Sessions & Speakers
This year’s programme offers a powerful mix of policy insight, practical case studies, technical expertise and interactive discussion, making it an essential event for anyone working to tackle vacancy and housing need.
We’re delighted to be welcoming Steven Parkin, Senior Manager for Affordable Housing Growth of Homes England to the Conference this year, who will be outlining how local authorities can develop and enhance their empty homes service provision by tapping into the new SAHP funding programme. Marking a significant increase in the previous programme, the new SAHP includes provision to support authorities with purchase and acquisition, lease and repair and regeneration schemes, and how councils can shape their bid. A session not to be missed, and marking a significant step in the empty homes field nationally.
On any given night, there are over 6,000 households and 8,000 children in temporary accommodation in Greater Manchester. And yet, for every one of these households, there are two properties in Greater Manchester that have been empty for 6 months or longer. Greater Manchester local authorities are tackling this problem together, with regional investment from Greater Manchester Combined Authority to ensure that there is a well-resourced empty homes function in every borough, with the tools to take on this challenge. Joe Donohue joins us to discuss how Greater Manchester examine the potential for joint approaches and collaboration in empty homes work and explore how other mayoral strategic authorities might support a similar approach in their areas.
We are pleased to welcome Tom Gilligan, Director of Services at Mayo County Council, who will share an overview of Ireland’s empty homes challenge. Drawing on frontline experience, Tom will discuss what is genuinely working on the ground, from partnership models to policy supports, and how local authorities are successfully turning empty properties back into homes and revitalising communities.
Lavinia Ferguson-Dean from the National Anti-Fraud Network will lead a session on the tools available to support empty homes investigations. Attendees will gain insight into current NAFN services and will have a unique opportunity to shape the development of a new Batch Empty Homes service, being created in collaboration with Experian. This session offers a rare chance to influence future national practice.
In an inspiring case study, Amanda Nicols-Polinska and Mark Bradshaw will share how Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust and Northampton College have partnered to regenerate a derelict 19th-century cottage on the historic Delapré Abbey Estate. Their pioneering approach demonstrates how education, heritage and public sector collaboration can unlock neglected assets, develop skills, and create long-term social value.
John Williams, Managing Director of Property Funds at Resonance, will explore how social impact investment can be used to bring empty homes back into use while tackling homelessness. This session will examine how partnerships between councils, investors and housing providers can reduce reliance on expensive temporary accommodation and deliver sustainable housing solutions.
Bex Betton, Funding and Development Manager at The Community Impact Initiative C.I.C., will share powerful case studies showing how long-term empty homes can be regenerated alongside community support. Her session will highlight how collaborative projects can improve wellbeing, develop skills, and create real pathways into employment for people facing hardship.
The programme also includes a highly popular open forum with Andrew Lavender, Housing Training and Law Consultant. This Enforcement Q&A session gives delegates the opportunity to discuss real-life case studies, explore legal options, and ask practical questions about enforcement strategies in a supportive, expert-led environment.
1-2-1 Legal Surgeries
Back by popular demand, our 1-2-1 legal surgeries will provide delegates with the opportunity to speak with professionals about challenging or difficult cases, and gain expert insight into the appropriate pathway forward. Colleagues from Taylor Emmet, Bevan Brittan and Nplaw will be available throughout the day to answer your case questions. To book your 1-2-1 surgery appointment, email [email protected].
Delegate Rates
With a huge thank you as always to our sponsors and exhibitors, their continued support has enabled our delegate pricing structure to be kept frozen for a fourth consecutive year.
Delegate prices start from £95 for not-for-profit organisations, and our Corporate Members will benefit from our discounted delegate rate of £150, as well as receiving a reduced rate of £105 for every additional delegate place.
This year, we are again offering all members the chance to renew their EHN Membership for 2026/27 at the same time as booking your Conference place, ensuring that your access to the Network website and its resources runs uninterrupted through until April 2027.
As a Subscriber Member of the Empty Homes Network, it has never been easier to upgrade your membership level and take advantage of our fantastic Corporate delegate rates, as well as increasing your access to all of our information resources online.
