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Listen to the latest episodes below or find us on your favourite podcast platform!
About Ask the Experts Podcast
Join us on Ask the Experts, a podcast from Pennington Choices to investigate issues around compliance and safety within buildings. Hosted by a team of in-house experts and featuring industry specialists, each episode delves deep into the issues you face across the UK property landscape.
Exploring the Reformed Decent Homes Standard Consultation – Ask the Experts Podcast by Pennington Choices
In this episode, Jordan Brown, Head of Consultancy – Assets and Compliance, and Ben Davidson, Head of Survey Services, discuss the proposed changes to the Decent Homes Standard. Drawing on their extensive sector expertise, they unpack the changes to each criterion and the introduction of the new damp and mould criterion, highlighting the practical challenges and opportunities these reforms present for organisations across the sector.
Building Assessment Certificate (BAC) Process Insights | Ask the Experts Podcast
Hear our Head of Consultancy – Assets and Compliance, Jordan Brown, and Principal Consultant, Stewart Kerr, as they discuss the ins and outs of the Building Assessment Certificate (BAC) application process for higher-risk buildings. Drawing on experience from the latest successful BAC application we supported, Jordan and Stewart share valuable insights into best practice, the importance of evidencing compliance, and the need to treat your building safety case report as a live, evolving document.
Meet the Experts: Principal Consultant Stewart Kerr | Ask the Experts Podcast
In this episode, we sat down with our Principal Consultant, Stewart Kerr, to discuss his journey into building safety. Stewart shares insights into his background within the sector from starting out in asbestos, through to becoming part of an early adopter organisation in the wake of Grenfell. He also reflects on his work with the Building Safety Regulator (formerly the Health and Safety Executive), where he was involved in policy design trials for recent building safety reforms.
Addressing Damp, Mould, and Disrepair | Ask the Experts Podcast
In this episode, we chat with our Project Manager, Luke Oldfield, to discuss how you should be preparing year-round for the colder months, how to detect early signs, and what preventative steps landlords and building managers should take to ensure their properties are free of damp and mould. Learn practical tips to protect your property, avoid costly repairs, and keep your home safe and compliant this winter.
Meet The Experts: Head of IT Ben Morris
In this episode of Meet The Experts, we sat down with our Head of IT, Ben Morris. We discuss Ben's career so far, why he decided to pursue a career within the IT sector, how he stays up-to-date with the latest changes in the industry, what he has implemented and what he plans to achieve at Pennington Choices, the benefit of being award Cyber Essentials Plus, and much more.
Stock Condition: Meeting the Safety and Quality Standard
Join us for part of our "Stock Condition: Meet the Safety and Quality Standard" as our Principal Consultant Lisa Driscoll goes in depth into the Safety and Quality Standard.
To watch the full webinar, you can watch on on-demand up here.
Best Practices and Real World Examples of Damp & Mould
Taken from our July webinar "Preparing for Change: HHSRS, Damp, Mould and Condensation". In this snippet our Project Manager, Luke Oldfield, discusses best practices for landlords and gives some real world examples of damp & mould.
To watch the full webinar, you can sign up here: On demand webinar
Meet The Experts: Principal Consultant Lisa Driscoll
In this episode we sit down with our new Principal Consultant, Lisa Driscoll. Lisa has a wealth of experience within social housing, having joined us from the Regulator of Social Housing where she was involved in the Consumer Standards.
We discuss her time at the Regulator of Social Housing, why she decided to pursue a career within policy, what makes for good policy, advice for landlords based on the new Consumer Standards, and more!
Consumer Regulation: Insights from the Regulator of Social Housing
Taken from our June webinar "New Consumer Regulation Regime: Insights and updates" where we were joined by Jessica Guandalini, Assistant Director of Regulatory Engagement at the Regulator for Social Housing.
Meet the Experts: Survey Services Director Gary Bampton
In this episode of our Meet The Experts series where we sat down with Survey Services Director, Gary Bampton.
Gary has been at Pennington Choices for over 23 years, and gives his insights behind what he thinks has made the business so successful, why he has stayed at the company his entire career, how he found jumping into his first managerial role, and the one piece of advice he would give to his younger self.
What is Fire Compartmentation?
In this weeks episode of Ask The Experts, our Head of Fire Safety Josh Alderson breaks down what fire compartmentation is as part of our May webinar "Fire Safety: Building Height, Compartmentation, and FRAEWs" which can be watched on-demand here.
HHSRS: Safeguarding homes in England and Wales
In this episode, we delve into the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), a critical framework designed to ensure safe and healthy living conditions in England and Wales. Join us as we uncover the 29 hazards outlined within HHSRS, exploring everything from damp and mould to electrical hazards and structural instability. Learn about the fundamental principles of HHSRS and the responsibilities it places on landlords and local authorities. Whether you're a tenant, landlord, or simply interested in housing standards, this episode provides invaluable insights into safeguarding homes and promoting well-being for all.
Meet The Experts: Head of Fire Safety, Josh Alderson
In this episode, we sit down with our Head of Fire Safety, Josh Alderson, who joined our team in February 2024. We explore his journey, from his early career to his current role, and how he's settling into his new role. Discover the proactive measures he and his team are taking to keep on top of developments and changes within the fire safety sector.
Uncover common misconceptions clients have about fire safety, as well as the most significant changes he has witnessed throughout his career. Plus, get an exclusive insight into our new fire compartmentation audit service ad how it differs to a full compartmentation survey.
We also delve into what qualities make for an efficient fire risk assessor, offering valuable insights for both professionals and clients. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of fire safety and the expertise behind it.
Women Leading Change in Housing - International Women’s Day Podcast Special
Tune in for a special International Women's Day episode of the Ask the Experts Podcast by Pennington Choices, as we sit down with inspiring women leaders in the housing sector.
Hear their stories, insights, and experiences as they share their journey and discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in the housing sector.
- Letrice Thomas,
Head of Knowledge and Client Insight at Pennington Choices - Fiona Astor
Director of Transformation at Magenta Living - Helen L Scott
Group Head of Programme at Torus
Fire Safety Legisaltion | Ask the Experts Podcast
Tune in to our short podcast extracted from our insightful webinar, "Fire Safety Legislation: Latest legal obligations and best practice".
Hear from our building and fire safety experts, Letrice and Jim, who provide a recap of fire safety legislation, lessons learned, and best practices developed over the past year. Topics covered include:
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Fire Safety Act 2021
- Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
- Building Safety Act 2022 – Section 156
Watch the full webinar now to discover best practices developed from working with organisations over the past year. Download presentation slides, access live poll results, and Q&A session here.
Consumer Regulation: Are you ready to meet the revised standards? | Ask the Experts Podcast
Tune in to our short podcast extracted from our insightful webinar, "Consumer Regulation: Are you ready to meet the revised standards?"
In this segment, our experts engage with the Regulator of Social Housing to explore the upcoming changes in consumer regulation, set to be enforced from April 2024.
Discover essential insights within the webinar such as:
- How to prepare for and stay compliant with the new consumer regulation.
- What the revised consumer standards will look like and how they will impact your organisation.
- Information on submitting Tenant Satisfaction Measures to the Regulator by summer 2024.
Watch our webinar in full with presentation slides here.
Legionella: Back to basics | Ask the Experts Podcast | November 2023
We’re back! November’s ‘Ask the Experts: What’s new this month’ podcast episode covers all things water hygiene and legionella. This episode highlights the key factors of Legionnaire’s disease, including where it comes from and how to keep your water safe. Discover how to determine if you need a legionella risk assessment to comply with the BS 8580 standard, how to find the most suitable risk assessor for you, and what actions to take post-risk assessment. Gain expert insight on how to manage water hygiene in commercial properties, offices, communal areas, and domestic properties within social housing.
We’d love to hear from you if you have any feedback or specific topics that you want to ask our experts to cover in next month’s instalment!
Links discussed within podcast -
Legionella: Myth Busting | Ask the Experts Podcast
Pennington Choices Consultant, Caitlin Stubbs, is joined by Legionella guru Paul Nolan, to bust some myths surrounding the key areas of water hygiene that are often mismanaged. From the basics of water hygiene management to the legal requirements and best practice you need to be aware of, listen on-demand for expert insights.
To find out how to improve and refine your water hygiene approach, get in touch!
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Caitlin Stubbs, Consultant
Why listen?
- Catch up with leading experts on the latest industry developments
- Find out how your organisation can prepare for building safety compliance
- Understand changes in the regulatory landscape
- Learn about how your organisation can demonstrate property compliance
- Discover how you can raise industry standards in your sector
Our Guidance
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Ebook
9 mins
Get ahead of the upcoming changes to legislation and gain an insight into the specific areas you need to address when the Building Safety Act 2022 is implemented.
Download your free Building Safety Self-Assessment today to help keep your residents safe tomorrow.
Quiz
2 mins
How ready are you for the Building Safety Act 2022?
Take our short test to find out where you are on your planning journey and what your next steps should be.
Ebook
7 mins
Download our free Fire Safety Self-Assessment
to help you identify any gaps in your Fire Safety compliance.