Disrepair Improvement Group session explores evolving pressures around housing disrepair
Echelon Consultancy recently hosted the first session in the relaunched Disrepair Improvement Group (DIG) programme, bringing together housing professionals from across the sector to discuss the changing landscape of disrepair management.
The virtual session, led and chaired by Tristan Hemsley, focused on the operational, legal and regulatory pressures currently shaping approaches to housing disrepair, damp and mould, compliance and resident engagement.
The discussion explored how disrepair management is increasingly becoming an organisation-wide responsibility, requiring collaboration across housing management, compliance, governance, procurement, repairs and data teams.
Key themes discussed during the session included the impact of Awaab’s Law on landlord responsibilities, the growing importance of proactive risk management, and the need for improved internal communication and record keeping across organisations.
Speakers also highlighted how better-connected systems and earlier intervention can support landlords in identifying risks sooner, while technology and data are playing an increasingly important role in improving reporting, case management and audit trails.
The session featured insight from sector specialists including:
Danny Bird, Repairs Consultant and Interim Assistant Director of Regulated Delivery at Aster Group
Tashaun Blake, Disrepair and Damp & Mould lead at a local authority.
Naoise Webster, Property Litigation Solicitor at Winckworth Sherwood
Andrew Thompson, Strategic Sales Account Manager at Resideo
Topics covered included the first six months of Awaab’s Law, emerging trends in disrepair claims, evolving approaches across housing providers and the role of smart technology in supporting compliance and resident safety.
The DIG programme was originally launched in early 2022 in partnership with The Riverside Group, bringing together housing providers and sector experts to tackle one of the most persistent challenges in social housing.
It has been relaunched as a series of collaborative sessions designed to encourage practical discussion and shared learning across the housing sector.
The next DIG session will take place virtually on Tuesday 15 September 2026 from 12pm to 2pm. To find out more about upcoming sessions and register your interest, visit the Events page.
