Leading the debate on integrated communities

Representatives from cross industry leaders in housing field meet to discuss future of integrated communities at special debate hosted by Ian Williams.

Timed to coincide with the Chartered Institute of Housing Conference at Harrogate on 21 June, expert speakers from the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS), The Housing Forum and property service specialist Ian Williams led the debate.

It set out to identify the changing needs of communities on several different fronts: how to improve understanding and contact between different generations, how to challenge perceptions and integrate diverse groups and how to successfully manage mixed income communities.

Alan Soper, Managing Director of Ian Williams, explained the importance of the issue and the need for the debate.

"As a service provider our role is changing".

"We need to look ahead to see how we can support communities in a broader sense".

"We need to consider how we can create employment opportunities within the communities and how to integrate our own activities with support organisations and resident groups".

The initiative was warmly welcomed by Shelagh Grant, Chief Executive of the Housing Forum".

""We could all be a lot smarter in predicting where we're going and understanding the dynamics of communities and families".

"We need to look to the long term, be honest, critical and challenging".

"The UK population is more diverse than ever before - let's recognise that and build for the future".

A view echoed by Phil Morgan, Chief Executive of TPAS.

"One of the points about the event was leadership from all sides of the debate".

"By empowering residents with knowledge and choice we can make their lives better, and have exemplary services and exemplary communities".

"When it works it reminds people why they work for contractors or RSLs - it's not just a wage at the end of the day.

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