27/06/2025
Housing associations and employability professionals have just two days left to register for a crucial online event that could reshape how they support residents into employment, with Clarion Housing Group’s Victoria Whittle announced as the second speaker.
The one-hour session, hosted by the Institute of Employability Professionals (IEP) on Wednesday, 2 July, will showcase how IEP membership can equip housing association teams with enhanced tools and networks to create greater community impact.
Victoria Whittle, Head of Jobs and Training for Clarion Futures, joins Managing Director Lynsey Sweeney FIEP from Communities that Work as the event’s featured speakers. Victoria will share practical insights into how she has leveraged her IEP membership to enhance Clarion’s sector impact and drive continuous improvement in employability practice.
In today’s climate, the demand for inclusive, person-centred employability support is greater than ever. Housing associations are at the forefront – supporting people with complex needs, often with limited resources.
Clarion Futures, which focuses on funding community projects and helping residents find jobs and training while developing digital skills and financial capability, represents a leading example of how housing providers can integrate employability support into their core mission.
The urgency for professional development in this sector has intensified as housing associations face increasing pressure to demonstrate social value while managing stretched resources. IEP membership offers accessible, practical and meaningful professional development designed to help staff and volunteers feel more confident, connected, and capable of driving real change.
Lynsey Sweeney will open the session by exploring why strengthening the connection between housing and employment has become critical, particularly through collaborative approaches that deliver shared outcomes across communities.
Attendees will learn how to maximise impact through sector-specific learning pathways, build staff confidence through targeted training that supports development and retention, and connect with a purpose-driven network that promotes excellence across services.
The session promises real-life success stories from housing associations that have grown their influence and effectiveness through IEP membership, providing concrete examples of professional development translating into improved resident outcomes.
The focus on housing associations reflects the sector’s evolving role in addressing employment barriers, with providers increasingly recognised as key players in supporting residents’ holistic needs beyond accommodation.
For housing associations and sector professionals seeking to enhance their employability offer while supporting staff development in challenging times, Wednesday’s session provides both inspiration and practical guidance from sector leaders who have successfully navigated similar challenges.
Register here: https://members.myiep.uk/events/6838a2791b08bf00080232d3/description?ticket=6838a2791b08bf00080232d2
