International housing delegates get together for conference in Glasgow

The International Housing Partnership (IHP) Leadership Exchange took place this week, hosted by Wheatley, Scotland’s leading housing, care and property management group.

The three-day event brought together delegates from 175 non-profit housing organisations in Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA to discuss issues affecting the housing sector and share best practice.

Delegates attended a civic reception at the City Chambers in Glasgow and held a series of sessions at Wheatley House looking at issues including the impact of the pandemic, climate emergency and the cost-of-living crisis.

They toured Wheatley developments at Sighthill in Glasgow to learn about regeneration and Queens Quay in Clydebank to hear about sustainability.

The group also visited the Scottish Parliament and met elected members, including Housing Minister Paul McLennan, at Wheatley’s offices in New Mart Road in Edinburgh.

Geraldine Howley, Chair of the IHP, said: “We’re grateful to Wheatley for hosting us on our first visit to this great city of Glasgow.

“Access to high-quality, safe housing has never been more important – and yet our work seems more challenging than ever.

“The Leadership Exchange is a vital way for senior housing professionals to get together to look at common issues and explore potential solutions.

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: "I was pleased to join delegates at the annual meeting of the International Housing Partnership's Leadership Exchange.

"The right to a warm, safe and affordable home is critical to wellbeing and is a right everyone deserves. The Leadership Exchange gives social housing providers from around the world a chance to share best practice and experience of delivering high quality affordable homes in their communities.

"High quality affordable housing is a key pillar of our Housing to 2040 strategy, and we remain committed to delivering our 110,000 affordable homes target by 2032 with at least 70% for social rent and 10% in rural and island communities.”

Steven Henderson, Wheatley Group Chief Executive, added: “We were delighted to welcome our distinguished visitors to Glasgow.

“The housing sector across the world is facing unprecedented challenges and it’s vital to learn from each other and share best practice.”

This is the 16th Leadership Exchange, which has previously taken place in cities including Melbourne, Ottawa, Chicago, London and Berlin.