Beyond Data: Designing Services That Work Part 2
27/10/2025
This is part two of host Lee Reevell’s conversation with Professor Richard Harding, at the Hartree Centre and Visiting Professor at UCLan. In part one, Richard shared his career journey and the importance of linking housing, health, and care. Here, the focus shifts to the future — and how emerging technologies could reshape the sector.
Key themes include:
Trusted research environments (TREs): how housing and social care can learn from health to enable secure, role-based access to data.
Scaling collaboration: why metro mayors and regional devolution could help housing–health partnerships move beyond postcode lottery outcomes.
Digital twins: modelling retrofit, net zero, and climate impacts — and why capturing data early is critical.
AI guardrails: the promise of chatbots and ambient voice tech, weighed against the risks of bias, hidden workloads, and lack of transparency.
Quantum computing: why optimisation challenges like repair scheduling could be quantum’s sweet spot — but only once housing masters today’s methods.
Explore more on National Digital Twin Programme and UK Quantum Strategy.
Practical steps for housing providers
Build data capability in-house to engage with future technologies.
Prioritise impactful use cases (e.g. asthma, retrofit) to demonstrate the value of shared data.
Collaborate regionally to create scalable, shared data governance models.
Improve asset data quality now to prepare for digital twin applications.
Apply ethical, transparent standards when exploring AI-driven tenant services.
What Are the Benefits of Being a Member of the Healthy Homes Hub?
Industry Recognition and Networking:
Connect with a thriving network of over 350 housing organisations, including decision-makers, innovators, and leaders. Build partnerships that enhance your professional growth and create lasting business opportunities.
Showcase Your Expertise:
Demonstrate your impact by participating in exclusive case studies, webinars, and events. Highlight your contributions to creating healthier, sustainable homes, reaching a broad audience across the sector.
Influence Policy and Advocacy:
Be part of shaping housing policy through direct engagement with policymakers and advocacy efforts. Stay at the forefront of discussions driving meaningful change in the housing sector.
Access to Market Insights:
Gain access to Healthy Homes Hub’s regular newsletters, expert analysis, and resources. Stay informed about trends, regulations, and innovative practices that affect housing professionals.
Specialised Events and Workshops:
Take part in events like the Immersive Study Tours, offering hands-on learning and networking opportunities. Visit groundbreaking projects and facilities to explore real-world solutions for healthier and more sustainable homes.
Exclusive Tools and Resources:
Only members can upgrade to Housing Sage, a cutting-edge AI assistant tailored to social housing professionals. Benefit from personalised insights, regulatory guidance, and innovative ideas to enhance your operations.
Collaboration Opportunities:
Contribute to Healthy Homes Hub’s mission by sharing best practices, participating in action learning programmes like the Retrofit Society, or co-developing solutions with academic and industry leaders.
