NHMF
MaintenanceConference
Timetable
Monday 19 January 2026
This is a great opportunity for those of you attending the conference to meet up, network and play golf in readiness for what looks like is going to be a great conference.
Spaces are limited so register early via the link below:
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Tuesday 20 January 2026
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With the focus on net zero and retrofit, it is essential the sector ensures retrofitted homes work for their residents to keep them healthy. This session will showcase the latest research from Transforming Homes. The new HEARTH & INHABIT research programmes will be examining risks to health from the internal environment, especially overheating retrofitted homes. Next stage with Transforming Homes.
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The Grenfell Tower tragedy exposed profound failures in housing, safety, and governance, reminding us of that residents’ voices and human life must always come first. In this session, journalist Kate Lamble from BBC Grenfell series [Grenfell: Building a Disaster] will reflect on what Grenfell revealed about our systems, culture, and accountability. Together they explore how we can embed lasting change — prioritising safety over cost, ensuring transparency at every level, and building systems that learn before, not after, disaster strikes.
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Under Awaab's Law landlords are required to ensure their homes can protect the health of their tenants. Nadhia Khan will share what RBH has learnt from this tragedy and how they have changed their service to customers. The Ombudsman will illustrate how the sector has improved its performance and highlight areas that still need to be addressed.
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The social housing (and construction) sectors face a critical skills shortage, with thousands of apprenticeship applications each year but only a fraction of places available. The sector as a whole needs about 280,000 apprentices, but only around 20,000 are being filled each year to replace those retiring. Plus, there is typically a 20–40% drop-out rate in apprenticeship programs.
Despite high demand, sector-wide barriers, such as limited capacity, retention challenges, and fragmented approaches, are preventing us from unlocking the full potential of apprenticeships. This session aims to move beyond discussion and catalyse real action.
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The session will compare and contrast the position of our sector across different regions, highlighting both the key differences and shared challenges. It will also focus on identifying actions, research, and initiatives that can provide mutual benefit and strengthen collaboration across regions.
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This session transforms the NHMF Frameworx Lounge into a dedicated Social Value Lounge, bringing together clients, partners and providers to celebrate meaningful social value delivery across the sector.
Attendees will join us for a relaxed drinks reception as we recognise the Winners and Highly Commended organisations from the Social Value Award (announced at Monday night’s 25th Anniversary NHMF Best Practice Awards Dinner), who will be formally presented with their social value donation cheques.
The session will hear directly from the award winners and highly commended clients, who will share insights into their social value projects, the outcomes achieved to date, and how the donations will be used to further support and enhance these initiatives. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and engage in an open discussion around delivering, measuring and maximising social value in practice.
Axis CLC will also share their approach to social value delivery and the impact they create for clients and communities.
The remainder of the session will provide dedicated time for informal networking, encouraging collaboration, learning and connection between conference attendees.
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Wednesday 21 January 2026
With only 27% of government-funded retrofit projects completed, this session explores why progress towards net zero in housing remains slow — and what can be done to change that. It will be discussed how the sector can overcome barriers in funding, delivery, and capacity to achieve large-scale, sustainable retrofit programmes. Drawing on real-world examples and emerging finance models, the session will focus on practical strategies to mobilise investment, strengthen partnerships, and deliver retrofit projects at the scale needed to meet national net zero ambitions.
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A follow-on session to Plenary 3, giving delegates the chance to continue the conversation on Awaab’s Law, healthy homes and landlord accountability. Join members of the panel for informal, audience-led discussion over coffee and cake
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A brief overview of what's been happening within Frameworx, future plans and how to be involved.
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We’re pleased to announce that the NHMF Study Tour 2026 will take place in The Hague, Netherlands. The tour will provide delegates with the opportunity to explore innovative approaches to housing management, asset sustainability, and retrofit delivery within a European context.
Participants will visit leading housing organisations, regeneration projects, and sustainable housing developments to gain valuable insights into how The Hague is addressing challenges such as decarbonisation, resident engagement, and long-term asset planning.
Further details, including dates, itinerary, and booking information, will be shared
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This session will showcase insights from the Berlin 2025 Tech in Practice study, exploring how innovative digital tools and data-driven technologies are transforming housing management and maintenance. The case study highlights real-world examples from Berlin, where technology is being used to enhance asset performance, improve resident experience, and support sustainability goals.
Delegates will gain practical takeaways on how similar approaches can be applied within UK housing organisations to drive efficiency and innovation.
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Safe, Warm & Healthy Homes
Collaborative Solutions for Today’s Housing Challenges
Keeping Homes Safe (Building Safety)
Keeping Homes Warm (Net Zero & Energy Efficiency)
