Explore every episode of the podcast RISE podcast

Claire Brown is joined by Phil Underwood from the Society for the Environment to explore the importance of professional recognition in driving positive change across the retrofit and sustainability sectors. Phil explains what it means to become a Chartered Environmentalist, how professional registration demonstrates competence, ethical practice and a commitment to continuing professional development, and why these standards are essential to building trust and raising the quality of environmental work.

Claire and Phil’s conversation explores how professional recognition can help address skills shortages, attract new talent, challenge misinformation and tackle poor practice across the retrofit industry. Phil shares insights into the value of externally verified professional standards, the importance of evidence-based decision-making and the confidence professionals gain to challenge established approaches and advocate for better outcomes. He also outlines the pathway to becoming a Chartered Environmentalist, highlighting the role of professional bodies, competency assessments, mentoring and ongoing learning.

For further information visit: www.socenv.org.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

Claire Brown is joined by Amanda Williams, Head of Environmental Sustainability at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), to explore what a truly holistic approach to retrofit looks like. They discuss why retrofit needs to consider the whole building as a system, bringing together energy efficiency, carbon reduction, building condition, ventilation, resilience, occupant comfort, health and wellbeing, rather than focusing on individual technologies in isolation.

The episode explores the growing importance of retrofit in meeting net zero ambitions while delivering wider social and economic benefits, from warmer and healthier homes and lower energy bills to tackling fuel poverty, supporting biodiversity and strengthening local communities. Claire and Amanda also discuss the critical role of residents and building occupants, the skills and competencies needed across the retrofit supply chain, and the importance of quality assurance, collaboration and long-term investment in skills. Amanda shares insights into CIOB’s work to promote best practice, training and policy development, as well as practical advice for organisations beginning their retrofit journey.

Ultimately, successful retrofit is about more than reducing carbon - it is about improving people’s homes, workplaces and lives. This episode highlights why putting people at the heart of retrofit, while investing in the professionals and skills needed to deliver high-quality projects, will be essential to creating better-performing buildings and healthier, more resilient and sustainable communities.

For further information visit: www.ciob.org

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

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In this episode, we explore how effective procurement can help organisations deliver better outcomes from retrofit and decarbonisation programmes. Claire Brown is joined by Oliver Mooney, Head of Category at Fusion21, to discuss how procurement frameworks can be used as more than simply a route to market.

Oliver shares his experience of public procurement, construction and the built environment, exploring how frameworks can support housing providers and local authorities to achieve value for money while also delivering wider environmental, economic and social benefits. The conversation covers the importance of robust specifications, cost certainty, understanding supply chain capacity and capability, and building strong relationships with suppliers from the outset.

The episode also considers how procurement can help create lasting value in local communities, including opportunities for SMEs, employment and skills development, while supporting the growth of the retrofit workforce needed to deliver projects at scale. Looking ahead, Claire and Oliver discuss the future of retrofit, the importance of developing a sustainable supply chain, and the potential for public investment to help establish a workforce capable of supporting wider domestic retrofit.

Oliver concludes by sharing practical advice for organisations considering their procurement routes, emphasising the importance of focusing on outcomes rather than simply completing a procurement process. From understanding what success looks like to measuring what really matters, this episode offers  insights for organisations looking to maximise the impact of their retrofit programmes and make the most of public funding.

For further information visit: www.fusion21.co.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

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Claire Brown is joined by Jack Ostrofsky and Zung Nguyen from Warmer Homes London to examine how London can scale up home retrofit and create warmer, healthier and more energy efficient homes. They discuss why retrofit is particularly important for London, from fuel poverty and rising energy costs to the challenges of adapting the capital’s older, densely built housing stock in response to extreme weather and climate change.

Jack and Zung share insights from Warmer Homes London’s pan London approach, bringing together local authorities, housing associations, contractors and other partners to overcome fragmented delivery and improve efficiency. They explore the importance of long term planning, better data, streamlined resident journeys and collaboration across borough boundaries.

The episode also looks at the practical lessons emerging from retrofit delivery at scale, including the importance of putting residents first, reducing drop-off and aborted costs, improving property data, and using smart meters and IoT sensors to understand the impact of retrofit measures.

The episode highlights a central message: successful retrofit is about more than decarbonisation. It is about helping people live in homes that are warmer, healthier, more comfortable and affordable to run.

For further information visit: www.warmer-homes.london

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

Claire Brown is joined by John Taylor, Publications Manager and Technical Specialist at BSRIA, to explore airtightness testing and the wider role of performance testing in retrofit.

John shares insights from more than 20 years in building services and explains why airtightness has become an increasingly important part of building performance. The conversation explores how airtightness affects energy efficiency, comfort, moisture and indoor air quality and why good ventilation is essential when improving the airtightness of a home.

The episode also looks at the practicalities of testing, including when airtightness tests should be carried out, why establishing a baseline can be valuable, and how testing can help identify issues before they become costly to rectify.

Claire and John discuss the wider lessons the retrofit sector can learn from previous projects, including the importance of moving beyond a tick box approach towards measuring and verifying actual building performance.

The key message is simple: test, measure and understand the building before, during and after retrofit. By identifying assumptions and unknowns, and building a clear testing strategy into project planning and contracts, retrofit providers can improve quality, reduce risk and deliver better outcomes for residents.

Whether you are a local authority, housing provider, retrofit professional, contractor or simply interested in improving the performance of your home, this episode offers practical insights into why testing should be an integral part of successful retrofit delivery.

For further information: www.bsria.com/uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

Clare Brown is joined by Chloe Gordon and Daphne Baldi from Citizens Advice Manchester to explore the vital role advice centres can play in making social housing retrofit fair, accessible and effective.

Their conversation looks at how residents often approach advice services with immediate concerns such as unaffordable energy bills, cold homes or fuel poverty, rather than with retrofit in mind. Chloe and Daphne explain how trusted, impartial advice can help address these immediate challenges while opening up conversations about longer-term solutions such as insulation, heat pumps and solar panels.

The importance of making retrofit information accessible by avoiding technical jargon and explaining new technologies in straightforward, relatable ways is also explored. The guests discuss how advice centres can help residents understand their options, navigate grants and schemes, recognise potential risks and protect themselves from poor practice or rogue traders.

Collaboration is another key theme, with Citizens Advice Manchester sharing how strong relationships with local authorities and other organisations can help residents successfully access retrofit support.

For further information visit:

www.citizensadvicemanchester.org.uk

www.citizensadvice.org.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

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Adam Armour-Florence is joined by Kris Karslake, Sustainability Policy and Programme Manager at Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, to explore the challenges and opportunities of retrofitting historic and heritage homes. Drawing on lessons from the Retrofitting the First Garden City project, the conversation considers how communities can be brought along on the journey towards decarbonising older homes while respecting their character and heritage.

The episode highlights the importance of taking a long term, whole home approach to retrofit, considering planned improvements such as kitchens, bathrooms and extensions as opportunities to incorporate energy efficiency and low carbon measures. Kris also discusses practical actions available to homeowners and renters, from improving heating controls to introducing shading measures that can reduce overheating and reliance on air conditioning. The discussion emphasises that successful retrofit is not simply about installing new technology, but about understanding people, place and individual circumstances. Ultimately, the episode offers valuable lessons for creating a more sustainable future for historic communities while ensuring residents are part of the process.

For further information visit: 

www.letchworth.com

www.letchworth.com/news/retrofitting-the-first-garden-city-a-feasibility-study

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

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Claire Brown speaks with Alice Hallam, Head of Retrofit Services at Community Home Solutions, about the practical realities of managing and coordinating retrofit programmes.

Drawing on Alice’s experience across retrofit assessment, coordination, design and delivery, this episode explores the importance of effective communication, stakeholder management and collaboration throughout the end-to-end retrofit process. Alice shares insights from projects on the ground, including how understanding individual customer needs can make a meaningful difference to outcomes.

The episode also highlights the importance of bringing everyone involved in a retrofit programme together around shared goals, particularly delivering quality installations and ensuring happy customers. 

For further information visit: www.communityhomesolutions.co.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

Claire Brown is joined by Jade Lewis, Chief Executive and Consultant at Jade Advocacy, to explore how cross-sector collaboration can help turn housing policy into meaningful action.

Jade shares her journey into advocacy and the retrofit sector and explains how she works with government departments, local authorities, industry and parliamentary groups to influence policy around energy efficiency, housing, construction, health and wellbeing.

Their conversation explores why effective advocacy is about more than responding to existing policy. Building relationships, engaging early and bringing together a strong collective voice can help shape policy and keep healthy, sustainable homes on the agenda.

Jade also discusses the importance of looking beyond carbon reduction alone. With increasingly varied weather conditions, housing policy and retrofit must consider health, wellbeing, comfort and resilience alongside energy efficiency.

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

In this episode, host Adam Armour-Florence is joined by Dr Victoria Tink, co-founder of Klimatica and a leading expert in energy efficiency, thermal comfort and overheating risk. Drawing on her experience developing UK Building Regulations, Victoria explores why creating comfortable homes throughout the year is a fundamental part of successful retrofit, and why overheating should be considered alongside energy efficiency from the earliest stages of project design.

The conversation examines practical strategies for improving thermal comfort, from reducing solar gains through thoughtful glazing and shading design to maximising natural ventilation and ensuring homes remain safe, secure and easy for occupants to manage. Victoria also highlights the importance of providing residents with clear guidance on how to operate their homes effectively, helping retrofit projects deliver healthier, more comfortable living environments that are resilient to both winter cold and increasingly warmer summers.

For further information contact: www.klimatica.co

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

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In this episode of the RISE Retrofit Information Support and Expertise podcast, Claire Brown is joined by Russell Smith, Director at Cotality, to explore the vital role of asset management in delivering successful large-scale retrofit programmes. Drawing on his experience in decarbonisation, data, and infrastructure asset management, Russell explains how a structured, data-driven approach helps organisations make informed decisions about maintaining, upgrading and operating building assets while supporting long-term decarbonisation goals.

The episode explores how effective asset management can improve project planning, optimise investment, and reduce complexity across retrofit programmes. Russell also discusses the importance of high-quality data, long-term thinking, and integrating asset management into organisational strategy to maximise building performance and resilience. The conversation offers practical insights for housing providers and retrofit professionals looking to strengthen their approach to asset management and deliver more effective, sustainable retrofit outcomes.

For further information visit: www.cotality.com/uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

In this episode, Claire Brown is joined by Tom Woolley, Director of Low Carbon Residential at SMS Energy, to explore the role of blended funding in delivering retrofit at scale. Drawing on SMS Energy's experience of deploying millions of smart meters through private infrastructure investment, Tom explains how similar funding models can be used to accelerate the rollout of technologies such as solar PV, battery storage and heat pumps without relying solely on public funding.

The discussion examines how private finance can complement government grants, helping social housing providers and local authorities deliver retrofit projects more quickly while supporting local supply chains and engineering workforces. Listeners will gain practical insights into innovative funding approaches that can unlock large-scale decarbonisation and help meet ambitious retrofit targets across the UK.

For further information visit: www.smsenergy.com

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

In this episode, host Adam Armour-Florence is joined by Mishary Alfahad, Head of the Green Academy at Capital City College, to discuss the growing retrofit sector and the skills needed to build a future-ready workforce.

Drawing on his experience in employability, skills development and green training, Mishary shares how education providers are helping people access careers in retrofit through practical training, employer partnerships and tailored support. Their discussion explores the importance of upskilling both new entrants and existing professionals, the challenges of meeting increasing demand for green skills and the value of strong collaboration between colleges, employers and local organisations.

The episode also highlights the opportunities available for young people and career changers looking to enter the green economy, with practical advice on taking the first steps into retrofit training and employment. Listeners will gain valuable insight into the skills, pathways and partnerships helping to shape the UK's transition to a more sustainable built environment.

For further information visit:

www.capitalccg.ac.uk

www.capitalccg.ac.uk/skills-academies/green

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

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Claire Brown is joined by Stevie Mardy, Key Account Manager at Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions, to explore the growing role of heat pumps in retrofit projects.

Stevie shares insights from working with housing associations and local authorities to deliver low carbon heating solutions, discussing the practical opportunities and common challenges of installing heat pumps in existing homes. The conversation covers the importance of resident engagement, education, phased delivery and building confidence in new technologies, while highlighting how successful case studies can help accelerate wider adoption across the housing sector.

The episode also explores the future of home heating and cooling as the UK moves towards net zero, and why manufacturers have an important role to play in supporting the transition through innovation, collaboration and sharing best practice.

For further information visit: www.aircon.panasonic.eu/GB_en

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

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Host Claire Brown explores the importance of retrofit guides for residents through a case study from Stoke Climsland Parish Council in the South West of England.

Claire is joined by Richard Davies, Vice Chair of Stoke Climsland Parish Council and Chair of its Carbon Zero Committee, who discusses the council’s work to support whole-house retrofit across the parish. The conversation introduces the local approach to encouraging sustainable home improvements and highlights how community-led initiatives can help residents understand and engage with retrofit projects.

This episode provides an introduction to the role of parish councils in driving retrofit ambitions and the value of clear, accessible guidance for residents embarking on their own retrofit journey.

For further information visit: stokeclimslandparishcouncil.gov.uk 

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

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In this episode, Adam Armour-Florence is joined by Charlotte Lee, Chief Executive of the Heat Pump Association UK (HPA UK), and Laura Bishop, Co-Chair of HPA UK.  The discussion begins by introducing the newly formed organisation, which brings together three previous trade bodies to provide a single voice for the sector. HPA UK works with government and industry to improve standards, support installer training, influence policy and accelerate the uptake of heat pumps across the UK.

The speakers explain how heat pumps are a well-established technology that transfers heat from the air, ground or water into buildings, making them far more efficient than traditional gas boilers. They address common misconceptions, highlighting that heat pumps can work effectively in existing homes, including older properties, when correctly designed and installed. Advances in refrigerants have also improved performance and reduced environmental impact, while customer satisfaction remains high, with around 95% of Boiler Upgrade Scheme recipients reporting positive experiences.

The discussion highlights strong market growth, increasing use of heat pumps in social housing and new-build developments, and expanding installer capacity. They conclude that heat pumps are a proven solution for low-carbon heating, with continued government support, lower electricity costs and greater consumer awareness expected to drive further growth in the years ahead.

For further information visit: www.hpauk.org.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

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In this episode, host Adam Armour-Florence is joined by Ed Andrews, Commercial Director at InstaGroup, to explore the transition from the ECO and GBIS funding schemes to the government's new Warm Homes Plan.

Drawing on InstaGroup's extensive experience in retrofit delivery, Ed discusses how the sector is adapting to a fundamentally different operating model that places greater emphasis on whole house retrofit, local delivery, long term programme management and quality assurance. Their conversation examines the opportunities and challenges facing installers as they navigate new procurement routes, increased compliance requirements, changing payment structures and the growing importance of partnerships across the retrofit supply chain.

Adam and Ed also explore the role of resident engagement in delivering successful retrofit projects, the importance of maintaining high quality standards throughout delivery and how collaboration between local authorities, contractors, installers and communities will be essential to achieving the UK's ambitious decarbonisation and energy efficiency goals. Drawing on InstaGroup's work with Surrey County Council, Ed shares practical lessons on building trusted local partnerships and delivering successful retrofit programmes at scale.

For further information visit: www.instagroup.co.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

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Adam Armour-Florence speaks with Nathan Wood, Managing Director of Farmwood, about the growing importance of indoor air quality and building health in the drive towards more energy-efficient homes.

Nathan shares insights from over two decades working across residential and commercial ventilation systems, discussing how retrofit projects can succeed or fail depending on whether ventilation is properly considered. The conversation explores the links between airtightness, moisture management, damp and mould, occupant behaviour and long-term building performance, while highlighting the risks of focusing solely on energy efficiency without considering the health and wellbeing of residents.

The episode also examines common challenges encountered in retrofit projects, the need for competent design and installation and the value of engaging residents so they understand how their homes are intended to operate. Through practical examples and industry experience, Nathan makes the case for treating ventilation as an essential part of the retrofit process, helping to create homes that are not only warmer and more efficient, but healthier places to live.

For further information visit: www.farmwood.co.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

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In this episode, Claire Brown is joined by Antoine Pellet, Head of Retrofit Credits at HACT, to explore how social landlords can unlock additional funding from retrofit projects through the Retrofit Credits programme.

The conversation examines how retrofit measures such as insulation, solar panels and heat pumps can generate verified carbon credits, alongside measurable social value linked to improved wellbeing, comfort and reduced fuel poverty. Antoine outlines the end-to-end process for housing providers, from submitting property and retrofit data through to independent auditing, credit issuance and the sale of credits, all delivered at no cost to participating organisations.

Claire and Antoine also discuss real world examples, including an award winning partnership involving Riverside and Knauf that demonstrates how local supply chains, carbon finance and social housing investment can work together to create a circular funding model. The episode concludes with practical advice for retrofit providers, highlighting the importance of good data, resident engagement, collaboration and exploring innovative funding approaches to maximise the impact of retrofit programmes.

For further information visit: www.hact.org.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

Host Claire Brown is joined by Jack Mason, LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge Coordinator at Stonewall Housing, and Sarah Willcox-Jones, Property Services Improvement Specialist at L&Q, to explore the importance of inclusive resident engagement within retrofit programmes.

The episode highlights the unique housing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ residents, including safety concerns, isolation, discrimination and barriers to engaging with housing providers. Jack shares insights from research, including the landmark No Place Like Home study, while Sarah reflects on the role housing providers play in creating safe, inclusive environments for all residents.

Together they discuss practical approaches to improving resident engagement, from collecting better demographic data and diversifying communication methods to building trust through visible allyship and staff training. Their conversation also explores the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge, a sector-wide initiative supporting housing providers to embed inclusive practices, strengthen resident engagement and improve outcomes for LGBTQ+ communities.

For further information visit: www.stonewallhousing.org

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

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Claire Brown from Turner & Townsend is joined by Sara Edmonds, Co-Director of the National Retrofit Hub, to explore the growing importance of community health in retrofit delivery.

The conversation focuses on Community Health Impact Assessments (CHIAs) and how they can help local authorities, housing providers and communities better understand the relationship between housing, neighbourhoods and health outcomes. Sara discusses why retrofit must move beyond technical upgrades alone and instead place greater emphasis on trust, lived experience and long-term community wellbeing.

The episode explores how issues such as damp, mould, fuel poverty, poor housing conditions and social isolation are deeply connected to the built environment. Sara shares practical examples from Stoke-on-Trent and Birmingham, demonstrating how community led approaches can lead to more effective, trusted and sustainable retrofit programmes.

The discussion also highlights the work of the National Retrofit Hub in bringing together organisations, communities and industry partners to strengthen retrofit delivery across the UK, while providing practical tools and guidance for those delivering programmes on the ground.

For further information visit:

Community Health impact Assessments in Retrofit

Health, Place, and Retrofit Report

Centric Lab's Ecological Health learning programme

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

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In this episode, host Adam Armour-Florence is joined by Christopher Price, Technical Development Manager at Knauf Installation, and Nick Johansen, Commercial Director at Knauf Energy Solutions, to discuss why data measurement is becoming critical to successful retrofit delivery for housing providers.

The conversation explores the growing gap between EPC assumptions and the real world thermal performance of homes. Drawing on extensive experience across fuel poverty, insulation, retrofit delivery and energy systems, the guests explain how housing providers can use data and measurement to make better investment decisions, improve resident outcomes and prepare homes for future decarbonisation requirements. The discussion also highlights how poor installation quality, thermal bypass and inconsistent retrofit standards can undermine project performance, even in homes that appear compliant on paper. 

For further information visit:

www.knaufinsulation.com

www.knaufenergy.com

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

In this episode of the RISE Podcast, Claire Brown speaks with leadership coach Barbra Carlisle of Glee Coaching about the critical role leadership and coaching play in delivering successful retrofit programmes.

The episode explores how retrofit leaders can navigate ambiguity, manage complex teams, support behaviour change and create psychologically safe environments where people feel heard and empowered. Barbra shares insights into self-awareness, communication, team dynamics, accountability and why coaching is about curiosity and growth rather than fixing performance.

The conversation also highlights the importance of inclusive leadership, celebrating small wins, avoiding burnout and building resilient teams capable of delivering large scale retrofit projects while keeping residents and communities at the heart of the process.

For further information visit: www.gleecoaching.co.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

In this episode, Adam Armour-Florence is joined by Sean Brennan, Benchmarking and Corporate Director at Acuity Research & Practice, to explore how data and insight can strengthen retrofit delivery across the housing sector.

With over 17 years’ experience in local government and social housing, Sean shares practical perspectives on using benchmarking, resident satisfaction data and service performance insights to improve decision making. The discussion focuses on how organisations can shift from reactive approaches to preventative strategies, helping to identify risks early, enhance resident outcomes and maximise the impact of retrofit investment.

Whether you're working on large-scale schemes or preparing for future funding opportunities, this episode offers valuable guidance on using data, resident insight and shared learning to deliver more effective retrofit projects.

For further information visit: www.arap.co.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

In this episode, host Claire Brown is joined by Richard Fitton from Energy House Labs at University of Salford and Richard Jack from Build Test Solutions to explore how we measure the real world thermal performance of buildings.

Focusing on U-values, the conversation unpacks why traditional ‘calculated figures often fall short, and how in situ measurement is transforming our understanding of heat loss, energy efficiency and building quality. Drawing on cutting-edge research from Energy House Labs and practical tools developed by Build Test Solutions, the episode highlights the surprising variability in building performance, even among seemingly identical homes.

The conversation explores what U-values really measure and why they matter, the gap between predicted and actual building performance and how new technologies are enabling more accurate measurement of heat loss, air tightness and thermal efficiency. It also looks at why a measure first approach could reshape retrofit strategies, alongside the growing role of data, testing and international collaboration in improving housing standards.

For further information visit:

www.buildtestsolutions.com

www.energyhouselabs.salford.ac.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

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In this episode, Adam Armour-Florence introduces the Retrofit Success Guides, developed in collaboration with Sustainable Housing Action Partnership (SHAP). The discussion explores how these guides aim to support organisations delivering retrofit projects by providing structured, practical and evidence-based approaches.

Guest Poonam Sakarsudha shares her background in communications, highlighting the importance of clear engagement strategies in driving meaningful social and environmental change. Alongside her, Richard Bubb reflects on the collaborative effort behind the guides and their role in addressing the complex challenges of large-scale housing retrofit.

Poonam and Richard emphasise that successful retrofit goes beyond technical delivery, it requires strong communication, resident engagement and ongoing learning. They discuss the importance of monitoring outcomes, ensuring residents can effectively use new technologies like heat pumps, and fostering collaboration across local authorities, housing providers, and communities.

For further information visit: www.shap.uk.com/retrofit-success

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

Host Adam Armour-Florence speaks with Stephen Fernandez, Director and Global Building Retrofit Leader at Arup, to examine how international approaches can inform more effective, scalable programmes across the UK. Drawing on over 25 years of global experience, Stephen shares insights from leading retrofit projects and working across multiple regions.

Key themes include the role of international collaboration in shaping policy and delivery models, the value of standardised, long term funding programmes and how proven approaches from countries such as Germany and the Netherlands are helping to reduce costs and increase confidence in retrofit at scale.

Stephen also outlines clear, actionable steps for housing providers, local authorities and policymakers to adopt global best practice, covering governance, data sharing and delivery structures that support consistent, high-quality outcomes.

For further information visit: www.arup.com/services/building-retrofit

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

In this episode, host Claire Brown explores the vital role of communication in delivering successful retrofit programmes. Joined by communications specialist Polly Buckland and Andy Piper, Head of Sustainability at VIVID, the discussion explores why clear, accessible and resident focused communication is essential across every stage of retrofit projects.

Polly and Andy share practical strategies to improve engagement, such as tailoring communication to resident needs, using accessible and multi-channel approaches, and embedding two way dialogue throughout projects. They emphasise the importance of building trust, managing expectations around disruption, and designing property specific messaging to reduce risk and improve delivery, offering clear, actionable insights for organisations planning or delivering retrofit at scale.

For further information visit: 

www.pollyb.co.uk

www.vividhomes.co.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

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Host Adam Armour-Florence is joined by industry experts Andrew Champ and Mitch Gee from SWIGA to explore the critical role of third-party guarantees in retrofit projects.

Drawing on decades of experience in construction and external wall insulation, the guests unpack what 3rd party guarantees are, why they matter, and how they protect both homeowners and project stakeholders. The discussion highlights key challenges in the retrofit sector, including subcontracting risks, inconsistent quality standards and the need for better data sharing across certification and guarantee providers.

Andrew and Mitch also share practical insights from large scale programmes such as social housing decarbonisation schemes, demonstrating how early engagement with guarantee providers and robust quality assurance processes can lead to consistently successful outcomes. They challenge common misconceptions around failure rates in insulation projects, emphasising that with the right checks and accountability in place, high-quality delivery is not only achievable but already being demonstrated.

For further information visit: www.swiga.co.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

The importance of putting people first with TPAS

In this episode, host Claire Brown is joined by Kai Jackson from TPAS (Tenant Participation Advisory Service) to explore why putting people first is essential in retrofit and housing projects. Drawing on lived experience as a social housing tenant and sector leader, Kai shares powerful insights into meaningful resident engagement, the importance of co-design, and how organisations can build trust through genuine collaboration.

The conversation highlights the shift from traditional top down approaches to shared decision making, where residents are not just consulted but actively involved from the very beginning. From improving project outcomes to saving time and resources, this episode makes a compelling case for embedding transparency, communication and inclusivity at every stage.

Whether you're a housing provider, retrofit professional, or policymaker, this episode offers practical reflections on how to create stronger relationships and deliver better outcomes by truly listening to residents.

For further information visit: www.tpas.org.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

In this episode, host Claire Brown explores the vital connection between housing and health. Joined by Dr. Faye Sanders, a doctoral researcher at the University of Bath, the conversation dives into how the quality of our homes directly impacts both mental and physical wellbeing.

From common issues like damp, mould and overcrowding to broader environmental factors such as access to green space and transport, this episode unpacks the hidden health risks associated with poor housing. The discussion also highlights emerging research linking housing conditions to biological ageing, even in children, revealing just how profound these impacts can be. Faye shares expert insights into how retrofit interventions can improve housing quality, support healthier lives, and contribute to wider climate goals.

Whether you're a housing professional, policymaker, or simply interested in the spaces we live in, this episode offers valuable evidence, practical perspectives, and a compelling case for putting healthy homes at the heart of retrofit.

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

Host Adam Armour-Florence speaks with Rafe Bertram, Asset Retrofit and Sustainability Manager at Enfield Council. They explore how retrofit can be effectively integrated into asset management within local authorities and housing providers.

Rafe shares insights from his career from architecture and private practice to working within the public sector, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of delivering retrofit at scale. The discussion focuses on the importance of embedding retrofit expertise within housing and asset management teams, the role of retrofit coordinators, and why practical, in-house knowledge is crucial for driving housing decarbonisation.

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

Jonathan Newton is joined by Jessica Scott, Retrofit Manager at Procast, who brings over five years’ experience delivering retrofit projects across social housing and private consultancy. Drawing on her experiences working both client side and in coordination roles, Jessica shares insights into managing compliance, navigating evolving regulations and ensuring retrofit projects achieve their intended outcomes.

The conversation covers the importance of quality assurance, stakeholder collaboration, and getting retrofit right first time to avoid unintended consequences such as damp, mould and performance gaps. Whether you’re a housing provider, local authority, or retrofit professional, this episode offers practical guidance on balancing cost, quality and long-term sustainability.

For further information visit: www.pro-cast.co.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

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Host Adam Armour-Florence is joined by Sean Lemon, Head of Digital, and Dai Grady, Data Scientist and Consultant at Energy Saving Trust. Drawing on their experience supporting local authorities and housing providers across the UK, Sean and Dai share practical insight into how digital tools, analytics and structured data approaches can strengthen retrofit planning and delivery. 

The discussion focuses on mastering data management as a critical enabler of successful retrofit programmes. From improving the accuracy and currency of housing stock data, to integrating EPC records and wider datasets, the episode explores how better data governance can unlock smarter targeting, strengthen funding readiness and support ongoing monitoring and evaluation. The conversation also highlights the importance of agility, ensuring providers can respond quickly to evolving grant criteria and policy changes.

For further information visit: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

Claire Brown is joined by Adam Boam, Tenant Liaison Officer at Midlands Rural Housing, to explore one of the most common challenges in retrofit delivery: managing resident refusals. Drawing on his experience supporting Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund projects, Adam shares honest, practical advice on engaging tenants, building trust and addressing concerns before they become barriers.

From installing air source heat pumps and solar PV to improving EPC ratings, this conversation highlights the importance of early engagement and strong tenant relationships. Successful retrofit isn’t just about technical compliance or funding milestones, it’s about trust, communication and putting residents at the centre of delivery.

For further information visit: www.midlandsrural.org.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

In this episode, host Claire Brown is joined by Gary Robinson, Managing Director of Aura Retrofit. Together they discuss Aura’s evolution from a traditional plumbing and heating business into a leading provider of whole house, low carbon retrofit solutions.

Gary shares his personal journey from gas engineer to retrofit specialist, discussing lessons learned along the way, the realities of grant funded delivery and the importance of building capability while projects are already in motion. The conversation covers heat pumps, solar PV, insulation, ventilation strategies and the challenges and opportunities facing contractors, local authorities and housing providers.

For further information visit: www.auraretrofit.co.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

Clare Brown is joined by Iain Duncan, Business Development Director at Tepeo, to discuss the role heat batteries can play in decarbonising housing stock at scale. The conversation introduces heat battery technology in a clear, accessible way, outlining how it works and why it is gaining attention as a low-carbon heating option for retrofit programmes. With a focus on the realities faced by housing providers, the episode explores where heat batteries may offer advantages over heat pumps, particularly across dense, space-constrained, or electrically limited homes.

The discussion then turns to the practical considerations of deploying heat batteries across existing housing portfolios. Clare and Iain examine installation challenges, resident impact, system flexibility and integration with the electricity grid, alongside the policy and funding landscape influencing uptake. Drawing on real-world retrofit experience, the episode provides housing associations, local authorities and asset managers with valuable insights to support decision-making as they plan and deliver scalable, resident-focused solutions for decarbonising heat.

For further information visit: www.tepeo.com

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

Claire Brown welcomes Niall Gibson, Head of Sales at IES, to discuss the practical realities of delivering retrofit projects using building performance modelling. This episode focuses on how data-driven tools can support better planning, reduce uncertainty and create clearer pathways for decarbonising existing buildings at both project and portfolio scale.

With more than 15 years’ experience working across net zero carbon, new build design and retrofit projects, Niall shares his perspective on how modelling software can provide valuable insight into building performance, support long-term carbon strategies and help teams visualise outcomes before investment decisions are made. The conversation explores the role of software as a practical aid for local authorities, consultants, engineers and architects, highlighting how considered use of modelling can bring transparency, build confidence, and support informed, sustainable retrofit decisions.

For further information visit: www.iesve.com

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

In this episode, Claire Brown speaks with Jo Butterfield, Sustainability Engagement Lead at Southern Housing, about the Little House of Retrofit project and the critical role of resident engagement in successful retrofit delivery. Jo shares insights from over 20 years of experience working directly with residents across supported housing, community services, and retrofit programmes, highlighting how trust, communication and flexibility are key to achieving positive outcomes.

The discussion demonstrates how listening to residents and learning from their experiences can unlock funding, improve delivery and drive long-term success in retrofit projects.

For further information visit: www.southernhousing.org.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

In this episode, host Claire Brown explores the vital role of tenant liaison in delivering successful retrofit programmes. Joined by Olivia Greenhalgh and Asam Rashid from First Choice Homes Oldham, the discussion focuses on putting people at the heart of retrofit.

Olivia and Asam share practical insights, lived experience and lessons learned from working closely with tenants, highlighting the importance of communication, honesty, empathy and trust in navigating disruption and achieving positive outcomes. From contractor relationships to managing expectations and building co-operation, this episode demonstrates how effective tenant engagement can lead to smoother projects and happier homes.

Whether you’re working in social housing, sustainability or retrofit delivery, this conversation offers valuable guidance on achieving successful, people-centred retrofit projects.

For further information visit: www.fcho.co.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

In this episode, Claire Brown is joined by Adam Slader and Alex Whitcroft, co-founders of VundaHaus. Together they explore the real barriers holding retrofit back, from labour shortages and funding uncertainty to productivity and resident engagement, and discuss how innovation, offsite manufacturing and data-led approaches can unlock delivery at scale. The conversation also dives into the Innovate UK funded Transformer project, showcasing how collaboration across the supply chain can reduce risk, improve certainty and accelerate retrofit programmes for social landlords and housing providers.

This episode is essential listening for local authorities, housing associations, retrofit professionals and anyone involved in delivering low-carbon, healthy homes at scale.

For further information visit: www.vundahaus.com

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

In this RISE podcast episode, host Claire Brown speaks with Joseph Wittenberg, Principal Consultant at Turner and Townsend, about one of the biggest risk areas in retrofit projects: design responsibility. The discussion explores where liability sits between contractors and designers, particularly under design-and-build contracts and PAS 2035 compliant retrofit programmes.

Joe breaks down key legal concepts such as reasonable skill and care versus fitness for purpose, highlights common misconceptions that lead to disputes, and explains how unclear contract wording can expose housing providers to long-term risk. The episode also covers practical steps housing organisations can take to protect their assets, including choosing the right procurement route, clarifying employer’s requirements, and using design responsibility matrices to avoid scope gaps.

Host Jonathan Newton speaks with Nathaniel Butters and Rory Nixon from ECO Serv to demystify one of the most important topics in the retrofit sector today: PAS 2030 and PAS 2035 compliance.

Nathaniel and Rory share insights from more than a decade in the energy efficiency and retrofit space, explaining how PAS standards were introduced to improve quality, reduce risk and ensure whole-house, long-term thinking in home energy upgrades. They discuss the growing complexity of compliance, the challenges faced by housing associations and contractors, and the practical steps organisations can take to embed good practice.

For more information visit: www.eco-surv.co.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

Claire Brown is joined by Severn Wye’s Allison Cawley and Claire Latham to examine what fuel poverty truly means, why person-centred retrofit matters, and how tailored guidance can transform homes, health and long-term energy resilience. Together they explore what effective retrofit looks like on the ground, from trusted installer networks to person-centred engagement, and highlight why collaborative working between energy services, local authorities and housing providers is essential for delivering safe, warm, and efficient homes. 

For further information visit: www.severnwye.org.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

Host Claire Brown is joined by Adam Scorer, Chief Executive of National Energy Action, for a deep dive into fuel poverty, its real human consequences and what it means for those managing and maintaining housing stock. Together they explore how cold, inefficient homes drive inequality, the pressures facing vulnerable residents, and why housing providers have a critical role in shaping warm, healthy, energy-efficient homes. The conversation offers vital insight into designing retrofit programmes that not only meet compliance and performance goals but genuinely transform the lives of residents.

For further information and related resources visit: 

www.nea.org.uk

The importance of language in retrofit | RISE Masterclass-on-demand 

The language of retrofit A-Z  

Resident Engagement Toolkit 

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

In this episode, Jonathan Newton is joined by Matthew Scott, Policy Manager at the Chartered Institute of Housing, and Jon Daley, Head of ESG at Habodel. Together they unpack the power of collaboration in the retrofit sector, exploring how strong professional networks, shared learning and cross-sector partnerships can accelerate sustainable transformation. The conversation highlights why building connections is essential for delivering successful retrofit projects that create lasting, positive change for communities.

For more information visit:

ww.habodel.co.uk

www.cih.org

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

Sarah McClelland is joined by Tom Robins, Chief Executive of Switchee. Together they explore the implications of Awaab’s Law for the housing and retrofit sector, and how data and technology are transforming the retrofit landscape.

The conversation dives into how Awaab’s Law challenges housing providers to look beyond compliance, focusing not only on fixing damp and mould but on transforming how we deliver healthier homes through proactive, data-led insight. Tom shares how technology can help social landlords move from a reactive approach to a predictive one, ensuring residents are placed at the heart of every decision.

For more information visit: www.switchee.com

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

In this episode, Claire Brown chats with Lisa Cairns, Business Development and Improvement Manager at IRT Surveys about the power of thermal imaging in retrofit projects. Lisa explains how IRT helps housing providers and local authorities improve data accuracy, assess property conditions and make smarter retrofit decisions. Together they explore how AI, technology and data-led insights are transforming the retrofit process, helping to create warmer, more efficient, low-carbon homes.

For more information visit: www.irtsurveys.co.uk

For further information visit: https://www.fairerwarmth.com/

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

Claire Brown speaks with Andrew Ross and Kat Runnalls from the Centre for Energy Equality about Fairer Warmth, a digital platform designed to make energy efficiency and retrofit support more accessible and inclusive. Andrew and Kat share their insights into how Fairer Warmth helps individuals and communities access grants, advice and tailored retrofit pathways. They also discuss putting people at the heart of retrofit projects, building an army of energy champions, and creating social and environmental value through inclusive collaboration across communities.

For further information visit: www.fairerwarmth.com

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.

Claire Brown is joined by Andy Pinches, Operations Director at Rossendale Valley Energy, to explore the practical challenges and innovative solutions behind retrofitting terraced homes. Andy shares insights from his work in energy and fuel poverty, discussing innovative funding models, challenges with terraced housing, and the potential of local energy collaboration. Focusing on the Net Zero Terrace Streets initiative, they discuss the intersection of fuel poverty, community energy and decarbonisation.

For further information visit: www.rvenergy.org.uk

This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.

There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.