Recently, I had the privilege of attending a consultation on Building Community Capacity for the Future at St George’s House, Windsor Castle. This gathering was an exceptional opportunity for leaders and innovators in housing and community development to exchange ideas and strategise about pressing issues. For me, as someone preparing to launch a social enterprise focused on affordable, low-carbon housing, this consultation was an invaluable experience that underscored the urgency and potential of sustainable housing.
Day 1: Setting the stage for collaboration and innovation
Our consultation began with a warm welcome from Gary McKeone, Programme Director at St George’s House, followed by an insightful introduction from freelance journalist Jonn Elledge, who set the tone for the discussions to come. The first session, led by Matt Leach from Local Trust, focused on the intersection of government, housebuilding, and community building. Matt’s presentation offered a nuanced look at how policy and housing initiatives can support sustainable, community-driven development. This resonated deeply, given my commitment to addressing affordable housing through low-carbon solutions in both the UK and South Africa.
In the afternoon, we heard from Tanya Vice of Heart of Sidley Big Local and Southern Housing, who shared valuable lessons from the community. Tanya’s experiences illustrated the power of grassroots efforts in addressing housing and community challenges. During small group discussions, I collaborated with others to explore how similar approaches could promote resilience and sustainability in housing. This sparked several ideas for my own social enterprise, including the possibility of using crowdfunding platforms to break down barriers to entry in the housing sector and finding the right angel investors who prioritise the deployment of patient capital.
Evening reflections and networking with industry leaders
After a day of enriching presentations, we gathered in St George’s Chapel for optional evening prayer – a serene interlude that allowed time to reflect on the themes of the day. Dinner followed, offering a relaxed setting to network with influential figures. My conversations with many of the participants opened up new perspectives on how I might structure my own enterprise to maximise social impact.
The evening concluded with a tour of St George’s Chapel, led by Charlotte Manley, Chapter Clerk of the College of St George. This candlelit experience added a profound historical dimension to our discussions, reminding us that building communities is a timeless endeavour.
Day 2: Exploring pathways for sustainable development
Following breakfast on the second day, we had an inspiring session led by Matt Buckham, Managing Director of the Sovereign Network Group, on Private Developers, Housebuilding, and Public Life. Matt shared insights into how the private sector can collaborate with community organisations to create housing solutions that go beyond bricks and mortar. His emphasis on a holistic approach to housing development was particularly relevant to my vision of promoting affordable, low-carbon homes as a pathway to sustainable community flourishing.
The final session focused on summarising key takeaways and looking toward the future. Here, participants shared insights from their own sectors, which collectively highlighted the need for cross-sector collaboration in tackling housing challenges. I felt energised by the collective commitment to innovation and was inspired by the actionable ideas discussed – many of which I plan to incorporate as I advance my enterprise.
Moving forward: Inspired by shared vision and collaboration
Leaving St George’s House, I was equipped with both new knowledge and valuable connections, including many influential voices. This consultation has been a crucial stepping stone for my social enterprise, reinforcing my commitment to providing affordable, sustainable housing solutions. The experience has also underscored the importance of fostering partnerships with leaders across the housing and community sectors. Reflecting on the event, it’s clear that the future of housing lies in collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for maximising the flourishing of sustainable, healthy, and resilient communities. I look forward to applying these insights as I continue my own journey towards building resilient, low-carbon communities that empower individuals and contribute meaningfully to Net Zero targets.
