The future of housing services - the conversation so far

Last year, SFHA launched a sector-wide conversation on the future of housing services, asking what these will look and feel like in 2040; how different types of tenants and staff will experience services; and what this means for housing associations now.

Through this conversation, SFHA is hoping to support collaboration, share perspectives and develop a sector-wide approach and resources for housing associations. Your feedback will also help SFHA develop a vision for the housing sector in 2040.

Many of our members and sector partners have already responded to our survey on the future of housing services, and we want to share what you've told us so far.

The conversation so far

We asked: What words or phrases would you use to describe the social housing sector now?

You responded:

We asked: What words or phrases will describe the social housing sector in 2040?

You responded:

We asked: What needs to change in order to achieve this future vision of housing?

You responded:

Get involved

There is still time to get involved in our sector-wide conversation on the future of housing services. You can participate by:

• Having a discussion with your staff teams, tenants, boards. We have designed a workshop guide and handouts for you.

• Speaking to your tenants.

• Speaking to your applicants.

• Considering opportunities to speak to young people, for example in supported housing or homeless applicants.

• Completing our online survey to share your thoughts: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TZRJPH7

• Joining the conversation on Twitter using #housinginnovationscotland

SFHA will analyse and share your ideas and thoughts throughout the campaign. Your feedback will inform discussions with key stakeholders on the future, and the creation of new resources to support housing associations transform their businesses.

Hear from our members

Half of SFHA's members are involved in the SFHA Innovation and Future Thinking Programme. Two members of Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) staff have shared with us why they chose to get involved.

Keith Anderson, PoLHA Chief Executive, said: "Innovate or die, which has been a mantra for all business for many years is even more true now than ever before. Our tenants and service users deserve nothing less than the best and most cost effective service we can possibly deliver.

"At Port of Leith Housing, innovation is one of our core values and so we are very keen to work together to share ideas and develop new practices in order to continuously improve our services."

Paul McMahon, Assistant Housing Officer at PoLHA, has shared his reasons for participating in a video:

To find out more about the SFHA Innovation and Future Thinking Programme, contact Innovation and Future Thinking Lead Lorna Wilson at lwilson@sfha.co.uk