Local Authority and Housing Association Network
About the LA/HA Network
Following a successful two-year Vanguard Campaign and events roadshow, in November 2019 the Good Homes Alliance (GHA) formed a new Vanguard Network for progressive local authorities. In February 2021, a second network was launched for forward-thinking housing associations – the Pathfinder Network. The members now all meet together once a quarter.
The focus for the network is on sharing best practice, lessons learned and discussing common challenges, which GHA aims to help overcome on behalf of the network, through the curation of learning events, research and new guidance development.
The network totals over 20 members from across the UK, representing 100,000+ new build homes to be developed over the next 10 years and 500,000+ existing homes in need of retrofit.
The overall aim is to support and provide assistance to forward-thinking LAs and HAs who are seeking to go beyond minimum standards, and collaborate to deliver homes fit for the 21st century – low carbon, healthy and high quality.
Net Zero Planning Policy Hub
Local Authorities can, and are, setting higher sustainability standards in their planning policies. This new resource sets out some practical steps for the adoption and implementation of progressive policies, including leading edge case studies, timeline and actions, and resources.
This resource hub has been created and is managed by the Good Homes Alliance, with the support of consultants and GHA members, Bioregional and Etude, alongside GHA partners Passivhaus Trust and Town and Country Planning Association.
LA and HA Network Members
Network Membership benefits
In addition to Standard membership benefits, Vanguard (local authorities), Pathfinder (housing associations/RSLs), Net Zero Developer Network (private sector developers) and Pioneer (BPE network) members benefit from:
- Quarterly network members’ meetings to share learning and best practice
- Discussions on common issues and barriers. GHA will help facilitate and develop collaborative solutions where possible
- Influence and help scope new guidance/research and further development of a library of resources on the GHA Knowledge Base. Examples include:
- Advocacy and representation of the network to Government departments and industry bodies such as the Future Homes Hub, TCPA and UKGBC
- Regular press and PR, highlighting achievements of the networks and its members
- Develop specifications, Employer’s Requirements, SPDs and model planning policies for new housing (subject to further funding)
- Facilitated partnerships and introductions to members of GHA’s networks and wider membership which includes architects, consultants, product manufacturers, academia and more
LA Members Map
Activities
Case studies and exemplar site visits
A series of exemplar case studies and a programme of site visits to share learning and best practice.
Resource library/ knowledge base
A virtual library of best practice resources and examples to aid the development of sustainable housing policy and projects.
New research and guidance
Member-led research and new guidance development including building performance evaluation studies.
Meetings and workshops
Vanguard network members’ only meetings plus free or discounted tickets to our core events and conferences
Get Involved
LA/HA membership
Share best practice and learning with your peers by joining our local authority Vanguard network. Open to local authorities, LA housing delivery arms and housing associations/RSLs.
LA/HA Network member – £1,200
Fee is for 1 year membership and exclusive of VAT.
Network sponsorship
Help support the development of the network and interact with local authorities at the forefront of sustainable development by becoming a network supporter, sponsor or partner.
Network supporter – £2,500
Network sponsor – £5,000
Network partner – £10,000
All fees are for 1 year sponsorship and exclusive of VAT.
Vanguard Campaign
Before launching the Vanguard and Pathfinder Networks, we led a two-year Vanguard Campaign in order to encourage and support local authorities and developers to adopt enhanced sustainability standards for new homes and to help them respond to Climate Emergency declarations.
During the campaign we ran a series of regional events across the country (Cambridge, Leeds, Exeter, London, Cardiff) to over 200 public and private-sector developers.
Header image credit: Gale and Snowden