Regeneration: Building Skills & Healthier Homes
31/03/2025
Regeneration isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about people. Poor-quality housing impacts health, job prospects, and overall well-being. In this episode, Tom Lam, Group Strategy Director at RE:GEN, shares how his organisation is bridging the skills gap in retrofit and regeneration while improving homes and communities.
Key Takeaways:
🔹 Housing & Health – Poor housing can lead to illness, absence from work/school, and fuel poverty.
🔹 Skills Crisis – The retrofit sector faces workforce shortages due to economic cycles and lack of long-term planning. Mark Farmer’s report highlights these issues.
🔹 Regen Academy – A non-profit skills programme helping social housing residents gain sustainable employment in retrofit and construction.
🔹 Employer-Led Training – Connecting local people with SME supply chains ensures meaningful job placements.
🔹 Success Stories – The Pennywell Regeneration Project in Sunderland led to six previously unemployed residents securing full-time jobs.
🔹 Collaboration is Key – Housing providers can unlock employment opportunities by adapting procurement strategies.
Resources & Further Reading:
📄 Mark Farmer’s Skills Report – CITB article
🏠 RE:GEN Academy – regenacademy.co.uk
Want to replicate this success? Focus on outcome-driven, employer-led initiatives tailored to community needs.
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.
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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.
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Collaboration Opportunities:
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