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EFFECTIVE ALLOCATION OF ADAPTED SOCIAL HOUSING: A PILOT STUDY HOUSING RESEARCH AT STIRLING EFFECTIVE ALLOCATION OF ADAPTED SOCIAL HOUSING: A PILOT STUDY Isobel Anderson Dianne Theakstone Christopher Baird

Introduction Background to the scoping project HOUSING RESEARCH AT STIRLING Introduction Background to the scoping project Aims and research method Reflections on the co-production approach Key findings summary What next?

HOUSING RESEARCH AT STIRLING Project Background Horizon research on housing needs of disabled people identified three issue: Supply of accessible housing stock Adaptation of existing stock Matching suitable vacant properties to disabled house seekers Scoping project for 3 – to test research method scope out larger study

HOUSING RESEARCH AT STIRLING Scoping Study Aims Assess barriers to the effectiveness of matching wheelchair designed and adapted social housing lettings to households in need of such housing Identify measures to overcome any barriers in order to more efficiently match people and properties. Design and test method to address these questions

The Co-production Approach HOUSING RESEARCH AT STIRLING The Co-production Approach Horizon Housing University of Stirling, visually impaired researcher Peer Panel to guide research Peer Researcher to actively input to research Stakeholder forum to test initial findings

Research Method Review of literature and evidence HOUSING RESEARCH AT STIRLING Research Method Review of literature and evidence Local authority level Case Study Semi-structured interviews with staff from local authority and housing associations Semi-structured interviews with disabled housing applicants Stakeholder forum to discuss issues emerging

HOUSING RESEARCH AT STIRLING Summary of Findings 1 Lack of previous research on allocation of adapted social housing Co-production approach underpinned effectiveness of participant recruitment Some lettings systems challenging for disabled households (Choice Based, Housing Options)? Effectiveness of stock information for landlords? Lack of awareness of national ‘Homes2Fit’ model

Summary of Findings 2 Need improved communication with applicants HOUSING RESEARCH AT STIRLING Summary of Findings 2 Need improved communication with applicants Need more information sharing among service providers Staff training on inclusive design Staff training on disability equality Pilot method could inform larger study

Reflections on Co-production HOUSING RESEARCH AT STIRLING Reflections on Co-production Ensure adequate time for recruitment, coordinating, support and training Ensure resources, partnership sharing costs or in kind Support Peer Review Panel to engage in feedback (more input from some) Respecting preferences of disabled participants (e.g. interview locations)

Next steps: action research? HOUSING RESEARCH AT STIRLING Next steps: action research? Larger scale study to: Track experiences of disabled house seekers/new tenants for 18 months Test landlord action on improved practice Identify opportunities to speed disabled peoples access to suitable housing