Insights from Our Housing Lead, Eva Payton White
The housing sector is evolving rapidly, from shifting policies and new technologies to the increasingly complex needs of tenants.
In this article, we share insights from our Housing Lead, Eva Payton White, on the importance of training in the housing sector. Drawing on her experience working with housing associations across the UK, Eva discusses the key challenges, priorities, and opportunities for innovation in learning and development.
Why do you believe ongoing training and development is vital for housing professionals today?
“The sector is facing constant change,” says Eva. From updated policies to new technologies and the increasingly complex needs of tenants. Ongoing training is not just a “nice to have,” it’s a necessity. Continued professional development ensures staff are equipped to face any number of challenges and remain confident in providing the best service possible.
How can housing associations stay compliant with evolving regulations through e-learning?
With so much change taking place in housing, e-learning has emerged as one of the most agile and effective ways to keep staff up to date. Unlike traditional training, e-learning provides a flexible solution:
- Content can be updated quickly
- Training can be rolled out across entire organisations instantly
- Every staff member has access to the same up-to-date, reliable information
This ensures housing providers remain compliant while reducing the burden of logistics and cost.
What types of skills or knowledge areas are most in demand across housing organisations right now?
There are countless topics that matter across the sector, but some stand out as especially relevant. Many housing organisations request training on:
- Damp and mould awareness
- Customer service and complaints handling
- Mental health awareness and wellbeing
These areas not only meet compliance and regulatory needs but also ensure frontline staff can provide empathetic and effective support.
“We always encourage organisations to suggest new topics,” adds Eva. “That way, our training catalogue grows with the sector’s needs.”
What are the benefits of e-learning for housing professionals compared to traditional training models?
E-learning doesn’t have to replace face-to-face or virtual training. In fact, it works best as a supplement. Whether part of an induction package, refresher training, or a way to ensure staff reach the same standard quickly, digital learning offers consistency, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. That’s why so many organisations find it an easier, smarter choice for building long-term capability.
What innovative approaches to training are emerging in the housing sector?
One of the most exciting developments in digital training is scenario-based virtual reality (VR). This approach allows learners to immerse themselves in realistic situations without risk. It’s engaging, fun, and highly effective for building confidence in real-world scenarios, whether dealing with a challenging tenant interaction or understanding health and safety risks. VR training is increasingly popular across the housing sector, and it represents a powerful way to set learning in context from day one.
Building the Future of Housing Sector Training
At Me Learning, we create training that meets the real needs of housing professionals. Whether you choose ready-made courses, tailored programmes, or systems training, our flexible options help organisations stay compliant and build confident, resilient teams for the future.
If you’re interested in exploring how we can support your training programmes, get in touch with Eva: housing@melearning.co.uk
Learn more about our work in the housing sector.
Interested in our housing-specific courses? Check out our housing courses.
