We started our 2024 conference with an exploration of how smaller providers are an essential part of our social infrastructure. Conference chair and Chief Executive of SHAL, Angela Gascoigne summed up the political environment in our first session. She noted that the right to a decent home is at the heart of many of the government's stated missions.

Our panelists agreed on the importance of the specialism of smaller providers and their closeness to communities. Local government should see smaller housing associations as highly valuable partners in providing social care, alleviating homelessness and the development of small sites.

We spent many sessions speaking about the regulatory landscape and the pressures on housing associations, particularly providers of supported housing. Kate Dodsworth from the Regulator of Social Housing and other panelists encouraged us to be proactive in working with the Regulator and local authorities. This means seeking clarity when it's needed and having good data.

Other sessions focused on culture, resident voice and governance. Reena Purchase, Chair of Arhag, said that chiefs and chairs should work as if they are "two sides of the same coin" and establish a "shared vision" of governance. Elizabeth Webster, from Arawak Walton, shared some useful points on equality from her perspective as a resident. She praised the initiative shown by her housing association in establishing a hate crime policy.

Economist Grace Blakely called on smaller housing associations to be agents for more "bottom-up" decision-making in society. She said there was "real value in sharing [our] experience" and those of our residents with a wider audience.

Finally, we came full circle to talk about the purpose of smaller housing associations. Tracey Downey, Chief Executive of Women's Pioneer Housing gave an excellent example of the importance of our smaller providers when she shared the history of her organisation. This showed the invaluable difference smaller providers can make in the lives of their residents.

Once again, we want to thank everyone who attended and made this conference a memorable day. We especially want to thank Angela Gascoigne for skillfully guiding us as chair. We'll see you in 2025.