We tap into our guests' HR expertise in this episode to find out how they’re taking
EDI seriously in their hiring.

We speak with Aimee Woodcock - People Services Project Lead and Katherine
McGough - Head of People Services for North Star Housing Group.

North Star Housing recently took part in a board diversity program to develop the
board members of the future. They share the challenges they faced with hiring for
these high-level positions and how they overcame them. Aimee and Katherine share insights into their unique hiring processes that help build diverse teams whilst making it fair for all involved.

We also learn how North Star Housing has taken action on data collected from their staff demographics questionnaire and how they’ve improved overall well-being as a result. They also advise those looking to follow in their footsteps and make the move into housing.

Covered in this episode -
● How North Star Housing Group has worked towards building a board that’s
representative of its community.
● Challenges with recruiting people into senior positions.
● Getting more out of your interviews.
● The ‘Rooney Rule’ and why it’s relevant to hiring in housing.
● How to encourage responses to staff questionnaires and leverage the results.
● How North Star Housing Group has supported staff wellbeing.
● Advice for those looking to move into HR in the housing sector.

LEARN MORE
North Star Housing Group - https://www.northstarhg.co.uk/
Andersen James - https://www.andersenjames.com/

CONNECT
Katherine McGough on LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-mcgough-00804324/
Aimee Woodcock on LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimee-woodcock-71712a2b4/
Amy Corke on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-corke-36b546106/
James Leighton on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-leighton-65023b11/

LISTEN
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1JHMfNs33BK4UTOgaYt3cB
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/the-hip/id1576686644
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7vH1zt3GSm3_B_-OhDSlRg

Inspiring the next generations of leaders is about more than just imparting knowledge; it's about empowering them to envision and create a better future. involves nurturing their talents, encouraging their ambitions, and guiding them through the challenges they will face.

To round off our incredible first season of our new Housing Fringe series, we speak to a panel of true trailblazers, Jacque Allen, Amanda Newton, Alison Dean & Mushtaq Khan who share their unique journeys, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that have shaped their paths along the way in a bid to define their leadership DNA.

We give plenty of airtime to delve into the crucial role that Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) play in effective leadership, emphasising how these principles shape today’s workplace culture.

We also cover -

• The importance in remembering that the housing sector is all about people, it's crucial to know yourself and your values and consistently live by them, even under pressure.
• Being yourself shouldn't be hard - it’s about seeking respect and authenticity, not approval.
• As leaders, we have responsibilities for the future but there’s a need to recognise that building future diverse leaders won't happen overnight.
• What are the 8 key features of an empowering leader in housing?
  
  
  

What an inspiring and uplifting episode! It’ll certainly give you lots to think about!

LEARN MORE

Your Housing – https://www.yourhousinggroup.co.uk/

Rochdale Boroughwide Council – https://www.rbh.org.uk/

Great Places - https://www.greatplaces.org.uk/

Housing Diversity Network - https://www.housingdiversitynetwork.co.uk/

LISTEN

Spotify: The HIP | Podcast on Spotify

Apple Music: The HIP on Apple Podcasts

Youtube: Andersen James - YouTube

Do you have a net zero plan, and if so, do you have a funding plan in place to deliver it? If you’re like our live audience then around 90% answered no to both questions.

In our third episode of AJ’s new Housing Fringe, we speak with Jenny Danson, James Williams, Paul Norman & Tom Sowerby to demystify how you can access funding solutions (not grant funding) backed by UK banks, pension and insurance providers to create a long-term revenue stream for you, cheaper energy for your tenant and contribute to significantly reducing carbon emissions.

With this unbelievable line up, we consider the art of the possible for housing providers, particularly when it comes to making your homes an income generating power station, unlocking a number of wins for the tenant, your organisation and the planet.

We also cover -

• How this Energy Services approach has been used in a 500-home project, sharing the good, the bad and the ugly lessons experienced along the way
• Explore the ambitious Net Zero plans that Clarion have for 2025 to retrofit 13,000 homes as a best-in-class example of sustainability within social housing
• Why YOU must take ownership and have a long-term strategy in place.
• The need to develop projects independently of funding so that when the right funding becomes available, you have a plan ready to go.
• Customer engagement - it’s absolutely key - before during and after your project

It’s one of our best yet! Don’t miss out…

LEARN MORE

Healthy Homes Hub – https://healthyhomeshub.uk/

Sero – https://sero.life/

Wates – https://www.wates.co.uk/

Clarion Housing - https://www.myclarionhousing.com/

Andersen James Group - https://www.andersenjames.com/

LISTEN

Spotify: The HIP | Podcast on Spotify

Apple Music: The HIP on Apple Podcasts

Youtube: Andersen James - YouTube