Who we are
The Housing Learning and Improvement Network (LIN) is a sophisticated network bringing together housing, health and social care professionals in England, Wales, and Scotland to exemplify innovative housing solutions for an ageing population.
Recognised by government and the housing with care sector as a leading ‘knowledge hub’ on specialist housing, our online and regional networked activities:
- connect people, ideas and resources to inform and improve the range of housing choices that enable older and disabled people live independently
- share market insight and intelligence on latest funding, research, policy and innovative developments to spread practice faster, and
- engage with industry to raise the profile of specialist housing with developers, commissioners and providers to plan, design and deliver aspirational housing for an ageing population
We are grateful to PRP architects in London and Brunelcare in Bristol for hosting the Housing LIN team.
Senior Data Analyst Cicily is responsible for the delivery of all quantitative and qualitative data analysis and research as part of providing consultancy and research services for a wide range of clients of Housing LIN’s consultancy and research business. She is experienced with a wide variety of data analysis skills and tools and is interested in developments in data science and the role of communication of data to challenge entrenched assumptions. Research Officer As a Research Officer, Hannah's job entails both desk based and field research to produce evidence-based reports and recommendations to our clients working in housing for older people and those with support and care needs. Membership and Communications Officer Sally is responsible for developing and executing communications strategies to support Housing LIN's consultancy and research. She supports the membership cycle and facilitates the delivery of our regular online events and annual conferences, supporting our influencing, networking and consultancy activities. She believes a good communication strategy is vital when disseminating valuable resources, cutting-edge research, or exemplary housing options for older people and those with learning disabilities and autism. Consultancy and Partnerships Manager Lois is responsible for managing the delivery of consultancy, research and advisory services provided by the Housing LIN and has extensive knowledge of the housing needs and preferences of older people and brings her analysis and critical thinking skills to our work. She is passionate about fostering strong relationships and developing Housing LIN partnerships to aid collaboration and improve the range of housing choice for our ageing population. Corporate Business Manager Jerome joined the Housing LIN in its previous incarnation overseeing the Department of Health's Extra Care Housing Fund and is responsible for the smooth administrative running of all aspects of the Housing LIN. His role includes the management, development and maintenance of our website, communications and events, as well as supporting new business initiatives and consultancy activities. He is also responsible for all aspects of HR, office management, systems and administration to ensure quality and effective running of all Housing LIN services. Business Director Ian is responsible for the Housing LIN’s research and consultancy business. He has a track record of working for Government and a large number of local authorities, NHS organisations, housing providers and research funding bodies across the UK to undertake projects in relation to housing, accommodation and support for older people and people with support needs. He has worked as a local authority commissioner of housing and care services and for housing associations in development and management roles. He is the author (with Ipsos MORI) of the Supported Accommodation Review (2016) for the Department of Work and Pensions and the (former) Department of Communities and Local Government Review, the NHF’s Home from Hospital (2018) report highlighting how social landlords can support NHS and local authority commissioners to improve the wellbeing of older people, the LGA’s Housing our ageing population (2018) covering exemplary local authority practice in relation to older people’s housing and a co-author of Adaptations without Delay (2019) for the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. Chief Executive Jeremy was formerly National Lead for Housing at the Department of Health responsible for the then Extra Care Housing capital programme (now repurposed as the CASSH programme) and known for his thought leadership. After leaving the Department, he founded the independent Housing LIN, bringing together housing, health and social care professionals in England, Wales and Scotland to exemplify innovative housing solutions for an ageing population. Jeremy is a member of the Government’s Older People’s Housing Task Force. He has also written extensively on housing for an ageing population and ageing-friendly design (RIBA), author and secretariat to several of the influential APPG on Housing and Care for Older People HAPPI Inquiry reports, sits on several academic, trade and professional body Advisory Boards, and was a judge on the government’s Home of 2030 design competition.Our Staff
Cicily Biju
Hannah Wix
Sally Taylor-Ridgway
Lois Beech
Jerome Billeter
Ian Copeman
Jeremy Porteus