Supporting Communities Leads the Way in Tenant Engagement at Landmark All-Ireland Conference

Supporting Communities Staff Members Aidan Kearney and Siobhan ONeill Hosted the Conference

Supporting Communities has reinforced its position as a leading voice in tenant engagement following the successful delivery of the All-Ireland Tenant Engagement Conference, held on 6-7 October in Belfast. 

The two-day event brought together over 250 delegates and more than 40 speakers from across Ireland, north and south, alongside colleagues from England, Scotland and Wales, creating a unique cross-border forum for sharing best practice and driving innovation in tenant participation. 

Fittingly, the conference took place on International Tenants Day, with tenants not only at the heart of discussions but literally opening and closing the event, ensuring their voices bookended the entire programme. Dan Nicander, Secretary General of the International Union of Tenants, helped open the event with a short video message that set the scene and reminded everyone that we are all part of a wider international tenant engagement movement.   

A Real Seat at the Table 

Kai Jackson Delivered the KeyNote Address

The conference addressed a timely issue, as tenant engagement expands beyond surveys and tick-box exercises. The keynote speaker, Kai Jackson, asked, “Is there a real seat at the table for tenants?” and explored ways to be more inclusive of ethnic minorities and other underrepresented groups. Through a full programme of workshops, presentations and discussions, delegates explored how social landlords can move beyond somewhat tokenistic engagement to create genuine opportunities for tenant influence and leadership. 

"This conference demonstrated the incredible work happening across our member organisations to ensure tenants' voices are not just heard, but are genuinely influential in shaping housing services," said Colm McDaid, CEO of Supporting Communities. "The level of participation from across these islands shows the appetite for collaboration and learning in this vital area of our work." 

Patricia McQuillan Speaks in her Role as Tenant Advocate for Northern Ireland as Part of the Final panel discussion

Delegates heard from practitioners showcasing innovative approaches to tenant engagement, with case studies highlighting creative solutions to longstanding challenges and fresh thinking about how to build meaningful partnerships between landlords and residents. 

Putting Tenants First and Last 

The conference concluded with a powerful panel session titled 'Tenants Have the Last Word', facilitated by keynote speaker Kai Jackson, herself a tenant. The panel put a human face on tenant engagement, exploring why people get involved, what motivates them and what they get out of participation. It was a fitting end to an event that placed tenant voices at its centre from start to finish. 

Networking and Connection 

Plenty of great exhibitors to visit!

Beyond the formal programme, delegates valued the opportunity to connect with peers, catch up with old friends and forge new relationships across the sector. The conference's design facilitated these connections, with exhibitor stalls providing a browsing and conversation space during tea and coffee breaks, a communal luncheon that encouraged cross-organisational dialogue, and an awards dinner on the evening of 6 October, celebrating excellence and bringing the community together in a more relaxed and festive setting. 

For many attendees, this networking dimension proved as valuable as the scheduled sessions, creating opportunities for informal knowledge exchange and relationship building that will support collaboration long after the conference's end. 

Launching Enhanced Accreditation Framework 

Dolores Grady, Joanne Wilson, Bobby McConnell and Lesa Kelly Discussing the ‘TP Accreditation from Supporting Communities

A highlight of the programme was the launch of Supporting Communities' updated Tenant Participation Accreditation scheme, a quality mark that recognises excellence in tenant engagement across social housing organisations. 

The accreditation framework provides an in-depth assessment of engagement practices and activities, offering assurance to Boards, Executive Teams and, most importantly, tenants, residents and leaseholders that their landlord not only meets but exceeds the minimum consumer standards required by statutory regulations. 

Crucially, the accreditation process goes far beyond a simple pass/fail rating; organisations can be awarded at the Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels. Participating organisations receive a comprehensive report that serves as both a validation of good practice and a roadmap for continuous improvement, helping landlords take their engagement work to the next level. 

"Our Tenant Participation Accreditation is about raising standards across the sector," explained Joanne Wilson, Head of Corporate Services for Supporting Communities. "It gives organisations a structured framework to assess where they are and where they need to go, whilst providing tenants with confidence that their landlord is genuinely committed to participation." 

Supporting the Sector's Journey 

Claire Darby (Clanmil Housing), Carol ErviNe (Choice Housing) and Kai Jackson (TPAS England) Networking at the Event

Tenant Participation Accreditation is one element of Supporting Communities' comprehensive offer to the housing sector. Through its trading arm, Empowering Communities, the organisation provides members with a range of training and consultancy services to support their tenant participation journey. 

This wraparound approach reflects Supporting Communities' understanding that effective tenant engagement requires ongoing support, skill development and organisational commitment, not just one-off initiatives. 

The success of the All-Ireland Tenant Engagement Conference, combined with the launch of the enhanced accreditation framework, positions Supporting Communities at the forefront of efforts to transform tenant engagement across Ireland and beyond. 

Thank you to Everyone who joined us at the All-Ireland Tenant Engagement Conference and To OUr Headline Sponsor Choice Housing for all Your Support!