This event will explore the role of housing associations working to tackle these challenges and include insights from a stakeholder involved in rolling out successful community-led housing initiatives.
Like its predecessor, the new government faces the ongoing challenge of addressing the housing shortage and fixing the broken housing market. A key objective is introducing greater flexibility, enabling communities to have a meaningful say in housing allocations and locations. But where do parish and town councils fit into this critical conversation?
This event will explore the role of housing associations working to tackle these challenges and include insights from a stakeholder involved in rolling out successful community-led housing initiatives. By the end of the event, attendees will have gained practical knowledge on effectively collaborating with grassroots-focused housing associations and the necessary steps to successfully implement community-led housing projects in their own areas. This will empower you to make a real difference in your community.
Sponsors: Blachere Illumination, CCLA and Clear Councils Insurance
NB: NALC reserves the right to change the programme at any time.




Chief executive, Community Land Trust Network
Tom Chance is chief executive of the Community Land Trust Network, the national membership body supporting community-led land ownership and affordable housing initiatives across England and Wales, where he leads organisational strategy, programme delivery and engagement with the housing, finance, local government and community sectors. Before his current role, he worked on housing and planning policy at the Greater London Authority, including communications and press work, and has held roles as a consultant and researcher for organisations such as Bioregional, the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Housing and Planning and various local authorities. Tom is also involved with sector bodies including The Housing Forum, the Right to Build Taskforce and the government's Community Led Housing Steering Group, helping to shape policy and practice for sustainable, inclusive housing solutions.

Chief executive, English Rural Housing Association
Martin Collett is chief executive with around 20 years' experience in the rural housing sector and is widely recognised for his leadership in advancing affordable housing in rural communities. A corporate member of the Chartered Institute of Housing and a graduate of the University of London, he is former chair of the Rural Housing Alliance and currently serves as a trustee of the Plunkett Foundation, supporting rural community business, and akt, the national LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity. Martin is also a director of the Rural Services Network, bringing deep sector knowledge, strategic insight and a strong commitment to ensuring rural communities can thrive through access to sustainable, affordable homes.

Secretary, Broadwindsor Group Parish Community Land Trust
Sheila Hawkins is the secretary of the Broadwindsor Group Parish Community Land Trust, where she plays a key role in supporting the organisation's governance, administration and delivery of community-led housing and local development initiatives. With deep roots in her rural community, Sheila contributes organisational oversight and strategic support to projects that aim to increase affordable housing and enhance local resilience. Her work with the Land Trust reflects a strong commitment to community empowerment, sustainable place-making and ensuring that local voices help shape decisions about land, housing and shared assets that benefit residents across the parish.
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