The training and skills landscape is constantly evolving, and staying ahead requires insight, innovation, and forward-thinking strategies. Thought Leadership brings together expert perspectives on the future of learning, workforce development, and industry trends. From policy changes to emerging best practices, this category challenges conventional thinking and explores how education, training, and leadership can drive meaningful change in organisations and communities.
By Sara Roberts, CSO, Kingdom Academy Andy Burnham’s first month as Prime Minister has brought a noticeable shift in the way government is talking about skills, housing and construction. Technical education is to begin from the age of 14. Regional mayors are set to receive greater influence over planning and housing investment. Councils are being […]
By Sara Roberts, CSO, Kingdom Academy Housing associations are operating in an environment where regulatory change is no longer arriving in neat, manageable phases. It is coming from multiple directions at once, with different implementation dates, different evidential requirements, and different operational consequences. Some changes are already in force. Others are being phased in. Others
By Sara Roberts, Chief Services Officer, Kingdom Academy This year National Apprenticeship Week 2026 has come with a significant policy announcement that will mark significant changes for all stakeholders. The government has confirmed that a clearing style system for apprenticeships will be introduced, with pilots due to be rolled out later this year. The intention is clear.
The New Apprenticeship Clearing System and What It Means for Employers and Learners Read More »
By Sara Roberts, Chief Services Officer, Kingdom Academy National Apprenticeship Week always prompts reflection for me. Not just on how people enter the housing sector, but on what helps them stay, grow in confidence and build careers that last. In my role, I spend a lot of time speaking with housing employers about workforce pressures,
By Sara Roberts, CSO, Kingdom Academy This week the Regulator of Social Housing has launched its consultation on proposed updates to the Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard. The proposals introduce the government’s new competence and conduct requirements and the Social Tenant Access to Information Regulations into the consumer standards framework. They also include a small
What the TI&A Consultation Signals for Workforce Competence in Social Housing Read More »
By Sara Roberts, CSO, Kingdom Academy The Autumn Budget announcement this week sets the next phase of the Growth and Skills Levy in motion, bringing changes that will influence how organisations recruit, develop and retain talent over the coming years. Fully funded apprenticeships for SMEs and the introduction of shorter, skills-focused training units show a clear intention
By Sara Roberts, Chief Services Officer, Kingdom Academy Budget announcements often create a wave of analysis, but behind the commentary there is a simple question for anyone working in housing, construction or the wider public sector: what does this mean for the people learning, developing and delivering services every day? This year’s Budget gives us
Budget 2025: What the New Skills Landscape Means for the People Who Rely on It Read More »
The announcement of greater mayoral influence over the £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme signals more than just a funding decision. It marks a significant shift in how housing priorities will be shaped and delivered, and it brings a level of regional leadership that many in the sector have been calling for. Giving Mayors
A Decade of Renewal for Housing Needs a Decade of Investment in Skills Read More »
In the space of a few weeks, two major policy announcements have reshaped the conversation about workforce development in the housing and construction sectors. At the end of September, the government confirmed the introduction of the Competence and Conduct Standard for social housing providers – a new regulatory framework that places professional capability and behaviour
Earlier this month, the sector marked World Mental Health Day. As always, it brought an outpouring of positive messages across social media. Teams shared reflections, learners took part in wellbeing sessions, and organisations reminded everyone that it is okay not to be okay. These moments matter. They create visibility, connection, and permission to talk. But