Regional networks unite to drive housing innovation

Two North East networks are joining forces to harness technology and innovation to tackle challenges facing the social housing sector.

Social Housing Innovation North East (SHINE) has joined Dynamo North East C.I.C., creating stronger links between housing providers and technology organisations across the region.

The partnership will provide opportunities to share expertise and explore how digital technology, data and innovation can improve services and outcomes for residents.

SHINE is a member-led partnership bringing social housing providers together to develop practical solutions to shared challenges.

It was established in 2023 following a design sprint hosted by believe housing at the Northumbrian Water Innovation Festival, where organisations explored collaborative approaches to tackling damp, mould and condensation.

Since then, SHINE has grown into a regional network involving more than 20 organisations, including Accent Group, Bernicia, Beyond Housing, Gentoo, Karbon Homes, Livin, North Star, Places for People, Railway Housing, Thirteen and YMCA North Tyneside, alongside local authorities.

Its work includes specialist groups and OneMap, an initiative using geographic information system technology to bring housing data together and support collaboration.

By joining Dynamo, SHINE members will gain access to a wider technology network and programme of events, creating opportunities to connect with businesses capable of developing solutions for the housing sector.

Sean Lawless, director of insight and transformation at North Star and a member of SHINE’s steering group, said: “SHINE was created on the principle that we can achieve more for our residents and communities when organisations work together.

“Joining Dynamo North East gives us an opportunity to extend that collaboration beyond housing and build stronger relationships with the North East’s technology community. 

“There is real potential to bring together expertise from both sectors, particularly around data, digital inclusion and the use of technology to address some of the challenges facing social housing.”

Dynamo is a not-for-profit membership organisation focused on strengthening the North East technology ecosystem while delivering wider social and economic impact.

Its activities include the Dynamo Digital Inclusion Fund, technology careers initiatives and regional advocacy, alongside the annual Dynamites Awards, which bring together around 450 people.

Both organisations also share an emphasis on social impact, with Dynamo aiming to use the region’s technology sector to strengthen communities and tackle digital exclusion.

Al Alzein, general manager at Dynamo North East, added: “SHINE and Dynamo share a lot of the same ambitions, particularly around strengthening communities and tackling digital exclusion. 

“Bringing housing and technology organisations closer together means we can share knowledge, make useful connections and get more organisations working together across the North East of England.

“We want our members to better understand the technology challenges facing social housing, and equally for housing providers to understand the expertise and solutions available within our regional technology sector. 

“That creates more opportunities for collaboration, while supporting innovation and economic growth across the region.”

The partnership will be among the topics explored at SHINE’s next conference-style event in Newcastle on October 15.

The gathering will also cover artificial intelligence, data in social housing and the development of OneMap, providing another opportunity to bring housing and technology professionals together.

To find out more, visit: www.weareshine.net/events

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