Embracing Collaboration to Drive Change in Social Housing

By Esther Clarson and Rachael Smart, Co-founders of think together.  

 Welcome to our latest blog post, where we delve into the power of collaboration in the social housing sector. Our recent Social Housing Roundtable session provided a platform for great discussions on how collaboration is not just a strategy but a necessity in today's complex environment.  

 Watch the session to get the full insight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEzejAwuJJg 

 The Necessity of Collaboration 

 In the face of regulatory changes, persistent issues of trust and often siloed operations in social housing, the importance of collaborative efforts has never been more pronounced. The changing and challenging landscape requires us to move beyond traditional methodologies and engage in collective action that harnesses the strengths of diverse groups. 

 The Formula for Successful Collaboration 

 During our roundtable, we explored several key factors that contribute to successful collaboration: 

 1. Understanding the Landscape: Recognising the challenges we face, including a lack of trust between residents and providers and the inward-looking nature of many organisations, sets the stage for why meaningful collaboration is needed. Knowing you are not on your own and that others are out there grappling with the same challenges opens the door for looking out and starting relationships to build collaboration. 

 2. Implementing the "Stop, Collaborate, and Listen" Mantra: Inspired by Vanilla Ice, this simple yet powerful approach reminds us to pause, engage with others, and listen actively to create solutions that are inclusive and effective. Importantly, this process leads to decisive actions that address the issues at hand, ensuring that collaboration translates into tangible results. 

 3. Building on Small Successes: Collaboration doesn't have to start with grand gestures. Small, strategic actions can lead to significant outcomes. By starting small and prioritising effectively, we can build momentum and achieve greater impacts. 

 4. Sharing Resources and Data: Openly sharing data and resources can enhance understanding and support among stakeholders, leading to improved services and stronger partnerships. This transparency is crucial in building trust and inclusion. 

 5. Empowering Through Leadership: Strong leadership and commitment at all levels are essential to foster a culture of collaboration. Leaders must demonstrate and role-model collaborative behaviours to encourage their teams to embrace these practices. 

 Examples of Impact 

 Our work has shown that when organisations come together, the potential for positive change is immense. A local Welfare Reform Working Group we facilitated brought together multiple agencies to address the pressing challenges of a fundamental policy change.  The outcomes from this group included enhanced communication and resource sharing among social housing providers, increased awareness, and preparedness for the changes among residents, and the development of joint strategies to mitigate the impact of welfare reforms. This collaboration ensured that essential services were maintained and even improved during this change. It stands as a testament to how structured collective action can overcome large-scale challenges and help entire communities. 

 Another great example is a culture change programme for a housing association, which was a transformative initiative to foster collaboration. By developing a framework of behaviours, communication approaches, and attitudes based on real lived experiences, we created an environment where collaboration thrived. Managers were empowered with tools to coach their teams actively, and a "culture club" led by the senior management team role-modelled the desired behaviours. This programme not only improved services but also significantly enhanced employee satisfaction and the overall resident experience. 

 Building trust with residents, communities, and stakeholders through visible engagement and community-focused activities, such as neighbourhood action days, youth projects and digital engagement initiatives, builds into long-term strategic partnerships. These efforts show a commitment to the community and foster a deeper connection with residents, ensuring their voices are heard and valued. 

 Lessons from our Session 

 Consistency and Communication 

During the session discussion, a recurring theme emerged: the importance of consistent engagement with local communities and stakeholders. Focused not just on the continuous effort required but also recognising when to draw boundaries. 

 Consistent Engagement: The Marathon of Trust-Building 

 Highlighting the value of persistence in the social housing sector, creating meaningful change is akin to running a marathon, not a sprint. It involves regularly showing up for the community and stakeholders, even when progress seems to stall. The journey may be challenging, but the consensus was clear – the outcomes are worth the perseverance.  

 The Two-Way Street of Collaboration 

 Collaboration was likened to a dialogue, a two-way conversation that requires both speaking and listening. It's about forming a partnership where feedback flows both ways, ensuring that learning is mutual. By embracing this approach, we can refine our strategies and approaches in real-time, adjusting to the needs and insights of those we aim to serve. 

 Building Relationships through Strategic Communication 

 Effective communication was pinpointed as the cornerstone of building and maintaining relationships. This encompasses not just external communication with the community and partners but also internal communication within organisations. Strengthening these communication channels is vital for creating a community of stakeholders who are informed, engaged, and aligned with the mission. 

 Looking Forward 

 As we continue to navigate the complexities of social housing, the call to action is clear. We must be champions of collaboration within our organisations and the wider community. It's about more than just working together; it's about creating a synergy that amplifies our collective ability to make a difference. 

 We encourage everyone in the sector to embrace collaboration, not as a buzzword, but as a fundamental approach to solving the challenges we face. Let's "Stop, Collaborate, and Listen" to make social housing better for all.