CCH Conference 2026 Review
Our 31st Annual Conference was an opportunity to celebrate the vital role you all play in your co-operative, and how you can foster growth, strengthen community resilience and create a sustainable future.
Under the theme “Strong Foundations, Sustainable Futures: Building resilient, well-governed co-operatives for the long term” the conference provided an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing housing co-operatives and explore how they can remain sustainable, resilient and true to their co-operative values.
The conference focused on strengthening housing co-operatives through effective governance, financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, safe homes and meaningful member participation.
A key message was the importance of building resilient co-operatives that remain financially sustainable, democratically accountable and committed to providing safe, quality homes for their communities.
The conference reinforced the value of collaboration, shared learning and staying true to co-operative principles to secure a stronger future for the movement.
This year’s conference saw our biggest turnout since moving to the one-day format, with a real sense of energy and enthusiasm throughout the event. It was fantastic to see co-operative members coming together to share practical solutions, celebrate successes and exchange ideas on how to build stronger, more connected communities.
Conference closed with an excellent networking session where we presented a Lifetime Achievement award to Martin Dumont, Chair of Leytonstone Housing Co-operative and former Board member of CCH.
For a full summary of the conference check out the Co-op News article here [coming soon].
Conference Plenary
The conference plenary explored future opportunities, including greater government recognition, the updated Co-operative Values and Principles, devolution and what it means for housing, the national context, and how Strategic Authorities work. It highlighted how collaboration, investment and strong co-operative values can support the sector’s growth, resilience and long-term sustainability.
The Co-operative Showcase brought co-operative stories to life, celebrating rich histories, milestone anniversaries and creative ways members are bringing their communities together through events, activities and active participation.
- Blase Lambert – Chief Executive, Confederation of Co-operative Housing
- Anna Spencer – CCH Board Member and Housing Development Manager at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
- Pete Bishop – Grand Union Housing Co-operative
- Jaimini Bharakhada – Belgrave Neighbourhood Co-operative Housing Association
- Mark Constable – Darent Housing Co-operative
Workshop presentations
Your Homes
Your Homes focused on the places where your tenant-members live and the practical challenges of maintaining safe and affordable homes.
Awaab’s Law Phase 2: from rules to reality – Hayley Hulme, Chief Executive, North West Housing Services
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Know your stock, shape your future – Michaela Bygrave, Maria Moise, Delores Clarke CCH Associate
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Effective complaint handling: what good looks like – Kirsty Noakes, Duty to Monitor Manager, Housing Ombudsman Service
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Repairs and maintenance: getting compliance right – Ashleigh Martin, Head of Housing and Repairs, MB Housing
View Presentation
Your Co-operative
Your Co-operative focused on the people, values, culture, and democratic governance that make housing co-operatives different from other housing organisations.
When home isn’t safe: the housing response to domestic abuse – Demi Harrington, Senior Regional Lead, Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance
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Challenging hate: creating safer homes and communities – Kush May-Chahal, Director of Training Services, Stop Hate UK
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Sharing the right information: your co-operative and STAIRs – Helen Bartlett, CCH Associate
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Co-operative Values and Principles: building a co-operative culture – Blase Lambert, Chief Executive Officer, Confederation of Co-operative Housing
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Your Business
Your Business focused on the skills, knowledge, and practical tools needed to run a successful housing co-operative.
Data matters: managing your co-operative’s Information – Paula Farrow, CCH Associate, Minster Housing Co-operative
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Using the new housing co-operative Code of Governance – Helen Bartlett, CCH Associate
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Competence and Conduct: building skills for the future – Daryl McIntosh, Share
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Know your risks: building a resilient co-operative – Kevin Wan, Director of Finance, North West Housing Services
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Your Future
Your Future explored the opportunities, innovations and strategic challenges that will shape co-operative housing in the years ahead.
From idea to impact: growing your co-operative – James Neward, Chief Operating Officer, and Sue Bird, Yorspace
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Powered by Members: strengthening active membership – Paul Kelly, CCH Associate
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The Long Game: is your co-op financially sustainable? – Helen Bartlett, CCH Associate
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We would gratefully like to thank the following organisations for their additional sponsorship to conference which has helped keep our delegate fee low. Thank you to:
