Conference, Seminar and Training Programme for 2006 - 2007
This year’s programme has a wide remit and aims to be of interest to all of those working in student accommodation and the events are geared to be of interest to policy makers, managers, student services staff, student union staff and sabbaticals and, of course, all those at the sharp end of delivering services.
Most of the programme is now in place and the agendas appear on the newly designed web site as soon the event has been arranged. Although Unipol will continue to mail those on our mailing list, increasingly we will be using the web and electronic circulations to keep you informed and fully up to date.
This year, we are once again running a number of low cost events in co-operation with Government departments and others. The events, held last year with ODPM, were fully booked and proved popular and we are building on this.
Unipol’s programme builds upon the successful, but simple, formula of encouraging the inter change of ideas, identifying emerging trends and building on best practice. Many events are only possible because of the willingness of those in the sector to share their experiences with others and our events are normally lively because of active delegate participation.
Last year, Unipol held 22 events between November 2005 and June 2006, which were attended by 842 delegates from 279 organisations, mostly from within the HEI and FE sectors.
New Courses and Policy Issues
Legislation
The main new piece of legislation to affect this year will be the introduction of the Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS) and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Procedure, that comes into effect in April 2007. Two half day seminars in January at the central office of the Department for Communities and Local Government are being held.
The implementation of the Housing Act 2004 will be examined early in the new year in a collaborative conference with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Officers (CIEH).
Throughout the year there will be specialist training on offer dealing with the developing Government Approved Codes of Practice and how to operate them.
Emergent Trends
New developments are not just about legislation. This year we will continue to explore the student care issue, looking specifically at crime and prevention (two events held in co-operation with the Home Office and the NUS), anti-social behaviour and how to identify and tackle it and the increasing use of mediation in student care to resolve inter-tenant issues within complexes.
A new event looks at support for private landlords (both large and small) as the private sector house an increasing number of students.
Sustainability is also an important new area: what does it mean for student accommodation and is this the next added value service for students?
Policy and Strategy
In late November 2006, Unipol is taking a broad look at strategic options in student accommodation across a two day event, bringing together some of the main players in the sector. Looking at the market and the product the seminar will try to project forward what future needs, problems and services should be provided. A key event for all of those involved in student accommodation at a senior and strategic level.
In December the results of the NUS/Unipol Accommodation Survey are launched in London. This will provide the first comprehensive information for two years on rental spread and cost for different types of accommodation throughout the UK. Launched by Bill Ramell and Boris Johnson the event is free and those interested in attending should contact us. If the results are of sufficient interest, a one day seminar will follow for close analysis and discussion.
Legal
Unipol’s commitment to looking at the law as it applies specifically to student tenants and property providers continues. The legal aspects of distance selling with on line applications is examined, as are issues relating to housing students under the age of 18. Unfair terms and how they affect students is updated in response to the latest findings.
Unipol’s Essential and Advanced Housing Advice courses have been updated to take account of unfair terms and the Housing Act 2004 and provide two three day rigorous, but enjoyable courses that are designed to give participants in-depth knowledge and understanding of the housing rights field.
We are fortunate to retain the expert knowledge of both Hilary Crook (solicitor) and John Martin (barrister) to lead these sessions.
Health and Safety
The Housing Health and Safety Ratings system is explored in a one day event and a three day seminar allows delegates to really understand student housing standards, looking at management, condition and HHSRS issues with visits to properties and hands on work.
Philip Moxon, a national expert in HHSRS and student housing will lead these events.
Training
Unipol has updated its two day popular course Getting Started in Student Housing Management. A course designed to explain systems, provide confidence, give a view of bigger picture customer care issues and hone staff morale. This interactive event is run twice during the year. Other one day courses look at inspecting houses and a number of other niche skills.
ANUK
Unipol is pleased to maintain its association with the Accreditation Network UK and will organise their next annual conference in Cardiff. This is the premier event of the year for all of those involved in accreditation and provides an excellent networking opportunity. Later in the year a specialist conference will be held in London and a number of smaller seminars examining various facets of accreditation will be held.
ANUK always needs more members and membership details can be found on their website which gives access to specialist information and the informative, and substantial, twice yearly newsletter (as well as a big discount on the conference cost).
Types of Event
Each event is designed to meet a particular need and take one of several forms:
- information based training, a course-based format, impart information and expertise within a given area
- exploration formats, where models of management or provision are highlighted in an effort to promote best practice, encourage networking and exchange of ideas
- discussion formats where a board-room style seating arrangement and a looser agenda encourage a structured round-table discussion.
An aim of Unipol training is to undertake a number of events that will appeal to all those involved in student housing provision: from Directors of Finance and Heads of Service to those working at the coal-face as housing managers and administrative assistants. Some events are dedicated to a particular level of staff but others are specifically designed to have a wide mix of participants.
Unipol training is also a major resource for those who work providing student accommodation in the private sector. The shared experiences of those working in HEIs and the private sector allow innovation to feed off each other, leading to better services.
Building on Success
Not for profit training is priced to be affordable and good value. Many of our speakers contribute for expenses only and those that charge a fee (for many it is how they make their living) price themselves well below market value. An important aspect of our training is treating our delegates properly in good venues. Because so many work in student accommodation, a change of scenery in the venue is an important part of a training event, showing that this is a serious contribution to staff development.
In an effort to aid travel, most events are held in central London, York and Leeds, where train services are good and frequent.
We hope you find the programme fresh and relevant to your needs and that you will continue to support Unipol Training and in its own way Unipol can support you.
In House Training
A rapidly growing area of Unipol's training is the provision of dedicated events to inform, motivate and involve those involved in the area of student housing. Unipol has a wide range of trainers and has over 25 modules that can be tweaked and adapted to fit your needs either on your own premises or at a dedicated venue. Training can involve group work, team building exercises and case work examples highlighting issues. Last year, modules about student care, the training of student wardens and on site staff, the Housing Act and the HHSRS were particularly popular.
For further information see In House Training or contact conferences@unipol.leeds.ac.uk
Friends of Unipol Training Discount Scheme
The Friends of Unipol Training Discount Scheme rewards regular delegates with a 15% discount and a priority booking system. Last year over 20 organisations joined as Friends. For further information, please see the Friends of Unipol Training Discount Scheme pages.
Conclusion
Thank you for your continuing support of our programme and we look forward to seeing you this year at an event. If you feel there are issues we should be covering, or you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We are looking forward to seeing you in our next training year and please feel free to give us any feedback or ideas for new events.
Please keep in touch through our website or contact us at conferences@unipol.leeds.ac.uk
We will be pleased to answer any further questions you may have. Unipol Student Homes, 155-157 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 3ED, Telephone: 0113 243 0169, option four for conferences, Fax: 0113 234 3549