The HIP: The Housing Industry Podcast
The housing crisis looms large. The UK’s crying out for housing stock, and new builds can play a huge role in the recovery. Diversity and inclusion is finally getting the attention it deserves at a strategic level. Although there’s plenty of work still to do. And environmental concerns are taking centre stage, with time running out to reach ambitious targets in net zero carbon emissions. Suffice to say, the UK housing sector is going through a period of great change right now. With everything developing at such a pace, it can be hard to keep your finger on the pulse. That’s why we’ve launched The Housing Industry Podcast. Featuring lively conversations with key leaders in the housing sector, The Housing Industry Podcast will provide real value to anyone working in the UK housing market who cares about making a difference.
The HIP: The Housing Industry Podcast
The 12-Step Guide For Tackling Digital Exclusion in Social Housing With Nick Horne
How can housing associations bridge the digital divide and ensure that no tenant is left behind?
In this episode, we dive deep into the urgent issue of digital exclusion and what
housing professionals can do about it.
Nick Horne, Chief Executive of Wythenshawe Community Housing Group and Chair of the Manchester Housing Providers Partnership, joins us to explore the importance of digital access in tenant wellbeing. With extensive experience leading digital inclusion initiatives, Nick shares valuable insights on the challenges social housing providers face and the steps they can take to implement effective changes.
We unpack how digital exclusion disproportionately affects social housing tenants
and why it should be a priority alongside net zero and housing supply. Nick also
walks us through his 12-point guide for tackling digital exclusion, offering practical
steps for housing associations looking to embed digital inclusion into their strategy.
In this episode, we cover:
● What digital exclusion really means.
● 4 key reasons housing associations need to take action.
● Why the digital divide gap is only going to get wider.
● Key lessons from Greater Manchester’s digital inclusion pilot, and why uptake
was lower than expected.
● Why not having a smartphone doesn’t mean someone is excluded.
● Two surprising reasons that hold people back from technology.
● How partnerships with internet service providers are helping tenants get online.
● Why digital access should be embedded in every transformation strategy.
Nick’s insights shed light on a hidden challenge in the housing sector, one that
impacts tenants’ financial security, job opportunities, and access to essential
services. If you’re a housing professional looking to future-proof your organisation
and better support your tenants, this episode is a must-listen.
LEARN MORE
Good Things Foundation: Living Standard for a digital age-
https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/policy-and-research/research-and-evidence/research-2025/mdls-animation
Wythenshawe Community Housing Group - https://www.wchg.org.uk/
Andersen James - https://www.andersenjames.com/
CONNECT
Nick Horne on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickhornesolutions/
James Leighton on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-leighton-65023b11/
LISTEN
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1JHMfNs33BK4UTOgaYt3cB
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/the-hip/id1576686644
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7vH1zt3GSm3_B_-OhDSlRg