This October marked my second time attending the Confederation of Co-operative Housing (CCH) Conference, and I can confidently say it’s fast becoming one of my favourite events of the year. As a governance solicitor specialising in community-led housing, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the (occasionally) chaotic, but I keep coming back to housing co-ops because they’re organisations that share the same values and ethos as our firm: community, purpose, and people-first thinking.

This year, I attended alongside my colleague Helen Tucker as an exhibitor, representing the firm and speaking with delegates who stopped by our stall to chat about the legal challenges they’re facing. And there were plenty of conversations to be had! Everything from member misconduct, rent arrears, and the ever-tricky issue of access for inspections and repairs when tenants won’t open the door. These are not easy problems, especially when you’re a volunteer board member juggling governance with day jobs, family life, and everything else.

A sector under pressure - but full of heart

It’s clear that challenges abound for many housing co-ops, and even more so for those who are Registered Providers of social housing. The regulatory landscape has shifted dramatically over the past three years, and many co-ops, often run by volunteers, have shared that they’re struggling to keep pace. But what struck me again this year is the resilience and dedication of the people behind these organisations. They care deeply about their communities, and that commitment is what keeps them going, even when the rules feel like they’re changing faster than anyone can keep up.

Complaints, cooperation and the Housing Ombudsman

One of the standout sessions for me was the one delivered by representatives from the Housing Ombudsman on complaint handling. It sparked some really thoughtful discussion about the unique challenges co-ops face in this area. Several attendees raised concerns about the tension between the principles of cooperation and the rise of compensation culture. After all, in a co-op, tenants are also members, and taking money out of the co-op can feel like taking it from your neighbours.

There was also recognition of how hard it is for volunteers to meet the expectations of regulators while trying to do the right thing. But at the end of the day, I think everyone in the room shared the same goal: to resolve complaints fairly and deliver positive outcomes for tenants. 

A growing voice for co-ops

Another highlight was hearing from Rachel Blake MP, the first sitting MP to speak at a CCH conference - a real milestone for the organisation. Her message was clear: the Government wants to double the size of the mutuals sector, and is committed to helping community-led housing providers and SMEs overcome barriers to contributing to housing supply. That kind of recognition matters and it was great to see CCH’s growing influence reflected in the energy and enthusiasm of the day.

We’re here to help

One thing we heard again and again at the stall was how hard it can be to find legal advice from people who actually understand how co-ops work. That’s where we come in. We’ve worked with housing co-ops for years, and we know the structures, the quirks, and the values that make them special. We’re ideally placed to support co-ops - whether it’s reviewing policies, advising on tricky cases, or just being a sounding board when things get complicated.

If you’re dealing with member misconduct, arrears, access issues, or just need help navigating the latest regulatory changes, don’t forget: CCH members have access to our free 15-minute helpline for ad hoc legal queries. And if your issue is more complex, we’ll provide a clear fee proposal so you can make an informed decision.

Whether you’re a seasoned board member or a new volunteer trying to make sense of it all, we’re here to support you. Because co-ops aren’t just housing providers - they’re communities, and we’re proud to stand alongside them.

And finally… A big thank you!

A huge thank you to Blase Lambert, Martyn Holmes, Jane Cameron and all at CCH for organising another fantastic event and for inviting us to be part of it. The energy, warmth, and commitment that go into making this conference happen is always evident, and it’s a real privilege to be involved.

And of course, a special shout-out to Claude Hendrickson MBE, who helped us wrangle our exhibition banner into shape! Assembling that thing felt like we needed a degree from the University of Flatpack Engineering - but with Claude’s help, we got there (and only mildly lost our dignity in the process).

We’re proud to partner with CCH and support the incredible work they do to champion co-operative housing across the UK. I’m already looking forward to October 2026… though I wouldn’t be surprised if Claude spots me approaching with the exhibition banner and suddenly remembers he’s urgently needed on the other side of the building!