Episode 1: How is Stonewater supporting people?
Having grabbed the headlines throughout the winter, the rising costs of heating, food and services, the first episode of Season 4 will ask the question - how are customers being supported by Stonewater through the current cost-of-living crisis?
Host Paula Palmer will be joined by guest host Emily Batchford and guests Holly Edwards and Kim Gibson to share their thoughts and provide insight on what Stonewater is doing to support its customers and colleagues. Asking questions such as what support is available within Stonewater and beyond, how do we know what support our customers need and focusing on what we are doing to support with the energy crisis.
Kim Gibson, Customer Partner and Fuel Engagement Specialist shares more about our online Energy Hub; our award-winning campaign to help people deal with rising energy costs.
Episode 2: Longleigh Foundation
In our second cost of living themed episodes we will explore the relationship between the Longleigh Foundation and Stonewater and how the partnership can help customers affected by the rising costs.
Guest host Nicky Mason, Stonewater Partnership Manager joins our regular host Paula Palmer on this episode with guests Tracey Leatherland, also from Stonewater and Manjeev Makur, Longleigh Grants Officer as they explain about the partnership between Longleigh and Stonewater.
Discussing the impact of the cost of living crisis on customers and how Stonewater and Longleigh are able to help with rising household costs and being able to afford to live.
We'll hear about customers who have been supported with everyday struggles and those who have larger one-off grants that make a fundamental difference to their quality of life.
Episode 3: Money Matters
In this, the third and final episode in our Cost of Living series we're talking with Clean Slate and our income team about money and support available when there just isn't enough.
Guest host Allison Howe, Stonewater Income Team Leader joins regular host Paula Palmer on this episode with guests Emma Kernahan, Policy and Impact Lead at Clean Slate, a Longleigh Foundation partner and Stonewater customer Debbie.
Whilst Debbie shares her struggle with making ends meet after losing her job during the COVID-19 pandemic and the support she received from Stonewater and Clean Slate, Emma and Allison describe the range of help and advice available to help pay the bills, cope with the emotional effects and destigmatise asking for help.
Read the transcript.
Episode 4: Our Microsoft partnership
The theme for this next trilogy of episodes is Technology and we get started by talking with Microsoft about our partnership and adopting Azure best practice.
Guest host Paul Blaydes, Assistant Director of Data at Stonewater joins the show with Kishore Rajendran from Microsoft in a discussion that Paula Palmer, our regular host, tries to keep up with.
Explaining all about Microsoft Azure and it's many, many benefits, Paul and Kishore share how it has helped us to work better remotely and utilise our data to serve our customers more efficiently - plus what might come next.
Read the transcript.
Episode 5: Tackling the digital divide
This is the second of our technology in housing themed episodes during which, we will examine how Stonewater harnesses technology in its retirement living schemes.
We are joined by retirement living colleagues Linda Rayfield (guest host) and Charlene Barnett and Customer Engagement Coordinator, Kim Avantaggiato. We are are also joined by Pat Harvey a retirement living customer and member of the Ageing Well Board.
With an update on the INVITE project, research that aimed to investigate how assistive and everyday technologies can improve residents’ quality of life and sustain inclusive communities we learn about what's next and what else Stonewater is doing to help our customers access the digital world with confidence.
Episode 6: Future of housing
The third and final episode focuses on technology in housing; this episode's guests from Stonewater offer their perspective on the future of social housing and the role that technology will play.
With guests Dean Ballard, Head of Data; Isabel Varey, Director of Housing Service Development and Becky Palmer, Neighbourhoods Peer Leader at Stonewater we discuss how Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs), are shaping our customer offering and operations. TSMs are designed to improve the sector for customers and we want to understand how Stonewater is using technology to adhere to the new measures and how they are recorded.
In addition, we hear how Stonewater has developed a digital roadmap within the business, more about the vision for that and developing the customer portal - MyHome - the digital poverty working group and other things our guests would like to see social housing incorporate into their customer offering.
Bonus Episode: Greenoak Centre of Excellence Launch
We filmed a bonus video episode of On The Air at the launch of the Greenoak Centre of Excellence. Host Paula Palmer was joined by Vicki March, Greenoak's Director of Development and Sustainability and our very own Clare Rainsford, Environmental Sustainability Business Partner.
We talk about the partnership between Stonewater and Greenoak, how the centre came about and what's next for the initiative, including how we're working towards a more circular economy in social housing. This bonus episode comes ahead of a trio of podcasts that will dig deeper into sustainability at Stonewater, how we are balancing the needs of customer, climate and cost to the organisation.
(To watch the episode below, please click the green cookies icon at the bottom of the page and make sure 'functional cookies' are enabled).
Episode 7: What’s in, what’s out?
Starting off on our next trio of episodes with the theme of sustainability is Episode 7, we look at what sustainability methods/products are hot right now and what may be next, and how we balance the cost now against the gains for climate and customer.
Guest host Adam Masters, Assistant Director of Environment and Sustainability is joined by members of his team to give an overview of how sustainability is viewed and actioned at Stonewater.
Guests Rhys Bevan and Emily Batchford, Environmental Sustainability Partners, along with Arthur Gott, Development Manager talk about the technology Stonewater is using in new developments such as heat pumps, Wondrwall and Switchee among other technologies.
They talk about the design and build stage, balancing the cost to the business whilst ensuring our customers benefit from energy savings and comfortable homes to meeting net zero targets and future-proofing our new builds.
Emily, as business partner to the Customer Experience team, talks about how we're taking our customers on this journey with us and how we're making sure the technology and measures are right for them.
Episode 8: Retrofit
Continuing our conversation on Sustainability we delve into Retrofit; how we are ensuring all our homes are EPC C by 2030 and that they are affordable and comfortable for customers.
Featuring; host Paula Palmer, guest host Emma Mifflin, Decarbonisation Manager at Stonewater and two of her Team; Helen Dextor and Jerrad Murphy, Retrofit Project Managers.
Whilst discussing the retrofit project, they are also joined by Matt Ratcliff, Managing Director Osmosis ACD, as they chat about how we are approaching the challenge, from identifying homes, design, installation, funding and after care. We find out how the measures and retrofitting of upgraded or replacement features will increase the longevity of our properties and positively impact the energy efficiency and therefore the quality for our customers.
Episode 9: Sustainability - what else can we do?
Our final conversation covering the theme of Sustainability, we find out what else we are doing to embed sustainability across Stonewater, beyond affordable comfortable homes, from members of the team.
In this episode we invite previous guest Clare Rainsford, Environmental Business Partner, back to co-host along side Paula Palmer.
We met Clare at the launch of the Greenoak Centre of Excellence where she introduced us to the Circular Economy principle. This time Clare talks about what else she is working on with team members Molly Auchterlonie, Environmental Business Partner to Finance, and Suzanne Le Sauvage, Environmental Partner Water and Ecology. They discuss how Stonewater is embedding sustainability and social value across the company and how we're aiming to reduce our impact on the environment.
Episode 10: Engaging with Customers
In Episode 10, we get started on our mini in-series theme of Professionalism in Housing. We speak to our Director of Housing, Customer Engagement Co-ordinator and a member of our scrutiny panel, as well as the CEO of Tpas about engaging with customers.
The session focuses on internal and external changes, which include forthcoming regulatory changes and the increasing shift within consumer standards for brilliant customer engagement and communication. We discuss the proactive changes we are making to improve how we communicate with our customers and meet their expectations. The discussions will also explore our approach to handling situations when we sometimes don’t get things right.
We quiz Jenny on her view about the changes, the importance of engaging customers and best practice coming through.
Episode 11: Investing in our people
In Episode 11, we are discussing the second topic in our mini in-series theme of Professionalism in Housing.
In 'Investing in People' we invite colleagues from Stonewater's L&D team to discuss how we plan to balance employees' professionalism and qualifications with valuing their practical knowledge and skills in light of the Government's plan to introduce new competency and conduct standards for UK social housing professionals.
Guests Donna Warr, Head of Organisational Capability and Sair Leahy, Organisational Development and Learning Experience Manager outline the Competency and Conduct proposals, Stonewater's response to the consultation and who and how they might affect in the organisation.
We discuss about our current plans and culture for colleague learning and development, from initiatives like Step up to Manager, apprenticeships and our graduate programme and how these support colleagues to fulfil personal development goals and achieve industry-recognised qualifications.
Sair also talks to us about 'Routes in Stonewater', encouraging diversity and opportunities for all by encouraging people from all walks of life to consider a career in housing with the support and development available to succeed.
Episode 12: Stonewater - a great place to work
In Episode 12, we continue our Professionalism in Housing mini series with why the housing sector and Stonewater in particular is a great place to work with guests from Stonewater and law firm, Tozers.
Guests Abi Deeprose (HR Advisor), Anne-Marie Alexander (Commercial Services Team Leader) share their thoughts on what makes Stonewater a great place to work and the things that matter to them. With internal policies on topics such as the menopause support, networking groups, flexible working and Stonewater’s overall commitment to being there for colleagues in the moments that matter we'll find out how all this affects colleague morale, performance and sentiment within the organisation.
We are joined by Jill Headford (Partner and Solicitor in employment and dispute resolution at law firm, Tozers) who talks about why these things matter and are great for social mobility.
Episode 1: 6 months on: Tackling veteran homelessness
In Season 1, we sat down with colleagues from Stonewater and its partners to talk about an innovative community build scheme that was changing the lives of six veterans. It’s been six months since the development was completed and the veterans moved into their brand-new homes.
Host Anisha Patel will be joined by guest host and Director of Development (South and West) at Stonewater, Matt Crucefix, to catch up with Dwaine, one of the veterans involved in the scheme and find out what life’s been like since he moved into his home on Noden’s Mews (on Waterworks Lane in the Herefordshire town of Leominster).
Read the transcript.
Episode 2: George Blunden Public Art prize
For the first time, Stonewater has launched its own public art prize to give talented artists from all over the country – both established and emerging – who are producing ground-breaking and innovative artworks the chance to deliver a series of pieces that can sit proudly on its development schemes.
In this latest episode of On the Air, host Anisha Patel is joined by guest co-host Jonathan Layzell, Executive Director of Development at Stonewater to talk about launching the George Blunden Public Art Prize and the value of public art to its customers and communities.
Joined by metal sculptor Mick Kirkby-Geddes and Jacqueline Burton, development manager at Stonewater, the two panellists give their insight into producing public art and what artists should consider in their entry.
Read the transcript.
Episode 3: The INVITE project
Funded by the Longleigh Foundation, the INVITE project (undertaken by the University of Stirling) aims to investigate how assistive and everyday technologies can be implemented in retirement living properties to improve residents’ quality of life and sustain inclusive communities.
In this episode, our hosts are joined by Dr Grant Gibson (Lecturer in Dementia Studies and Co-Investigator, University of Stirling), Dr Steve Rolfe (Research Fellow from University of Stirling) and Pat Harvey (retirement living customer, Stonewater) to discuss the project and what it's like to live with dementia, and the impact the project hopes to achieve.
Read the transcript.
Episode 4: Modern poverties: Exploring homeworking and income inequalities
In 2020 Stonewater worked with think tank IPPR to produce ‘All Hands to the Pump,’ to find solutions to the ‘retrofitting challenge’ and pave the way to increasing the number of low-carbon homes in the UK.
This year, Stonewater is working with think tank Demos to take a deep dive into modern poverties for low paid remote workers. Host Anisha Patel will be joined by guest co-host David Button (Cavendish Advocacy) to discuss the research proposal and potential impact with Dave Lockerman (Stonewater) and Rose Lasko-Skinner (Demos).
Read the transcript.
Episode 5: Fuel poverty
For many, fuel poverty is just poverty by another name. While some emergency help and financial support does exist for those who are struggling to pay their energy bills, it often doesn’t go far enough.
On this episode of On the Air, Host Anisha Patel is joined by guest co-host Emily Batchford, Environmental Sustainability Officer at Stonewater to talk about the work the organisation is currently doing to maximise the efficiency of its homes to ensure they are warm and affordable now and in the future, for customers.
Read the transcript.
Episode 6: 16 days of activism: Awareness, action, accountability
In this episode, guests will be discussing the aims of this year’s 16 days of action against domestic abuse campaign and explore why an intersectional approach to domestic abuse is vital; highlighting the various barriers many marginalised groups and individuals face when trying to flee domestic abuse and access support.
Host Anisha Patel is joined by guest co-host Sandra Chidavaenzi, Domestic Abuse Transformation Manager at Stonewater, as well as Nicola Lambe, Head of Domestic Abuse at Stonewater, Dr Hannana Siddiqui, Head of Policy, Research and Fundraising at Southall Black Sisters and Astrid Palmer, LGBTQ+ specialist at Victim Support.
Read the transcript.
Episode 7: Living and breathing EDI: Actions, not just words
Race Equality Week aims to unite the country to actively and seriously address race in the workplace from 7-13th February (2022).
In a specially timed episode, host Anisha Patel is joined by guest co-host Tom Morris (Internal Communications and Engagement Lead), David Blower (Executive Director – Corporate Services), Jade Bradford, (Customer Communications and Engagement Manager) and Cordelia Johnney (Head of Diversity Inclusion) to discuss this year’s theme for Race Equality Week - #ActionNotJustWords.
From allyship to tackling bias in recruitment, our guests explore why EDI is a priority for Stonewater and how having a diverse and representative workforce is important for our customers too.
Read the transcript.
Episode 8: Introducing the Energy Superhub Oxford project and its cost savings to customers
The housing sector is responsible for a large portion of carbon emissions in the UK, so if there is any hope of hitting the government’s target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the way in which we heat our homes needs addressing. However, with five million homes in the UK social housing sector, there is a mammoth task ahead in order to deliver more energy efficient homes.
In this episode, host Anisha Patel is joined by guest co-host Emily Batchford, Environmental Sustainability Officer at Stonewater, to interview guests Adam Masters, Environmental Sustainability Manager at Stonewater, Matthew Trewhella, Managing Director of Kensa Contracting and Stonewater customer, Paul Brennan about Stonewater’s involvement with the Energy Superhub Oxford (ESO) project and the benefits to its customers.
Read the transcript.
Episode 9: Inside Jobs part 1
Earlier in Season 3 (episode 4), Stonewater announced that it had commissioned new research by Demos, Britain's leading cross-party think-tank, to understand the impacts of remote working on low paid workers in the UK.
In the first episode of this two-part special guest co-hosts Jenny Sawyer (Director of People, Culture and Change at Stonewater) and David Button will explore the findings of the report ‘Inside Jobs’ and the recommendations from the research to ensure the benefits of homeworking are experienced equally.
Featuring special guests Dave Lockerman (Director of Housing Operations), Andy Peers (CEO at Longleigh Foundation), Katy Neep (Campaign Manager at Business in the Community) and Stonewater customer Louise Kitson.
Read the transcript.
Episode 10: Inside Jobs part 2
On the first episode of Inside Jobs (a two-part special), our guests talked about increasing financial pressures on households and the impact of remote working on low paid workers.
In part two, guest co-hosts David Button and Jenny Sawyer, will be continuing the conversation to explore what employers can do to ensure the benefits of homeworking are experienced equally.
Featuring special guests Dave Lockerman (Director of Housing Operations), Andy Peers (CEO at Longleigh Foundation), Katy Neep (Campaign Manager at Business in the Community) and Stonewater customer Louise Kitson.
Read the transcript.
Episode 1: Choose to challenge #IWD2021
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘choose to challenge’. As an organisation, Stonewater is very conscious of ensuring it provides services to those not met by the mainstream housing market. This episode explores how the organisation is raising awareness against bias and is able to support marginalised groups across its specialist housing schemes.
Featuring Shamela Khatun (Stonewater's South Asian Women's Refuge), Sian Rios (Stonewater's dedicated LGBTQ+ Safe Space), Alison Inman (Former President of the CIH) and Valerie Wise (National Lead for Domestic Abuse, Victim Support).
Read the transcript.
Episode 2: Shared Ownership part 2
A year on from our first myth busting episode on Shared Ownership, the tenure has been called into question by Panorama and a new model is due to be proposed imminently.
To explore the questions being asked about shared ownership by investigative journalists and aspiring homeowners, we welcome back a few familiar colleagues as well as Ella Cheney, Shared Ownership Programme Manager at the National Housing Federation and Kelly McCabe, Managing Director of The Mortgage People.
Read the transcript.
Episode 3: Coronavirus a year on
A year on since the first national lockdown, our colleagues will be reflecting on the changes that have been made across the business; highlighting the positives and what’s here to stay, as well as the challenges and how they’ve been overcome to ensure Stonewater continues to adapt and change and provide services where it is safe to do so.
Episode 4: myOwnHome
In 2019, Stonewater launched its own Shared Ownership scheme exclusively for colleagues.
For the final episode of Season 2 we will hear from the colleagues who have completed their purchase and moved into their new home through the scheme, as well as explore why the scheme was created; providing an insight into the work that went into developing it.
Special episode: All Hands to the Pump
Stonewater has funded a report by think tank IPPR to develop solutions that can solve the fundamental issue of how we decarbonise our housing stock and help to tackle climate change, as well as being a core part of the economic recovery after Covid-19.
This episode special discusses the key recommendations that came out of the report, and how we can work to provide innovative solutions.
Episode 1: Five years on
Five years since the merger, we reflect on what Stonewater has achieved so far, and what the next five have in-store. With David Blower, Clare Bray and Dean Ballard.
Episode 2: The case for Shared Ownership
We discuss Stonewater's Shared Ownership model, along with challenges and misconceptions.
Episode 3: Make a Stand
In this episode we discuss the Chartered Institute of Housing's Make a Stand campaign.
Episode 4: Waterworks Lane
We're joined by The Royal British Legion and Herefordshire Council to talk about our new self-build scheme for veterans.
Episode 5: Giving customers a voice
We are one of the few housing associations that have retained our Scrutiny Panel, in this episode we hear directly from them on why they are vital in shaping our services.
