Events by Chartered Institute of Housing

The Global NDT Innovations and Standards Symposium stands as a premier international gathering tailored for professionals, researchers, and industry leaders specializing in non-destructive testing (NDT) and evaluation. Set against the dynamic backdrop of Northampton, United Kingdom, this upcoming event is meticulously organized to address the evolving challenges and technological breakthroughs within structural integrity and materials science. As global infrastructure ages and industrial demands shift toward higher safety and precision, the role of reliable NDT methodologies becomes paramount. This comprehensive three-day symposium provides an exceptional platform for stakeholders to converge, exchange cutting-edge insights, and discuss future regulatory pathways governing industrial safety worldwide. Advancements in Testing Technologies A major focal point of the 2026 symposium will be the rapid integration of advanced technological tools within standard inspection frameworks. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore groundbreaking developments involving automated ultrasonic testing, digital radiography, acoustic emission monitoring, and robotic inspection systems. Industry pioneers will demonstrate how artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms are currently being harnessed to interpret complex datasets with minimal human error. Through specialized technical sessions and live equipment demonstrations, participants can examine first-hand how these state-of-the-art innovations enhance defect detection capabilities while significantly reducing operational downtime across critical sectors such as aerospace, energy, and manufacturing. Global Standards and Certification Harmonization Ensuring consistency, safety, and operational excellence across international borders requires a unified approach to personnel training and procedure certification. The symposium features dedicated plenary sessions led by global committees addressing the ongoing harmonization of ISO standards and regional qualification frameworks. Experts will dissect current regulatory updates, compliance strategies, and the rigorous requirements necessary to maintain high competency levels within the workforce. These collaborative discussions aim to bridge gaps between emerging industrial economies and established markets, fostering a universally accepted benchmark for quality assurance and practitioner certification in non-destructive testing. Networking and Collaborative Opportunities Beyond technical presentations and standardization panels, the event places a strong emphasis on fostering meaningful professional relationships and cross-sector partnerships. Delegates will engage in structured networking sessions, roundtable discussions, and collaborative workshops designed to spark dialogue between academia and corporate enterprises. By bringing together equipment manufacturers, service providers, end-users, and academic researchers, the symposium facilitates a rich exchange of ideas that often translates into joint research initiatives and commercial ventures. Attendees leave equipped with expanded professional networks and actionable strategies to address their organization's most pressing inspection and quality control challenges.

Protect Your Commercial Assets with Expert IP Guidance Navigating the landscape of corporate assets requires a solid understanding of Intellectual Property (IP). For early-stage companies, growing businesses, and individual inventors, securing unique ideas, original brand elements, and proprietary technical processes is critical for maintaining a competitive edge. The Intellectual Property Surgery, hosted by the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) in partnership with the Business & IP Centre (BIPC) North East, provides free confidential one-to-one advisory sessions to help regional founders audit, structure, and defend their core intellectual assets. Intellectual Property forms the baseline of commercial valuation for modern ventures. Without effective legal safeguards, innovative products, distinct branding, or proprietary operational methods can easily be duplicated or exploited by competitors. This clinic offers dedicated access to IP specialists who help evaluate your current business footprint, identify underlying risks, and outline practical steps toward full legal protection across every relevant category. Comprehensive Coverage Across the Four Pillars of IP During your personalized clinic session, specialists will examine your business model to establish which forms of intellectual protection apply to your operations. The session breaks down the four distinct mechanisms of IP management: Trademarks: Safeguard brand identity markers including company names, logos, product titles, domain names, and slogans to prevent brand dilution or market confusion. Copyright: Protect literary works, website copy, original artwork, media recordings, architectural plans, software source code, and training documentation. Designs: Protect visual aesthetic appeal, shape, external contours, and structural ornamentation of physical commercial products. Patents: Defend novel mechanical inventions, technical processes, technical solutions, and functional manufacturing methods against unauthorized commercialization. By systematically walking through these legal definitions during your session, you can create a prioritized roadmap for registering formal rights or implementing operational protocols that protect unregistered rights. Mitigate Infringement Risks and Maximize Asset Value Beyond securing your own proprietary assets, understanding IP is essential to ensure your business operations do not inadvertently infringe upon the existing rights of third parties. Adopting commercial materials, technology components, or marketing themes without proper vetting can result in legal disputes, costly rebrands, or unexpected financial liabilities. The IP Surgery provides guidance on conducting comprehensive preliminary searches across public registers, ensuring your new brand names or product designs are clear for commercial use prior to significant capital deployment. Furthermore, holding registered IP assets strengthens market positioning, increases investor confidence, and unlocks potential licensing revenue streams. Whether you are launching a startup, scaling an existing business, or developing a novel product line, this surgery equips you with actionable insights to safeguard your innovations and build sustainable enterprise value. Reserve your individual time slot in advance to ensure dedicated consultation time tailored specifically to your business needs.

The CIH Community Housing and Wellbeing Expo is a vibrant, multi-disciplinary event that explores the intersection of housing, health, and social care. In a time when the "housing crisis" is increasingly recognized as a "health crisis," this expo brings together housing providers, NHS trust representatives, and community leaders to build more resilient support systems. This event is free to attend for CIH members and focuses on the holistic wellbeing of residents across the West Midlands and beyond. The Expo floor will host over 50 exhibitors ranging from telecare providers to community gardening initiatives. The main stage will feature a rotating schedule of "Impact Talks"—15-minute high-impact presentations on successful community projects. These talks cover a wide range of topics, including tackling loneliness in sheltered housing, building dementia-friendly communities, and the role of "social prescribing" in reducing housing arrears. A dedicated "Wellbeing Zone" offers attendees the chance to practice what they preach, with mindfulness sessions and ergonomics workshops designed for frontline staff who often face high levels of stress and burnout. We recognize that to support tenants effectively, housing professionals must also look after their own mental health. The afternoon session features a "Policy Pitch" where community groups can present their ideas for neighborhood improvement to a panel of funders and CIH executives. This promotes a "bottom-up" approach to community development, ensuring that residents are the primary architects of their own environments. The CIH Community Housing and Wellbeing Expo is more than just a trade show; it is a celebration of the power of "home" to transform lives and a call to action for more integrated public services.

The CIH Asset Management and Retrofit Forum is a critical technical event aimed at solving one of the most pressing issues in the UK property sector: the modernization of aging housing stock. Hosted at the prestigious Warwick Conferences center, this event brings together surveyors, architects, and asset managers to discuss the practicalities of large-scale retrofitting projects. With government mandates for EPC C ratings looming, the pressure to upgrade homes has never been higher, and this forum provides a roadmap for successful implementation. The forum is structured around three core pillars: Financing, Fabric, and Feedback. In the "Financing" segment, experts will break down the latest government grants and private investment models available for social housing providers. We will explore Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) success stories and identify common pitfalls in the application process. The "Fabric" segment focuses on the technical side—insulation, heat pumps, and ventilation systems. Here, delegates can see live demonstrations of new materials and discuss the pros and cons of different retrofit "archetypes." The "Feedback" segment is perhaps the most vital, focusing on the tenant experience. Retrofitting is highly intrusive, and without proper resident engagement, even the most technically sound project can fail. We will share case studies on how to communicate effectively with tenants during works, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and proper usage of new energy systems post-installation. The afternoon includes a series of "Technical Roundtables" where delegates can bring their specific project challenges to a panel of experts for troubleshooting. Whether you are dealing with high-rise decarbonization or rural fuel poverty, this forum offers specific, actionable solutions. By attending, you ensure your organization stays ahead of the curve in asset management and contributes meaningfully to the UK's climate goals.

The CIH Future Leaders in Housing Summit is the premier annual gathering for the next generation of housing professionals. Set in the innovative environment of the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry, this summit is designed to inspire, challenge, and equip emerging leaders with the skills necessary to navigate a rapidly changing sector. The housing industry is currently at a crossroads, facing a dual crisis of affordability and sustainability, and it is the young professionals of today who will steer the ship through these turbulent waters. The summit kicks off with a keynote address from a prominent figure in UK housing policy, focusing on the concept of "Ethical Leadership." This isn't just about managing teams; it's about understanding the social purpose of housing and the profound impact that stable, high-quality homes have on community health and economic prosperity. Following the keynote, attendees will participate in "Leadership Labs"—fast-paced, high-energy sessions designed to build soft skills such as conflict resolution, persuasive communication, and strategic thinking. A significant portion of the day is dedicated to "The Green Transition." As the UK moves toward Net Zero, housing professionals must become experts in sustainable construction and retrofitting. The summit features a technology showcase where participants can interact with new green building materials and energy-monitoring software. This hands-on approach ensures that the leaders of tomorrow are technically proficient as well as visionary. The event concludes with a structured networking session, often referred to as "Speed Mentoring," where attendees can gain insights from established CEOs and directors within the CIH network. By fostering these connections, the summit creates a pipeline of talent that is ready to tackle the housing challenges of the 2030s and beyond. This is more than a conference; it is a catalyst for career growth and sector-wide innovation.

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is proud to present a comprehensive Masterclass focused on the evolving landscape of Housing Systems and Governance. This intensive session is designed to bridge the gap between high-level policy theory and the practical realities of managing social housing in a post-regulatory reform environment. As the housing sector faces unprecedented scrutiny regarding safety, tenant satisfaction, and financial viability, this event provides the necessary framework for leaders to ensure their organizations are not just compliant, but thriving. The session begins with an in-depth exploration of the current UK legislative framework, specifically focusing on the Social Housing (Regulation) Act and its long-term implications for governance structures. Participants will engage in collaborative workshops to dissect the nuances of "consumer standards" and how to embed these into the daily operations of a housing provider. We will look closely at the relationship between the Board and the executive team, ensuring that transparency and accountability are prioritized without stifling innovation. Furthermore, the masterclass addresses the digital transformation of housing governance. In an era where data integrity is paramount, understanding how to leverage Management Information (MI) systems to predict risks—rather than just reacting to them—is a core component of the curriculum. We will discuss the ethics of AI in housing allocation and the importance of maintaining a "human-centric" approach while adopting new technologies. The afternoon portion of the event shifts toward financial resilience. With rising costs of materials and the ongoing decarbonization challenge, governance teams must make difficult decisions regarding asset management. This masterclass provides the financial modeling tools and risk assessment templates required to navigate these complexities. Attendees will leave with a robust action plan, a network of peer contacts, and a deeper understanding of how to foster a culture of continuous improvement within their respective organizations. Join us in Coventry to redefine excellence in housing management.

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is proud to host the Regional Housing Development Seminar at its central headquarters in Coventry. As the professional body for people who work in housing, the CIH is committed to providing practitioners with the tools, knowledge, and networks necessary to navigate the increasingly complex landscape of UK residential property and social housing. This upcoming seminar is designed to address the specific challenges and opportunities within the West Midlands and the broader UK housing market. With the sector facing a trifecta of pressures—meeting ambitious Net Zero targets, adhering to the latest Building Safety Act regulations, and addressing the chronic shortage of affordable homes—this event serves as a vital touchpoint for professionals to align their strategies with national policy. The day will feature a series of curated sessions led by policy experts and seasoned housing developers. Attendees will dive deep into the practicalities of the "Social Housing (Regulation) Act" and its implications for frontline staff and management. Special focus will be given to "Awaab's Law" and the required standards for damp and timber treatments in social dwellings, ensuring that all providers are equipped to meet high-quality living standards. Beyond the technical sessions, the seminar emphasizes the human element of housing. Discussions will explore how to better engage with tenants to foster inclusive communities and how to support the mental wellbeing of housing officers who face high-pressure environments. By attending, you will gain access to exclusive CIH research papers and case studies that showcase innovative construction methods and successful urban regeneration projects currently being piloted in the UK. Whether you are looking to update your Continuous Professional Development (CPD) portfolio or seeking to network with key decision-makers in the Coventry area, this seminar provides a collaborative environment to share best practices and influence the future of housing policy. Join us to ensure your organization remains at the forefront of professional standards and social responsibility.