Joint Finance Directors' and Housing Professional Network Meeting | July 2025 | Face-to-face

Join us on 17 July from 10:00 to 15:00 at NCVO in Central London for a day of insightful discussions, networking, and sector updates. This event is designed for senior colleagues in Finance and Housing, to connect, share knowledge, and gain valuable insights.

We have a full and varied agenda for this event, which is not to be missed.

After networking and refreshments on arrival, Sarah Woodhouse from VODG will start the day with an update on VODG’s response to the Supported Housing Act Consultation. She will be joined by Viktorija Kiselyte from National Housing Federation who will talk about NHF’s key messages, progress and engagement with government since the consultation closed and the ongoing SOS Housing campaign.

Next, Jonathan Taylor from Howden will lead an interactive session on navigating risk and financial viability.

After a short break, there will be a choice of two breakout sessions.

Session 1 will focus on key housing priorities and the challenges faced by housing providers. Discussions will centre on topics such as regulatory changes, sustainability initiatives, and the evolving needs of residents. Attendees are encouraged to share their experiences, strategies, and best practices in addressing the pressing needs within the housing sector.

Session 2 will delve into the financial risks impacting members and explore strategies for sustainability. Delegates will discuss the financial implications of regulatory changes and the importance of sound financial stewardship. Participants can share insights into their approaches for managing financial risks, navigating funding challenges, and ensuring effective resource allocation.

The breakout sessions will be followed by a complimentary networking lunch, after which we are delighted to welcome Joshua Butt from Cordis Bright, who will be providing a sector overview, before our final session on financial trends and horizon scanning from Stuart McKay at MHA.

Each participant will leave with actionable insights and strategies they can implement to enhance their operational frameworks and drive organisational success. Don’t miss out on these important sessions and the chance to share experiences with your peers!

*Please note that to ensure that as many member organisations as possible can attend, places are limited to one per organisation.

Speakers

Sarah Woodhouse

Sarah Woodhouse

Head of Policy and Influencing, Voluntary Organisations Disability Group

Viktorija Kiselyte

Viktorija Kiselyte

Policy Officer, National Housing Federation

Jonathan Taylor

Jonathan Taylor

Director, Head of Corporate Risks Health & Care, Howden

Joshua Butt

Joshua Butt

Principal Consultant, Cordis Bright

Stuart McKay

Stuart McKay

Partner, MHA

Find out more

 

Draft Programme

10.00

10.30

Arrival, Refreshments and Registration

Kerry Hamilton, Head of Membership and Operations at VODG

10.30

11.00

Supported Housing Act Consultation

Sarah Woodhouse, Head of Policy and Influencing at VODG and Viktorija Kiselyte, Policy Officer at National Housing Federation

11.00

11.30

Navigating risk and financial viability (Interactive)

Jonathan Taylor, Director, Head of Corporate Risks Health & Care at Howden

11.30

11.40

Break

11.40

12.40

Breakout Sessions and Discussion 

Breakout 1: Housing Priorities and Challenges 

Breakout 2: Financial Risks and Strategies 

Co-Chairs

12.40

13.40

Lunch

13.40

14.10

Sector Overview

Joshua Butt, Principal Consultant at Cordis Bright

14.10

14.40

Financial Trends

Staurt McKay, Partner at MHA

14.40

14.55

Future Ideas

Co-Chairs

14.55

15.00

Final round up and End

Kerry Hamilton, Head of Membership and Operations at VODG

Accessibility  

Please note, should you have any accessibility requirements, we will do our best to make necessary arrangements to support you; however, we may require up to four weeks notice, so please list your requirements on the booking form. Closed captions are used as standard in online meetings. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Professional Network Online Forums

The VODG professional network online forums are a leading online community within the sector. The forums promote peer-to-peer connections, provide opportunities to share good practice and can be used to identify areas for collaboration. Access is exclusively available to members and consists of role-specific communities that reflect our members’ responsibilities and interests.

Finance Directors

Members (155) Discussions (34)

The VODG finance directors' professional network welcomes senior finance professionals from amongst our membership.

Housing

Members (117) Discussions (6)

The VODG housing professional network welcomes housing professionals from amongst our membership.

Meet the VODG Finance Directors' and Housing Co-Chairs 

Join us at our quarterly network meetings, chaired by leaders from across our membership.

Alison Heustice

Alison Heustice

Director of Finance , FitzRoy

Nicola Ford

Nicola Ford

Group Director of Finance, Avenues Group

Sanjay Shah

Sanjay Shah

Director of Finance & Housing, Certitude London

Maria Mills

Maria Mills

Chief Executive, Active Prospects

Steve Harris

Steve Harris

Business Development Director, RWP