How Innovation and Future Thinking is not only about ideas but providing tangible solutions
SFHA’s Innovation and Future Thinking Programme frames work with the needs of the sector and in line with Scottish Government priorities.
By Gemma Connell, IFT Programme Co-ordinator
SFHA Innovation and Future Thinking promotes the space for new ways of working, creative thinking and collaboration. We have had several successes such as Hackathons, the Innovation Hub, service design training and much more. It's important that we link our work with Scottish Government priorities.
Member toolkits: inclusive living and social value
The past year and the effect of Covid-19 has brought many challenges but also opportunities. The creation of our Inclusive Living Evidence Review and Inclusive Living Checklist Toolkit advocates the need to make homes accessible and adaptable, focusing on healthy ageing, technology and climate change which are all noted in Scottish Government policy. To meet these challenges, the Inclusive Living Toolkit supports organisations to consider inclusion in their strategic and operational planning to 'future-proof' housing. Our Social Value Toolkit is a practical resource to measure and demonstrate the social value created by social housing providers. It is vital to demonstrate the real value we as a sector provides to residents and their communities and contributing to a happier and healthier Scotland.
A culture of kindness
As stated by the Scottish Government: "We want Scotland to be a place where people are healthier, happier and treated with respect, and where opportunities, wealth and power are spread more equally." Our Innovation programme focuses on these priorities, and they shape the work we do with our members and partners. For example, we recently set up a 'Creating a culture of kindness' network with a brilliant response of over 80 staff from our member organisations involved, viewing kindness as the key to success and demonstrating how positivity and goodness internally and externally will establish better wellbeing and relationships.
Routes to Housing
We have developed a new area of focus, 'Routes to Housing', which will support employers and staff in their roles to build on their skills and help individuals who are new to the housing sector. There is a wide variety of roles in social housing and employment opportunities, and we will promote, encourage and help those interested in working in the sector through a variety of routes such as apprenticeship schemes and graduate programmes. Employment can reduce poverty, and enhancing skills and development allows individuals to fulfil their roles and progress. Being part of the gateway into employment will boost employment rates in communities.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Everyone deserves equality of opportunities and justice which means receiving the support each individual requires to reach their potential. SFHA recently delivered two four-day training sessions on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Specifically designed training to help delegates understand RSLs' responsibilities and the benefits of promoting equality, tackling all forms of discrimination and fostering good relationships between diverse groups of people outside and inside the workplace. The Fairer Scotland Duty by the Scottish Government is in place to reduce inequalities. We aim to support organisations with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies and processes and together work on how we can reduce inequalities and increase diversity and inclusion in communities.
Tenant engagement
Engagement with our tenants, residents and wider community is essential. Recently we held our first Virtual Engagement Conference, which proved to be a massive success with our members and associates. It demonstrated the importance of participation and communication. The housing sector's approach to tenant participation in Scotland is underpinned by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 ('the Act'), which created a legal requirement for landlords to actively develop and support tenant participation. In addition, the Act introduced requirements for landlords to have a tenant participation strategy in place. There are different types of engagement, digital, face to face, virtual, written, and we will work with the sector to demonstrate good practice and learning.
We are excited for the year ahead with the ongoing and upcoming work happening in our Innovation and Future Thinking Programme. We will continue to frame our work programme according to the sector and Scottish Government priorities. If you have any questions about the programme or anything relating to innovation, contact us at innovation@sfha.co.uk.