Educating the next generation of housing professionals

The health, housing and care requirements of our population are changing, particularly as our ageing population grows and more people than ever are living with chronic diseases, such as COPD. If we are to combat this, improve health outcomes and transform service provision, housing professionals may want to invest in mentoring and education initiatives, particularly when it comes to understanding the benefits of digital solutions.

That’s why we support the work of the Housing Learning and Improvement Network and their excellent sector improvements work with practitioners across housing, health and social care, from HAPPI to TAPPI!

Benefits of educating the workforce

People are the greatest asset of any organisation, and investment in their career development is crucial to creating an educated and informed workforce that will help deliver change and meet the evolving needs of housing tenants.

Housing professionals require support if they are to continue to develop themselves, their teams and services. There are significant benefits to be seen across the board if investment and education is put into the workforce, whilst at the same time improving working lives and motivation.

Education initiatives can support improved collaboration by equipping the workforce with the tools they need to understand how to break down barriers that exist between services. Effective training can also support professionals in becoming more equipped to listen to communities, helping them to understand the everyday needs of citizens. This in turn presents the opportunities for housing providers to embed new approaches and incite cultural change across the housing sector.

Educating professionals on the value of technology

Housing professionals might want to consider how technology can support effective service delivery. Implementing digital change has the potential to contribute to the smooth running of housing services, and to deliver greater health and wellbeing outcomes to the citizens who use them.

For example, telecare solutions can enable independent living and provide support and reassurance to citizens and the people who care for them. Implementing the right telecare solutions in the right places, can also extend tenancies.

Embedding digital solutions will enable housing professionals to deliver care more efficiently, have improved access to information, increased peace of mind and improved capabilities to provide the right support at the right time. Education when combined with technology can improve understanding of the value of data amongst housing professionals.

Education can support housing professionals in becoming more confident when using digital solutions and understanding the positive impact they can have on working practices. Education can also foster a collaborative culture where professionals are open to the transfer of skills, knowledge and experience. By educating professionals on the value of communication, collaboration and co-production, we can create citizen-led solutions and services that promote better lives and a better future.

Creating digital champions through education that understand the value of technology will help them to empower others and build a world where it is standard practice to use technology to deliver effective and personalised care. Supporting and developing the people who will help to create a better future for us all is essential.

A greater focus on effective training and education that supports ongoing skills development will contribute to a positive transformation of the housing sector that benefits all stakeholders.

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Tunstall Healthcare are a sponsor of the Housing Learning and Improvement Network and its knowledge exchange platform and Going Digital webpages. 

For more information about Tunstall Healthcare, please visit www.tunstall.co.uk.