associations in supporting community cohesion.
- Experts will share their insights on what our communities feel about where they live.
- Sector leaders will share how they are enabling communities to come together and be proud of where they live and they role they play when tensions arise.
Kai Jackson, Special Membership Project Lead, TPAS.
Lou Taylor, Chair, Worthing Homes and Board Member, Abri.
Other speakers to be confirmed.
11.35am-12.20pm - Panel session
Planning and building for real communities
In this panel session, we will explore how we can be more intentional about building new homes and regenerating existing communities for the people who will live there.
- Experts will talk through principles of creating places that work better for people and nature and examples of where this can go wrong.
- Sector leaders will share how their approach to allocations, green space, and social infrastructure is shaping how they build thriving places and communities.
Anabel Palmer, Director of Property Development and Partnerships, West Kent.
Garry Hall, Senior Manager, Master Development and Design, Homes England.
Rob Cummins, Head of New Business and Regeneration, RHP.
Chaired by James Francis, Board Member, PlaceShapers and Chief Executive, Saffron.
1.30pm-2.15pm - Panel session
Improving the health of our communities
In this panel session, members will share the work they are doing to improve the health outcomes for their communities, including:
- How they are developing partnerships with the health sector, including to share data and secure funding.
- What initiatives and projects are really making a difference.
- Where this work might go in the future.
Liz Parsons, Director of Community Investment, Amplius.
Connie Jennings, Director of Stronger Communities, whg.
Chris Twomey, Chief Executive, Warrington Housing Association.
Chaired by Amy Laurie, Executive Director of Strategy, Hightown.
2.40pm-3.25pm - Panel session
Navigating the challenges of regeneration
In this panel session, members will explore how they are navigating the challenges of regeneration, including:
- How they are planning for homes that are coming to the end of their life.
- How they are working to improve communities that are at risk of getting ‘left behind’.
- How they are working in partnership with communities to ensure regeneration works for them.
Martyn Gimber, Chief Executive, North Devon Homes.
Katie Davies, Director of Development, Regenda Group.
Chaired by Kevin Rodgers, Chief Executive, Citizen.
3.50pm-4.35pm - Panel session
The place-shaper of 2036
Reflecting on the theme of the conference – working together to shape thriving communities – three sector leaders will explore:
- How political, societal and demographic changes could change the role of housing associations.
- What they are doing to prepare for the future to ensure they stay viable and relevant.
- What the place-shaping housing association of 2036 might look like.
Allister Young, Chief Executive, Coastline.
Charlie Norman, Board Member, PlaceShapers and Chief Executive, MSV.
Steve Hepworth, Chief Executive, Ongo.
Chaired by Catherine Ryder, Chief Executive, PlaceShapers.
4.35pm-4.50pm
Closing remarks
Closing remarks and reflections from the conference
Matthew Walker, Chair, PlaceShapers and Chief Executive, Leeds Federated.
Catherine Ryder, Chief Executive, PlaceShapers.