New Tuntum chief executive is named

Charmaine Simei will be the new chief executive of Tuntum Housing Association, succeeding Richard Renwick MBE who is due to retire in the autumn after almost three decades in the post.

Ms Simei is currently director of customer experience and communities at Longhurst Group and brings more than 25 years of experience in social housing and related fields including 12 years in senior leadership roles.

Voted Professional of the Year at the Women in Housing Awards 2021, she is a board member for Communities that Work, the national voice of housing providers who support residents and communities into employment.

She is also a former chair of the Centre of Excellence Community Investment East of England network and co-chair of HACT’s Racial Equality Group, having been a long-serving mentor for the Housing Diversity Network.

Tuntum is one of the largest independent black and minority ethnic (BME) housing providers in the UK.

Founded in 1988, the association owns and manages over 1,600 homes in 12 local authority areas across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire.

Charmaine Simei who has been appointed as the new chief executive of Tuntum Housing Association

Charmaine Simei said: “It is an honour to be appointed to lead Tuntum.

“The association has a strong reputation as a community-based social housing provider with a proven ability to explore and generate new partnerships rooted in diversity.

“This reflects my own career background and skill set, coupled with my deep personal commitment to uniting people and making a positive difference to everyday lives.

“I feel privileged to follow in Richard’s footsteps.  He has done so much for Tuntum and the communities it serves.”

Junior Hemans, Tuntum chair, said: “We are thrilled to appoint Charmaine as our new chief executive.

“She was the outstanding candidate and is a perfect fit for the role.

“I also wish to pay tribute to Richard who is retiring after spending 29 years growing and sustaining Tuntum.

“His dedication to the association, always true to the values that inform everything we do, will never be forgotten.”  

Richard Renwick MBE, Tuntum chief executive, said: “I am proud to hand over the leadership baton to Charmaine.

“Her many talents and record of achievement in initiatives promoting social justice and economic resilience are well established, alongside a capacity for teambuilding.

“These are skills that will serve her and Tuntum well in the years ahead.

“I wish her every success in the role.”    

Ms Simei will take up her new position in October. 

Expert advice for Ministers as UK prepares to go nuclear

The launch of Great British Nuclear (GBN) has placed a renewed focus on a collection of online articles featuring research and evidence-led recommendations from University of Manchester nuclear energy experts.

Going Nuclear, published by the University's policy engagement unit Policy@Manchester, has already been warmly received by MPs and peers from across the political parties.

Last month Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps invited companies to register their interest with GBN for funding to develop small nuclear reactors which “can be made in factories and could transform how power stations are built by making construction faster, and less expensive.”

Professor Adrian Bull MBE

Responding to the announcement, Professor Adrian Bull MBE, Chair in Nuclear Energy and Society at The University of Manchester's Dalton Nuclear Institute, questioned the Government’s assertion that GBN “will drive the rapid expansion of new nuclear power plants in the UK at an unprecedented scale and pace.”

He said: “Britain built 11 new nuclear power stations - 26 reactors in all - in just 15 years from 1956. I don’t see a plan that exceeds that ambition.”

Going Nuclear features several contributions from Professor Bull including a powerful piece describing the vital role development companies could play “as clients for GBN who can act as the voice of regions and potentially of investors.”

He explains: “These organisations – such as Solway Community Power in Cumbria and Cwmni Egino in North Wales – could well act as the catalysts for bringing the various pieces of the jigsaw together. Not only that – they can do so in a way which puts the local community and the site at the forefront of the project, rather than alienating key local stakeholders as some past projects have done.”

Professor Maria Sharmina, The University of Manchester

In her foreword to Going Nuclear, Professor Maria Sharmina, Academic Co-Director of Policy@Manchester, warns that progress in the nuclear industry has followed a pattern of start and stall under successive governments, adding, “that must change if we are to catalyse our nuclear capability.”

She writes: “The Dalton Nuclear Institute and Policy@Manchester recommendations in this collection provide thought leadership on the next steps to secure nuclear energy in a low-carbon and cost-effective energy transition.”

Going Nuclear has won praise from members of both Houses of Parliament.

Peter Aldous, Conservative MP for Waveney, said: “Nuclear offers a readily available low-carbon baseload for our future energy system when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing.

“Initiatives such as Going Nuclear can provide policymakers with the evidence and recommendations required to realise the UK’s nuclear energy capability and I commend everyone involved in this important work.”

Labour peer, Lord McNicol of West Kilbride, said: “New nuclear has a critical role to play in the nation’s energy mix. 

“At a time when we face a global climate crisis and challenges around energy security, this timely new resource not only identifies the current barriers to adoption and expansion of nuclear but also offers guidance to policymakers to help overcome them.”

Virginia Crosbie Conservative MP for Ynys Môn, said: “New nuclear is essential if we are to achieve our net zero goals by helping to decarbonise not just the energy generating sectors, but transport and homes too.  

“Equipping policymakers with the evidence and recommendations to push forward with new nuclear power is key to ensuring we retain a clean, safe and prosperous United Kingdom.”

Going Nuclear is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.  

Experts gather in Westminster to explore new ways to tackle inequalities and boost growth

The House of Commons was the venue for a roundtable event hosted by The University of Manchester to examine how ‘place-based’ policy can make a real difference in reducing inequalities and boosting growth and productivity across the country.

A place-based approach recognises that national policies and strategies may not be appropriate for every locality, and that a more tailored method is often required to address the specific needs and challenges of different communities, using local knowledge and evidence.

Organised by the University’s policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester, the event brought together parliamentarians, academics, business leaders, economists, think tanks, charities and others to discuss place-based issues related to health, education, sustainability and economic disparities.

It followed the recent launch of Power in Place, a collection of nine articles from University of Manchester academics focussing on regional inequalities and levelling up.

Several of the speakers at the roundtable also contributed to the 44-page document which was published just days before the death of former Head of the Civil Service, Lord Kerslake, who wrote the foreword.  

Louisa Dawes, Senior Lecturer in Education, The University of Manchester, speaking at the Policy@Manchester roundtable in Westminster    

They included Dr Jamie Anderson, Research Fellow in Geography at The University of Manchester, who said: “We need legal binding accountability in all stages of policy for the places we are building and urgently retrofitting.  In order to be resilient to climate change and simultaneously level up on wellbeing outcomes, policy and practice must move beyond valiant target-setting. 

Power in Place published by The University of Manchester's policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester

“We must now also require science-based estimates of proposal impact at the outset, then monitor progress objectively and collaboratively, requiring effective action when progress is off course.”

Dr Carl Emery and Louisa Dawes, from the Manchester Institute of Education based at the University, also participated in the roundtable.

They commented: “No matter where interest lies, it is clear that a standardised and one size fits all approach to alleviating poverty is not working.

“From an education perspective, an understanding of the local area, be it asset based in terms of business and facilities, or cultural and social, is key for schools to help shape students’ experiences and attitudes as well as building skills and expertise in their own communities, for their own communities.”

Aberconwy MP Robin Millar, who chaired the event, said: “We all recognise there are some huge socioeconomic challenges, and I am convinced a place-based lens brings an important, relevant perspective.

“As an MP in North Wales I recognise the huge difference between our coastal communities and the rural hinterland – and the importance of local and distinctive approaches for each.

“Unlocking this needs politicians who seek to listen, enable and empower rather than just hold onto old ideas and structures.”

Robin Millar, Member of Parliament for Aberconwy, addressing the Westminster event organised by Policy@Manchester 

Power in Place can be read and downloaded from the Policy@Manchester website.  

Parliamentarians welcome new ideas to toughen national resilience

A new collection of articles from University of Manchester experts detailing positive ideas to strengthen the UK’s national resilience in the face of growing global challenges has been praised by MPs and a former Cabinet Minister. .

On Resilience, published by the University’s policy engagement unit Policy@Manchester, examines an array of subject areas including the urgent need to improve energy security and reduce the country’s dependence on natural gas – vividly exposed by the war in Ukraine - whilst maintaining the transition to net zero.  

Other academic thinking set out in the 40-page document includes the positive role technology can play in protecting food production, how to reduce water shortages through better storage and using responsible innovation to source the UK’s critical metal needs.        

The document has been warmly received in Westminster.

Wera Hobhouse MP

Wera Hobhouse MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Energy and Climate Change, said: "It is abundantly clear that the UK needs to build up its national resilience to protect us all from climate change.  I am pleased to see that experts are exploring policy options to strengthen our national resilience and lessen our exposure to climate catastrophe." 

Mark Pawsey MP, a member of the House of Commons Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee, also welcomed the publication.  

Mark Pawsey MP

He said: “We stand in fascinating times as the geopolitical events of the past year and the ambition to reach net zero by 2050 have forced us to rethink our energy production and usage.  On Resilience provides some insightful thought leadership and the authors should be congratulated on offering innovative solutions to some of the great challenges posed by climate change and global demand.”

The document includes a foreword from Lord Howell of Guildford, a former Secretary of State for Energy, in which he describes On Resilience as a “thoughtful and balanced series of essays on a subject of such vast complexity, importance and contention as our future energy supplies and their tangled relationship with oncoming climate violence which threaten us all.”  

He continues: “Balance and realism are qualities very badly needed in tackling the many dilemmas and obstacles ahead, yet they seem in very short supply.” 

Lord Howell adds: “None of these questions can be met with neat answers or solutions. But they can be addressed with shrewd analysis and fearless posing of the issues. That is what these wise and expert essayists from The University of Manchester offer.”

On Resilience is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website - https://www.policy.manchester.ac.uk/publications/on-resilience/

Prime Minister’s ‘Maths to 18’ plan comes with challenges

Rishi Sunak’s objective for all children to study some form of maths until the age of 18 has several barriers in its way, three leading education experts have made clear.  

The Prime Minister announced his ‘Maths to 18’ plan earlier this year including the establishment of a new advisory group.

However, in a joint article published by The University of Manchester’s policy engagement unit Policy@Manchester, Professors Maria Pampaka, Laura Black and Julian Williams set out a series of challenges facing Mr Sunak and offer recommendations to improve his chances of success.

The academics warn that current maths teaching practices are largely perceived to be “transmissionist” or “traditional, teaching to the test.”  They write: “This teaching practice has been found to be negatively associated with students’ dispositions to engage with mathematics,” in contrast to “more student-centred and interactive approaches” which are preferred by students and teachers.

Linked to this, they argue that a transformation of the curriculum, teaching methods and assessment is required, “one that values engagement, enjoyment, confidence and inclusion as much as, or more than attainment.” This, they state, “is important for both learners and teachers.”

The University of Manchester experts highlight the increasing demands in teaching post-16 maths and call for “an expansion of the pool of confident, well qualified, and motivated teachers at a time when the profession is currently losing people.”

They say: “Teachers – like nurses and other public service staff – are abandoning their profession for a variety of reasons but are citing that this is not just about pay, but also conditions in the workplace and the kind of pressures that Ofsted impose.”

Professors Pampaka, Black and Williams also raise concerns over low interest and appreciation for maths amongst some pupils studying the subject, together with high anxiety levels.  They add: “The evidence points particularly to gender, but other characteristics, like social and ethnic background, are equally important.”

Their article concludes: “Decades of education policy focussed on raising attainment has been most successful in discouraging engagement with mathematics learning and teaching.  

“Increasing mathematics education for all, especially to age 18, will require policymakers to pay renewed attention to emotional aspects, i.e. the joys of mathematics.”

“Calculating the benefits – maths to 18,” is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.  

Manningham Housing Association awarded top ratings by Regulator

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has retained the highest possible gradings from the Regulator of Social Housing following an In-depth Assessment.

These normally take place every three to four years to decide if a housing association meets the Regulator’s governance requirements and has the financial ability to deal with any adverse events.

In-depth Assessments are carried out through an inspection of key documents, visits and meetings with the association’s staff and Board members.

The Regulator has just announced that MHA has been awarded a G1 rating for governance and V1 for financial viability.  

The formal judgement follows a remarkable run of success for MHA, which manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley.     

Founded in 1986, it is the first housing association in the country to be officially accredited for its work in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

In the past year, MHA has won the Northern Housing Team of the Year Award, Northern Housing Tenant of the Year Award, Housing Heroes Tenant of the Year Award, West and North Yorkshire Chamber Equality Trailblazer Award and British Standards Institution Users Award for Sustainability.

It recently retained its Customer Service Excellence national quality mark after a 12-month review with the independent assessor describing MHA as “an exemplar of a diverse and inclusive organisation, with all associated with it committed to providing an excellent service for tenants and the community.”

MHA staff at the association’s head office in Bradford

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “We are thrilled to receive the Regulator’s judgement which confirmed that we continue to be rated in the top category of housing associations in the country.

“We regard ourselves as a family and this is a collective achievement for everyone involved with MHA including Board members, staff, tenants and project partners.

“As well as providing high quality affordable homes – around 75 per cent of our properties are large family homes with three or more bedrooms – our reputation is built on our work in local communities.

 “These activities will continue to grow with many more exciting times ahead.”     

 Barrington Billings, Chair of the MHA Board, said: “This is a fantastic outcome.

“An In-depth Assessment is a thorough investigation into everything a housing association does. 

“It is a challenging process which is why emerging with a G1 V1 grading is such a cherished outcome.

“As Chair, I congratulate the efforts that everyone put in to achieve this outstanding result. 

“It is another proud moment for MHA and a ringing endorsement of the clear benefits and resounding effectiveness of an inclusive community based housing service."

On Resilience: policy solutions for a more resilient UK

The United Kingdom is vulnerable to global events and over reliant on other countries for essential resources - but there are policy choices which could significantly lessen this exposure, a new report makes clear.    

On Resilience, a collection of articles drawing on research from University of Manchester academics, examines a range of solutions to strengthen our national resilience.   

Matthew Paterson, Professor of International Politics, writes that the war in Ukraine “has underscored how crucial geopolitical dynamics are to thinking about the future of energy.”

He makes a series of policy recommendations to maintain the Government’s transition to net zero “while focusing on those elements that minimise geopolitical risks.”

On Resilience published by Policy@Manchester

These include a drive to reduce energy demand with an emphasis on weaning the UK economy off its dependence on natural gas, which the conflict in Ukraine has graphically highlighted. 

Professor Paterson argues that decarbonising housing through heat pumps and electric cooking can also strengthen national resilience and advocates new policies to shift the population away from private car use in favour of public transport, coupled with additional investment in road transport electrification “to minimise exposure to oil price volatility.”  

And he makes the case for domestic renewable electricity generation to be accelerated, commenting: “There is significant untapped potential both for onshore wind and solar, which have largely been hampered by regulatory blockages that need reversing.”

Timothy Foster, Senior Lecturer in Water-Food Security, advises the UK to learn from countries with water scarcity pressures in order to address water risks faced by the domestic agricultural sector.   

He writes: “Our international research in places such as North America has shown that flexible abstraction rules and arrangements for sharing water, including trading systems, can significantly enhance farmers’ ability to manage drought risks and adapt to changing climate conditions.” 

At the same time, Dr Foster argues that there is an urgent need for “robust improvements in infrastructure and support for the data collection and monitoring of agricultural water use and productivity” which he describes as “chronically underfunded and poorly prioritised.” 

More broadly, Dr Foster argues that greater investment in infrastructure for water storage should also be a key Government priority “both in the form of on-farm and larger-scale multi-use reservoirs, and the use of nature-based solutions, such as restoring natural wetlands.”  

Other policy challenges addressed in On Resilience include the positive roles AI and smart technology can play to mitigate risks to food production, the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance and how best to meet the UK’s critical metal requirements whilst avoiding unnecessary damage to the environment.        

The 40-page document – published by the University's policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester - includes a foreword from Lord Howell of Guildford, the former Energy Secretary and only Minister to have served in the Heath, Thatcher and Cameron governments.

Lord Howell of Guildford (courtesy of UK Parliament) 

He describes On Resilience as a “thoughtful and balanced series of essays on a subject of such vast complexity, importance and contention as our future energy supplies and their tangled relationship with oncoming climate violence which threaten us all.”  

Lord Howell, also a past President of the British Institute of Energy Economists, writes: “Balance and realism are qualities very badly needed in tackling the many dilemmas and obstacles ahead, yet they seem in very short supply.”

He adds: “None of these questions can be met with neat answers or solutions. But they can be addressed with shrewd analysis and fearless posing of the issues. That is what these wise and expert essayists from The University of Manchester offer.”

On Resilience is now available to read on the Policy@Manchester website - https://www.policy.manchester.ac.uk/publications/on-resilience/

Housing association CEO challenges Government to deliver more homes in Bradford

The chief executive of Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has written to Michael Gove questioning why the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) failed to spend almost £2 billion of allocated funding to deliver more affordable homes.

In his letter, Lee Bloomfield added: “It is a shame that neither you nor your officials chose to visit Bradford district before handing these resources back.”

Lee Bloomfield, MHA chief executive

Mr Bloomfield wrote to the Levelling Up Secretary after figures released under the Freedom of Information Act showed that DLUHC returned £1.9 billion of funds intended to tackle the national housing crisis after apparently being unable to find projects to spend this money on. 

It is believed the figure includes £355m of the programmed spending on the Affordable Homes Programme for 2022-23 which could have financed the building of at least 5,000 new homes.

The MHA chief executive wrote: “If this is indeed the case, it is a shame that neither you nor your officials chose to visit Bradford district before handing these resources back. I did write to you on 20 October 2021 extending an invitation for you to see at first hand the progress MHA is making in delivering high quality affordable homes and other services to diverse communities in Bradford and Keighley.  Sadly, I did not receive a response.”

He advised Mr Gove that MHA manages over 1,400 homes for more than 6,000 people, adding: “However, demand is huge.  3,359 people are currently on our waiting list for an MHA home. 1,551 of these need a home of more than three bedrooms. As you might imagine, to read that Government resources to help us meet this demand have simply been handed back is more than a little disappointing from our perspective.” 

In his letter, Mr Bloomfield stressed that, whilst he did not doubt the enormity of the task the Government faces in seeking to tackle the national housing crisis nor the Levelling Up Secretary’s “personal commitment to meeting this challenge, I do question how and why the limited funds available to you are not being used.”

He continued: “In the meantime, individuals and families – in Bradford and Keighley, as elsewhere – are being denied the opportunity to live in a high-quality affordable homes for reasons neither they nor I can understand.”  

The MHA chief executive added: “I again extend an invitation for you to visit one or more of our housing schemes and hope MHA can play a fuller role in helping you deliver more affordable properties to improve life prospects in Bradford district.” 

Building phase complete at revamped Leeds Media Centre

Building work has been successfully completed in a major redevelopment of Leeds Media Centre to create extra business space and new opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs in the city.  

Leeds Media Centre where building works are now complete  

£1.8 million scheme is being delivered by Unity Enterprise – a not-for-profit subsidiary of housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise – in partnership with Leeds City Council. 

It has been part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund including support for a professional adviser to mentor young businesses, particularly those in the creative, digital and media sectors.

The construction phase began last autumn with scaffolding erected around the perimeter of the building in Chapeltown in preparation for the installation of a new roof and windows.

Extensive internal works have also been undertaken to remodel the ground and lower ground floors to facilitate up to 12 new business units and a specially designed business hub with modern virtual facilities.

The completion of the refurbishment programme will be celebrated at a community gathering in September with a separate event planned for the following month focusing on the new business hub.  

Leeds Media Centre is owned by Leeds City Council and managed by Unity Enterprise on a long-term lease. 

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise chief executive (left), and Adrian Green, Adrian Green, Unity Enterprise manager (right), with Matthew Abbott, R.H. Fullwood & Co Ltd site manager, at the newly refurbished Leeds Media Centre

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise chief executive, said: “It is incredibly satisfying to see the building phase of this transformational project completed on time and on budget.

“Anticipation is already building around what the new facilities will achieve for enterprise in Chapeltown and beyond.

“As a housing association rooted in the local community, Unity is passionately committed to helping individuals improve their life prospects by setting up their own business, finding employment or accessing training and education.

“The brand new facilities at Leeds Media Centre will play a huge role in enabling us to achieve these goals.”

Adrian Green, Unity Enterprise manager, said: “We are grateful to our key partners, Leeds City Council and the European Regional Development Fund, for working closely with us to get this innovative project across the line.

“Having been onsite almost every day since building work commenced, I feel greatly inspired by the potential that Leeds Media Centre now offers to aspiring entrepreneurs to develop themselves and their business ideas.

“I also want to thank our existing tenants who have been so supportive and patient over the past few months.  Exciting times lie ahead.”  

Cllr Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education at Leeds City Council, said: “It’s great to see the building phase complete on these fantastic new facilities at Leeds Media Centre.

“The centre will be an excellent resource for local, new and aspiring entrepreneurs in the city, and we are very much looking forward to seeing the building open for business.”

The University of Manchester backs global efforts to make space more sustainable

Dr Peter Roberts, Reader in Spacecraft Engineering, The University of Manchester

Leading researchers from across The University of Manchester (UoM) have given their support to a global initiative endorsed by His Majesty King Charles III promoting the sustainable use of space.

Signing on behalf of The University of Manchester, Dr Peter Roberts, Reader in Spacecraft Engineering, is one of more than 100 signatories of the Memorandum of Principles for Space Sustainability, a field to which UoM academics contribute research and recommendations.

The principles echo the Astra Carta, a framework unveiled by the King at Buckingham Palace last month, which seeks to create and accelerate sustainable practices across the global space industry. 

Both initiatives tie in closely with specialist research at UoM including On Space, a collection of thought leadership and analysis pieces highlighting the urgent need for greater sustainability in space.   

The publication, produced by the University's policy engagement unit Policy@Manchester, includes a powerful article by Dr Roberts on Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellite technology which reduces collision risk and radiation damage, as well as facilitating end-of-life deorbit.

On Space, a collection of articles from University of Manchester academics on the need for greater sustainability in space  

Dr Roberts said: “I warmly welcome the opportunity to sign the Memorandum, recognising the contribution from experts at The University of Manchester.

“The work we do on developing technologies to enable satellite operations in very low Earth orbits supports sustainability in space as satellites rapidly decay from orbit at end of life, completely avoiding the production of space debris - a key component of the Memorandum of Principles for Space Sustainability.

“Amongst other areas of ongoing activity, we have researchers examining the dark and quiet skies movement which is working incredibly hard to minimise radio noise that would otherwise create problems for ground-based radio astronomy, aspects of in-orbit servicing and manufacturing, another critical aspect of minimising the impact of space activities.

“The University of Manchester is proud to be actively involved in the global efforts to make space more sustainable.  We look forward to continuing our work with other institutions and industrial partners around the world to make space more sustainable for future generations.”    

On Space can be read and downloaded free of charge via the Policy@Manchester website. 

Digital transformation reaps rewards for Manningham Housing Association

New figures show that Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has significantly increased its digital engagement with customers, project partners and the public over the past 12 months.

Its annual digital and communications report, produced by MHA Corporate Project Manager Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira, shows that interactions across a broad spectrum of social media channels reached new heights.

The number of Twitter users following the Bradford-based association’s posts has risen by a healthy 16.92% since July last year, with Facebook followers up by almost 23% and the number of LinkedIn followers rising by an even more impressive 25.93%.

Meanwhile, the ever-expanding video content available on MHA’s YouTube channel has led to remarkable growth in viewing figures of more than 229%.    

The past 12 months have also brought greater use of its bespoke digital platforms including the MyMHA portal which is now utilised by more than two thirds of the association’s households compared to just a third last July.

A rolling refresh of MHA’s internal communications has also brought positive results.

Initiatives include the launch of a new internal newsletter and the rollout of internal social network Yammer to further boost staff engagement, increase capacity for sharing ideas and enhance an already positive working environment. 

The first housing association in the country to be officially accredited for its work in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, in the past year MHA has won the British Standards Institution Users Award for Sustainability, the Northern Housing Team of the Year Award, the Northern Housing Tenant of the Year Award, and the West and North Yorkshire Chamber Equality Trailblazer Award.

And just last month, MHA Tenant Panel member Salma Khatun was named Tenant of the Year at the Housing Heroes Awards.

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “We have many good stories to tell and we are keen to share them as far and wide as possible.  

“The major improvements in the quality, impact and reach of our communications operations – internally and externally – have brought significant benefits.

“These efforts were especially important during the pandemic and, having ramped up these activities, we are committed not only to maintain but to increase them in the months and years ahead.

“Special credit must go to Carolina who has been the driving force behind this work, including all our social media activities.”       

Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira, MHA Corporate Project Manager (seated), with staff team members

Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira, MHA Corporate Project Manager, said: "Manningham Housing Association is all about positivity and moving with the times for the benefit of our customers.

“I am so pleased that the efforts we have made to improve our communications has broadened interest in what we do and how we do it.

“Looking ahead, we intend to build on the strong foundations now created by further improving our digital offering and staying even more closely connected with our tenants, staff and partners.”

Barrington Billings, MHA Chair, said: “The association has a well-earned reputation for punching well above our weight.  This report is just the latest example of that.

“MHA has embraced the digital era full on and intends to maximise its many benefits in our pursuit of enhancing our service offer to our tenants.

“I congratulate Carolina for her hard work, ingenuity and total commitment to every challenge she takes on as we continue to push the boundary of possibilities presented by the new digital era." 

New Tuntum affordable housing scheme named after Nottingham Windrush icons

VIP guests and project partners have joined residents to celebrate the opening of a new £4.7 million housing scheme in Nottingham named after two pioneering former city councillors from the Windrush generation.

Delivered by Tuntum Housing Association in partnership with Homes England and Nottingham Community Housing Association, the development at Manning Street off Woodborough Road comprises 17 houses and 11 flats at affordable rent for individuals and families on low incomes.

Tuntum has named the streets after two civic icons from the Windrush generation.  

Des Wilson Mews is named after the first black Lord Mayor of Nottingham and Tony Robinson Close after the city’s first black Sheriff.   

The families of both men took part in the formal opening ceremony alongside the President of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), Lara Oyedele; the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Cllr Carole McCulloch; the Deputy Leader of Nottingham City Council and former Chair of Tuntum, Councillor Audra Wynter; former Leader of Nottingham City Council, Jon Collins; and the Member of Parliament for Nottingham East, Nadia Whitome.  

(L to R): Cllr Devontay Okure; Cllr Carole Jenkins; Maria Wilson (Des Wilson’s daughter); Deputy Leader of Nottingham City Council, Audra Wynter; former Leader of Nottingham City Council, Jon Collins; Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Cllr Carole McCulloch; Tuntum Chair Junior Hemans; CIH President Lara Oyedele; and Richard Renwick MBE, Tuntum

Founded in 1988, Tuntum is a Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) led housing association based in Nottingham which manages over 1,600 homes for more than 3,000 people in 12 local authority areas.

It also provides accommodation and specialist housing services for older people, refugees, young mothers, people suffering with mental health difficulties and homeless young people.

In addition, Tuntum delivers a range of non-housing initiatives including the Nottingham Carnival, Refugee Futures, Headwize and staff-led ‘Social Value’ days. 

Richard Renwick MBE, Tuntum Chief Executive, said: “These 28 new social homes – which are already fully tenanted - will make a real difference to many lives.

“We are immensely grateful to Homes England, which provided a £1.1 million grant subsidy, and our lead delivery partners, Nottingham Community Housing Association, for their magnificent support which enabled the development to progress.  

“Tuntum is also indebted to the families of Des Wilson and Tony Robinson for giving permission for the streets to be named after these two great men, and for taking part in the opening ceremony itself.

“Their presence made the occasion even more special.” 

Junior Hemans, Tuntum Chair, said: “This is a proud and historic moment for us. 

“Tuntum’s founders were from the Windrush generation and, as the only independent BME-led housing association in the East Midlands, we will always remain true to their ideals.

“They were community activists and professionals from Nottingham’s black community, motivated by the desire to correct inequality in housing provision, to demonstrate black community self-help, to create economic opportunities and to help build social capital.

“The 17 houses and 11 flats that now stand on streets named in honour of two trailblazers from the Windrush generation are wonderfully appropriate tributes to their collective legacies.”

Lara Oyedele, CIH President, said: “I am ever so proud of Tuntum’s achievement in building these properties and, more importantly, naming the streets after two of Nottingham’s outstanding Windrush pioneers.

“This is a living example of the important role that BME housing associations play in supporting local communities and reminding the housing sector of what the ‘social’ in social housing stands for.”

National recognition for new housing scheme named after inspirational Leeds teacher

A recently completed affordable housing development named in honour of Gertrude Paul, the first black teacher in Leeds, has been shortlisted for a high-profile national award.

Gertrude Paul Court, containing 24 flats, is the larger of two blocks of an innovative Unity Homes and Enterprise scheme at Leopold Street in Chapeltown comprising 30 one and two bedroomed homes for people aged 55 and over.

Gertrude Paul Court which has been shortlisted for an Inside Housing Development Award

The project has been shortlisted by the Inside Housing Development Awards for Best Affordable Housing Development (less than £10 million) for “a development that creates a new community and a desirable, high-quality place to live that residents can afford.”

Gertrude Paul Court was officially opened in March by Heather Paul, Gertrude’s daughter, at a celebratory gathering attended by tenants, project partners and guests including the Leader and Chief Executive of Leeds City Council.      

Heather also unveiled a specially commissioned artwork celebrating her mother’s legacy which is on permanent display inside the building.

The Unity scheme is part of a wider £9.3 million development of 63 affordable homes.

The other properties form a brand new cohousing community, Chapeltown Cohousing.

Homes England provided £1.4 million in grant support to the project with the Housing Infrastructure Fund allocating £1.34 million.

R to L: Unity chief executive Cedric Boston with Heather Paul, Unity chair Shruti Bhargava, community artist Marcus Browne and Leeds City Council leader Cllr James Lewis at the official opening of Gertrude Paul Court 

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “Gertrude Paul was rightly revered for her absolute commitment to improving the life chances of her pupils.

“Alongside our focus on providing high quality affordable homes, Unity is equally driven by a desire to create life opportunities and address inequalities in local communities.

“We are therefore doubly proud that this development, which carries Gertrude’s name, has received national recognition by being shortlisted for such a respected national award.”

The award winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on Friday 29 September.

Unity Chair praised after winning Women in Housing Award

Shruti Bhargava, Chair of Leeds-based housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise, has been named Board/Committee Member of the Year at the Women in Housing Awards.    

She received her award in Manchester at the opening ceremony of Housing 2023, the Chartered Institute of Housing’s annual conference and Europe’s largest housing festival.

The Women in Housing Awards “celebrate the leaders, innovators and changemakers across the sector, championing the successes of women and sharing learning from teams and individuals within the housing sector.”

The Board/Committee Member of the Year Award is given to a female board or committee member “who has demonstrated outstanding effort and performance” over the past 12 months and “has made a very real difference.”

Ms Bhargava has been Unity Chair since 2015 and is due to step down from the role at the association’s Annual General Meeting later this year.

Shruti Bhargava receiving her Women in Housing Award from BBC News presenter Huw Edwards

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted that Shruti has won this major national award.  

“She has provided transformational leadership to the association over a prolonged period when Unity has undergone many changes.

“Shruti has an unbreakable commitment to our social purpose to fight inequality and empower BME people to improve their lives by creating opportunities and helping to regenerate communities.

“She has made an exceptional contribution to Unity’s success story.”    

Shruti Bhargava said: “I am surprised and honoured to have won this award.

“I would like to thank Ali Akbor who was alongside me as Unity CEO for six years, past and current Board members Rav Panesar and Andy Welsh, BME National Chair Cym D’Souza and Co-Chair of the Better Social Housing Review Steering Group Charlie Norman for their kind testimonials.

“My thanks also to everyone who has supported me over the years. 

“I’m especially grateful to Unity Homes and Enterprise for giving me a purpose over the last nine years, particularly one that I feel a strong connection to.  I know I will be lucky to find that same level of synergy again.”

New system needed to combat rising wildfire threat, academic warns

The increased threat of wildfires in the UK has hastened the need for a national Fire Danger Rating System (FDRS), a University of Manchester expert has argued.

Last July, multiple Fire and Rescue Services across the country declared major incidents with London Fire Brigade experiencing its busiest single day since the Second World War.

In an article published by the University’s policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester, Dr Gareth Clay warns that such events “may be signals of times to come.”

He writes: “The impact of climate change suggests we will likely see an increase in the number of days above critical ‘fire danger’ thresholds, which are set by a fire weather index to define danger, with the potential for the wildfire season to extend into autumn.”

For many decades, the United States, Canada and Australia have had Fire Danger Rating Systems in place which assess fuel and weather conditions to provide estimates about potential fire behaviour under specific conditions. This information is used by land managers, planners and emergency services to inform decision making.   

England and Wales rely on the Met Office Fire Severity Index (MOFSI) which, Dr Clay explains, “gives an indication of fire severity based only on meteorological data and does not fully account for the varied fuel types we see across the UK.”

He continues: “MOFSI does not always work effectively. For example, during the dry summer of 2018, in some regions the indices did not rise sufficiently to trigger land closures in areas that went on to experience severe wildfire. This insensitivity demonstrates that other tools are required to properly forewarn responders, landowners, and government agencies about likely fire behaviour.”

Dr Andrew Clay

Dr Clay, a Reader in Physical Geography, reveals that researchers at The University of Manchester are leading a major project to develop new insights into the location and condition of important fuels, “seeing how they react to different weather conditions throughout the year and quantifying how flammable these fuel types are, which will ultimately allow for a tailored UK fire behaviour model to be produced.”  

He writes: “The next step in this journey will be to take the findings from our research and work with partners to develop an operational FDRS in the coming years. These partners include government departments, like the Home Office, Cabinet Office, and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Met Office, wildfire forums across the UK and landowners and managers.”

“This system would allow for management decisions to be taken in advance of heightened fire conditions, such as stepping up additional Fire and Rescue Service crews, modifying land management practices when the danger is high, or increased public-facing messages, including warning signs at popular recreation spots.”

He adds: “Who ultimately co-ordinates a future system is not yet clear, however leadership from government is required.”

Dr Clay’s article, Spreading like wildfire: the need for a UK Fire Danger Rating System,  is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.  

Manningham Housing Association tenant is a Housing Hero

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) tenant Salma Khatun has been named Tenant of the Year at the Housing Heroes Awards.

The trophy, which “recognises a tenant who has gone the extra mile and demonstrated an innovative approach to helping others,” was handed over at a ceremony in Manchester by BBC News presenter Huw Edwards.

Salma, an active member of MHA’s Tenant Panel, played a pivotal role in helping the association deliver a £470,000 retrofitting project led by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority with UK Government funding. 

For more than 12 years, she has coordinated MHA’s coffee mornings at its Hollings Hub and Anchor Court housing developments.

She has also been heavily involved in outreach projects aimed at encouraging participation in the association’s ever-expanding programme of community activities including digital inclusion training and has persuaded many local people to enrol on courses. 

Salma Khatun receiving her Housing Heroes Tenant of the Year Award from BBC News presenter Huw Edwards

Ulfat Hussain, MHA Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations, said: “Salma is an incredibly worthy winner of this prestigious national award.

“Through the retrofitting project, she helped residents living in older pre-1919 built properties receive free guidance on what installation and improvement measures were suitable for their property.

“This enabled them to potentially benefit financially through greater energy efficiency while playing their own part in reducing local carbon emissions.  It was important for us to reach these residents and Salma played such an important part in enabling us to make this happen so successfully.

“She has long been regarded as a housing hero by MHA tenants, staff and project partners.  We are thrilled that the Housing Heroes Awards judges have now made this official.”    

Barrington Billings, MHA Chair, said: “Salma’s dedication to MHA is exceptional. Her voluntary work has had a hugely significant effect on the wellbeing of tenants, promoting social inclusion and community cohesion.

“Her outreach activities have helped to increase community engagement and had a positive impact on the physical and mental health of tenants and the neighbourhoods that surround them.

“She has helped to bridge the digital divide to ensure that everyone has access to the benefits of digital technology, demonstrating her commitment to improving the lives of others, particularly those living in areas of high deprivation.

“Salma is a true and valued asset to the Manningham Housing Association community.” 

Salma Khatun said: “I am so pleased to win the Housing Heroes Tenant of the Year award.

“MHA is a big part of my life and I really enjoy working with lots of talented people who, like me, are committed to making a positive difference in the local community.      

“I want them to share my pride at receiving this award.”

Northern Ireland ban on e-scooters must stay

Lord Rogan has urged the UK Government not to legalise the use of e-scooters on public roads in Northern Ireland.

Speaking in the House of Lords this afternoon, Lord Rogan said: “Unlike in England in Wales, e-scooters are illegal on public roads in Northern Ireland but that has not stopped their use with an e-scooter rider being left in a critical condition last month after colliding with a car in East Belfast.

Lord Rogan

“Further, just last weekend the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service issued a warning after having to attend a spate of e-scooter fires caused by lithium batteries.”

He asked Trade Minister Lord Offord of Garvel: “In the continuing absence of an Executive at Stormont, can I have an assurance that any future legislation brought forward by His Majesty’s Government relating to Northern Ireland does not include the legalisation of e-scooters?”

Responding Lord Offord claimed the use of e-scooters was “not a UK-central issue, this is an international issue,” adding,” we are not alone in dealing with this modern technology.”  

Commenting afterwards, Lord Rogan said: “Whilst I accept that the dangers posed by e-scooters extend beyond the United Kingdom, responsibility for their control within our own borders rests with our own Government. They have a duty to take that responsibility incredibly seriously given the dangers e-scooters pose.” 

New community strategy to improve quality of life and make a difference in Bradford

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has published a new three-year Community Investment Strategy to build on its award-winning work to support neighbourhoods in Bradford district during and since the pandemic.  

The 22-page document, Improving Quality of Life and Making a Difference, follows the completion of an in-depth community consultation process which sought the views of MHA tenants, staff and key partner agencies in Bradford and Keighley.

The previous strategy, which covered the period from 2019-2022, delivered a series of hugely successful community initiatives including Building Bridges Bradford, Let’s Get On, BAME Ladies Smashing Boundaries and Young in Covid.  

More than 4800 local people were actively involved in the projects which collectively attracted over £391,000 in external capital and revenue support funding.

In 2021, MHA triumphed in the Outstanding Approaches to Communications category at the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Northern Awards, with staff praised by the judges “for their incredible work with tenants and residents during the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Last year, the association’s Community Engagement Team secured the Northern Housing Team of the Year Award for their success in delivering Building Bridges Bradford, devised to bolster community resilience and bring individuals and families from diverse backgrounds together through social action activities.    

The new MHA Community Investment Strategy 2023-2025 focuses firmly on shared community priorities identified in the consultation. 

These include reducing health inequality, tackling social deprivation, combating poverty, improving training and employability, addressing fuel poverty, increasing energy efficiency, sustaining tenancies and lessening the impact of welfare reforms, the rising cost of living and soaring energy prices on household budgets.

The document also sets out a three-year action plan to be reviewed annually with new opportunity-driven initiatives being added as appropriate.

Building on success: (left to right) Simi Amini, MHA Community Development Officer; with Sadar Uddin, Community Partnership and Investment Manager; Ulfat Hussain, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations; and Harry Manford, Neighbourhoods Team Leader.

Sadar Uddin, MHA Community Partnership and Investment Manager, said: “The previous Community Investment Strategy achieved so much despite the challenges of Covid-19.  

“With these restrictions gone and with knowledge gained from the consultation exercise, we believe the new strategy will enable MHA to use our internal resources and attract external funding to maximise benefits and improve the quality of life for our residents and communities.”  

Ulfat Hussain, MHA Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations, said: “We are proud to be so much more than a housing provider.  MHA is equally committed to our community investment offer which has been carefully crafted to meet the needs of local people.        

“Our Community Investment Team is renowned for its forward-thinking approach to community development, creating opportunities, housing solutions, learning, health and wellbeing and many other innovative initiatives that improve the quality of life for our residents.

“Through our new Community Investment Strategy, we will strive to be pioneers in devising projects that truly make a positive difference.”

Barrington Billings, MHA Chair, said: “The Board was very pleased to be heavily involved in the development and approval of the revamped Community Investment Strategy which encapsulates strategic thinking at its best.

“The many achievements of the previous strategy further enhanced MHA’s reputation for delivering first class community development programmes in Bradford district.

“I believe the new document will become the next chapter in the association’s success story.”  

The MHA Community Investment Strategy 2023-25 is available to read on the association’s website.      

Power in Place: new approaches to addressing regional inequalities

A University of Manchester publication released today presents a series of evidence-led solutions to tackle regional inequalities and boost the levelling up agenda.

Lord Kerslake

The 44-page document begins with a characteristically incisive foreword from Lord Kerslake, former Head of the Home Civil Service.

Power in Place – published by the University's policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester - incorporates research and recommendations from academics across nine policy areas.

These include strengthening participation in devolved policymaking, boosting young people’s wellbeing, making local environmental policy more inclusive, and supporting charitable organisations through the cost-of-living crisis.

Closing the attainment gap in schools for children living in poverty is another key policy challenge featured in the publication, together with addressing health inequalities in left behind neighbourhoods, placing health and wellbeing at the heart of urban regeneration, encouraging better ‘place-based’ coordination of skills and education opportunities for young people, and mapping spatial differences to make policymaking more effective.

In his foreword, Lord Kerslake acknowledges that last year’s Levelling Up White Paper “gave official recognition by the government to the deep-rooted and long-standing nature of regional inequalities across the UK.”

Power in Place published by The University of Manchester's policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester

But he says: “Those people who questioned the scale and depth of inequalities have been exposed as modern ‘flat earthers.’”

The crossbench peer argues that “political rhetoric now needs to be translated into policies and programmes of action” which are “still missing.”

He continues: “In part this is because of the complexity of the challenge and the need for change in both our institutional structures and technical capacities. This is highlighted in the diversity of contributions in this Policy@Manchester publication.”

Lord Kerslake writes: “Despite the rhetoric of levelling up places, government policies are still ‘place blind’.”

He adds: “The articles in this report provide evidence-led ideas about how we can improve place-based approaches to tackle inequalities.”

Professor Cecilia Wong, academic co-director of Policy@Manchester, said: “We are excited to publish Power in Place which is a significant contribution to the national debates on levelling up policy as we approach the next General Election.

Professor Cecilia Wong

“The diversity of subject areas addressed in the document underline the remarkable quality and breadth of public policy thinking by academics at the University.

“Policy@Manchester is particularly grateful to Lord Kerslake for writing such an illuminating foreword, based on his many years of experience at the highest levels of local and national government.

“We hope the publication is read widely by policymakers, and the suite of solutions it provides are taken onboard.”    

Power in Place is now available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.