Our first live seminar of the year has a jam-packed agenda covering key topics like damp and mould, technology, procurement and Decent Homes 2. We aim to provide a day of knowledge transfer, round table discussion and networking opportunities.
This online seminar will examine the current challenges around upskilling and developing the DLO workforce. Speakers include: Mark Coogan, Head of Repairs and Maintenance at St Leger Homes, an award-winning company providing housing services to around 20,000 homes across Doncaster. Steve Muscroft, Senior Product Developer at NOCN Group, an educational body specialising in productivity and committed to working for a better future for UK construction. Tony Bird, UK&I Director of Property Services at Hays, world-leading specialists in recruitment and workforce solutions. Laurence Stone of CITB, aka the Construction Industry Training Board, which works to engage decision-makers, influence policy, and build dynamic partnerships across government, business and communities. Dan Riley, Founder and CEO of Spearhead Interactive, who will provide a progress update on the brand-new Direct Works App. To secure your tickets, click here: Direct Works: The importance of recruitment, retention and upskilling
Join us on 2 - 3 October for the annual Direct Works Seminar! This year's focus is The Customer Journey. You will: Learn from industry experts Network with like-minded professionals Gain insights into how you can improve the customer journey Don't miss this opportunity to connect with colleagues, share your experiences and discover new strategies for enhancing resident engagement with improved outcomes for your stakeholders. Who should attend? This event is FREE TO MEMBERS* and open to all housing professionals and service providers looking to enhance their knowledge and seek new and innovative ways to improve the customer journey. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this event is sure to inspire and inform. To read the full agenda, visit this link: https://directworksgroup.co.uk/legacy/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Event-Programme.pdf Book now at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/957201043087/?aff=oddtdtcreator Email marketing@directworksgroup.co.uk to register your interest.
Direct Works is thrilled to see the return of the Direct Works Awards on 4 March 2025 at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre.
With six awards celebrating best practice in repairs and maintenance, the categories have been carefully chosen to highlight key themes that will resonate with repairs and maintenance professionals working across the social housing sector
Join us at the BCEC in Birmingham for our next in person event on 4th & 5th March, incorporating the return of the Direct Works Awards!
With a packed programme of speakers, this one-day event will take us back to basics on how we deliver our repairs and maintenance schedules – from real-life case studies to insights into effective planning, productivity and financial modelling withing DLOs.
09:30 – 09:40 | Welcome & Introduction Welcome attendees. Presented by Direct Works Group (Russell Thompson & Mike Wilson) Opening remarks Overview of the seminar's objectives Introduction to Direct Works Group's mission and services 09:40 - 10:20 | Session 1 – “Data to Decisions: Leveraging AI & Analytics for Operative Performance” Presented by Dave Carr - Propeller Real-time data tracking Predictive performance insights Automating scheduling and job allocation 10:20 – 11:10 | Session 2 – “Smart Stock: Materials Management” Presented by Jewson – Helen Schoolar, Director of Strategic Partnerships Just-in-time delivery Van stock optimisation Use of Technology Streamlining Processes 11:10 – 11:30 | Break & Networking Get yourself a brew and chat with colleagues online. 11:30 – 12:10 | Session 3 – “The AI-Ready Operative: Future Skills & Recruitment” Presented by Richard Hattersley & Tony Bird – Hays Upskilling for AI-integrated workflows Evolving operative profiles Attracting and retaining future-ready talent 12:10 – 12.50 | Session 4 – “Procurement Smarts: Enhancing Efficiency Through Intelligent Buying” Presented by Procure Plus – Matt Jarratt and colleagues New Procurement Act and the implications to DLOs Demand planning and spend analysis Smarter supply chain collaboration 12.:50 – 13:30 | Lunch 13:30 – 14:10 | Session 5 – “Field-Tested: Case Studies in Operative Efficiency” Case study showcase presented by Nick Shipton - MoreIQ Real examples from Direct Works members using affiliate partner services Lessons learned and ROI insights 14:10 – 14:50 | Session 6 – “Next Horizon: The Future of AI in Housing” Presented by Astrid Bowser, Principal Product Manager - OneAdvanced Emerging AI trends shaping housing operations and asset management The role of generative AI in customer services, diagnostics, and repairs Ethical considerations and responsible AI in the public sector Smart homes and IoT integration in social housing Regulatory readiness and digital governance Roadmap for AI adoption over the next 5–10 years 14:50 – 15:00 | Closing Remarks Presented by Russell Thompson, Direct Works Key takeaways Upcoming initiatives How to stay involved Register now via Teams: Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams Please contact marketing@directworksgroup.co.uk if you have any queries.
Direct Works – 15th October 2025 Seminar Unlocking the Future Workforce – Join Us at the Direct Works Skills Seminar Venue: King's House Conference Centre, Manchester Sydney Street, Manchester Our upcoming Direct Works Skills Seminar, a high-impact event dedicated to tackling the skills gap, apprenticeships, upskilling, and trade careers within our sector. Highlights of the day include: The Real Skills Crisis – What the Data Tells Us Deborah Madden, Executive Director, Nations Engagement, CITB Boosting Retention & Outcomes with Remote Apprenticeship Training Ettan Bazil, Founder & CEO, Help me Fix Upskilling the Workforce – Practical Approaches Jen Radcliffe, Head of Partnerships, Thrive PfP Winning Hearts – Attracting Tenants into Training & Careers Mark Coogan (St Ledger Homes), Doncaster College & Doncaster Council Interactive Round Table: “What Can We Do Differently?” Chaired by the Direct Works Steering Group We look forward to seeing you there. To register your interest, please email: julie.thompson@directworksgroup.co.uk REMEMBER: Events are part of your membership, with no additional costs to attend!