The Empty Homes Network is pleased to share an overview of our 2026 Training and Events Calendar, setting out a comprehensive programme of conferences, courses and practitioner-focused sessions for the year ahead.
Our 2026 programme is designed to support local authorities, housing professionals and partners with practical learning, shared insight and peer exchange, helping to strengthen and scale up action to bring empty homes back into use. Events will continue to combine policy context with hands-on practice, reflecting the real-world challenges faced by officers working on empty homes.
Full details of individual events, including dates and booking information, can be found on our events page here.
EHN National Conference 2026
Our annual conference will return in 2026, bringing together empty homes practitioners, policy leads and sector partners from across the country.
The conference provides a key opportunity to explore emerging policy developments, share good practice, and learn from innovative approaches to bringing empty homes back into use. It also offers valuable networking opportunities, allowing delegates to connect with colleagues, speakers and sector experts.
Further information, including themes, speakers and booking details are available on our dedicated Conference webpage, here.
Regional Roundtables
New for 2026, our Regional Roundtables will run throughout 2026, offering smaller, discussion-based sessions tailored to practitioners working in similar geographic areas.
These sessions are designed to encourage open discussion, peer support and shared problem-solving, with space to explore regional trends, pressures and opportunities in more depth. To find out more about our Regional Roundtable series, and to find out how to join your local Roundtable session, see our recent article, here.
‘An Introduction to Empty Homes’
Our ‘Introduction to Empty Homes’ training course is aimed at officers who are new to empty homes work, as well as those seeking a structured refresher.
These sessions cover the fundamentals of empty homes practice, including understanding the scale and impact of the issue, available powers and incentives, and practical steps for developing an effective local empty homes strategies, policies and procedures.
Enforcement Surgery Q&A, with Andrew Lavender
Our Enforcement Surgeries Q&A provide practitioners with the opportunity to discuss real-life cases in a confidential and supportive environment.
These sessions focus on problem-solving, learning from shared experience, and building confidence in the use of enforcement tools, particularly where cases are complex or long-running. Hosted and supported by Andrew Lavender, officers can sign up to either or both of these events by emailing [email protected].
Enforcement / EDMO Courses
Specialist Enforcement and Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO) courses are also available later in the year, delivered by Andrew Lavender.
These sessions are designed for officers looking to deepen their understanding of enforcement powers, legal processes and best practice, with a strong emphasis on practical application and case management.
Other webinars to be announced throughout the year
Additional webinars and training sessions will be added to the programme throughout the year, responding to emerging policy issues, changes in legislation and feedback from Network members.
Please keep checking back for updates, as new events, dates and booking links will be added on an ongoing basis.
Join the Empty Homes Network
Many of our events and training sessions are free or discounted for members of the Empty Homes Network. Membership also provides access to practitioner guidance, peer support, regular updates, and opportunities to shape and influence empty homes policy and practice.
If you are not already a member, we encourage you to consider joining the Network and becoming part of a national community working to reduce the number of long-term empty homes.
Visit our joining page here.
The Empty Homes Network look forward to working with you and supporting you and your authorities throughout 2026!
