Helping to keep our members [1] up-to-date with the latest information on housing legislation, policy and practice is an important part of the work of Housing Rights and a key function of the Policy and Practice Team. One way in which we do this is through the Housing Advice Practitioners’ Forum. All member organisations are invited to the Forum and, as it is a benefit of membership, it is free to attend.

Forum meetings will include a topical presentation from an outside body, followed by updates on what is happening in housing including the latest legislation and case law. The Forum also provides an opportunity for member organisations to raise their own clients’ housing queries with Housing Rights’ specialist advisers.

Aims of the Housing Advice Practitioners' Forum

• To bring together appropriate frontline housing advice practitioners to meet and discuss the latest developments in housing law, policy and practice associated with their day to day work.
• To enhance the skills and knowledge of housing in Northern Ireland and the impact on their client group.
• To enable appropriate frontline housing advice practitioners the opportunity to bring local housing issues to the attention of Housing Rights.
• To facilitate the effective communication of policy, knowledge, information and good practice on housing.

Benefits of the Housing Advice Practitioners' Forum

• An opportunity for shared learning.
• The chance to discuss local practice.
• The opportunity to develop networking relationships with other housing advice practitioners.
• The opportunity to share work experiences and tips for improvement.
• The chance to improve communication between agencies.
• The opportunity to be briefed by external organisations on particular topics of interest.
• The opportunity to raise housing issues, arising from their own agencies, which have the potential of being carried forward as policy issues. 

If you are a member of Housing Rights and would like to attend upcoming Forum just contact our Practitioner Support Officer, Faith [2].