The NHIC Podcast

Understanding the Importance of Competency, Compliance and Quality in Home Improvement

In this episode welcome special guest, Jon Vanstone, Chair of the Competency, Compliance and Quality working group and Chair of the National Home Improvement Council.

Understanding the vital importance of competency, compliance and quality gives homeowners the knowledge they need to avoid legal costs and safety implications and tradespeople the understanding of risks involved with working outside of the regulated space and the benefits to both themselves and homeowners of working within the space.

🔍 In this episode, we discuss 👇

✅ The importance of the Competency, Compliance and Quality

✅ The risks to homeowners and housing stock

✅ Cost implications and legal dangers for homeowners

✅ The importance of Building Control and Competency Schemes as safety nets

✅ Impact of the Grenfell tragedy and changes being made

✅ How the NHIC is engaging homeowners and tradespeople

✅ Engaging with the younger generations

✅ Wider Industry impact

✅ Current trends and challenges

 

Resources and useful links from the episode:

Free Consumer Guides on the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/consumer-guides/

A list of UK Competency Schemes: https://www.gov.uk/building-regulations-competent-person-schemes

Sign up to the NHIC Newsletter: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/t/C6DC7614CCDAEE50

Our sponsors - CORGI Services, Recticel and EnviroVent:

https://corgiservices.com/

https://www.envirovent.com/

https://www.recticelinsulation.com/en-gb/home

InstallerShow2024: https://www.installershow.com/

Visit the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/

Carbon Reduction and Energy Efficiency with Dan Brown from GQA Qualifications

In this episode welcome special guest, Dan Brown, Strategic Relationships Manager at GQA Qualifications.

Dan also chairs the NHIC’s Carbon and Energy Efficiency Working Group

🔍 In this episode, we discuss 👇

✅ Consumer awareness of carbon and energy efficiency
✅ Innovation in the energy efficiency space
✅ Impact of carbon and energy efficiency education on housing stock
✅ Government net-zero targets
✅ Attracting new talent to the sector
✅ Educating the existing workforce
✅ Engaging with the younger generations

Resources and useful links from the episode:

Free Consumer Guides on the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/consumer-guides/

Visit the Construction Leadership Council’s website:  https://www.constructionleadershipcouncil.co.uk/

Visit the GQA Qualifications website: https://gqaqualifications.com/

Sign up to the NHIC Newsletter: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/t/C6DC7614CCDAEE50

Our sponsors - CORGI Services, Recticel and EnviroVent:

https://corgiservices.com/

https://www.envirovent.com/

https://www.recticelinsulation.com/en-gb/home

InstallerShow2024: https://www.installershow.com/

Visit the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/

Building Control, Consumer Advice and the NHIC Consumer Voice Working Group with Anna Thompson from LABC

A very warm welcome to the NHIC podcast and the first episode of 2024!

In this episode welcome a very special guest, Anna Thompson, Head of Engagement at LABC - Local Authority Building Control.

Not only is Anna a pivotal figure in LABC and the expert source of knowledge on LABC Front Door's “Ask Anna” (an absolute treasure trove of helpful information and guidance), but she also chairs the NHIC Consumer Voice working group, an integral part of the NHIC that focuses on the consumer and homeowner perspective in home improvement.

🔍 In this episode, we delve deep into what home improvement means from the eyes of the homeowner. Anna shares invaluable insights and tips, making this a must-listen for anyone planning to make their house a better home and highlighting the meaning and importance of competent professionals and best practices on how to find the right tradespeople to work on your home.  We also learn more about the NHIC’s Consumer Voice working group and its part in the Home Improvement and domestic RMI sector from the perspective of the consumer.

Lots of valuable insights, guidance and advice in this episode, which we hope you enjoy!

Resources and useful links from the episode:

Visit the LABC website: https://www.labc.co.uk/

Visit LABC’s FrontDoor and “Ask Anna”: https://labcfrontdoor.co.uk/

Free Consumer Guides on the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/consumer-guides/

Visit the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/

Accessing Debt Support and Achieving Financial Health

 “Accessing debt support and achieving financial health” is episode six of our six-part special mental health podcast series.

We’ll be discussing topics such as taking control of your financial position, minimising your financial stress, understanding what support is available, looking at various options around debt solutions and looking at how the schemes, in particular, help support their members financial health

In this episode, we welcome Greg Jenkinson from StepChange and Mike McGougan, head of membership at HIES Consumer Code and consumer protection schemes DGCOS and HICS.

Our special metal health series of podcasts is sponsored by the Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman (DGCOS): https://www.dgcos.org.uk/ , HICS Consumer Protection: https://www.hicsscheme.org.uk/ and HIES Consumer Code: Renewable Energy Installation Protection Scheme: https://www.hiesscheme.org.uk/

StepChange is the UK's Largest Debt Charity. They provide the UK's most comprehensive debt advice service. Since 1993, StepChange have helped 7.5 million people with debt problems take back control of their finances and their lives. In 2022 they helped 25,516 clients become debt-free

The Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme is a consumer protection organisation designed to bring peace of mind to homeowners. DGCOS Ombudsman Scheme Visit our Installers Site Home About Consumer Advice - Important information about your protection Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) George Clarke Accreditation Ombudsman.

HICS is a leading consumer protection organisation that can cover a wide range of home improvement installations carried out by one of its accredited members.

HEIS Consumer Code is a Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) approved Consumer Code, HIES is a leading consumer protection organisation covering the installation of home energy products.

Resources and useful links from the episode:

Visit the StepChange website: https://www.stepchange.org/

Visit the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/

Improving Well-being and Mental Health

 “Improving Well-being and Mental Health” is episode five of our six-part special mental health podcast series.

In this informative episode, we speak to GP Rachel Cooper and Cathy O'Hara, Central Support manager at HIES Consumer Code and consumer protection schemes DGCOS and HICS, about anxiety and depression and the impacts of both and managing common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, learning how to build resilience and a strong mindset, managing critical injuries and illnesses and drugs and alcohol.

Our special metal health series of podcasts is sponsored by the Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman (DGCOS): https://www.dgcos.org.uk/ , HICS Consumer Protection: https://www.hicsscheme.org.uk/ and HIES Consumer Code: Renewable Energy Installation Protection Scheme: https://www.hiesscheme.org.uk/

The Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme is a consumer protection organisation designed to bring peace of mind to homeowners. DGCOS Ombudsman Scheme Visit our Installers Site Home About Consumer Advice - Important information about your protection Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) George Clarke Accreditation Ombudsman.

HICS is a leading consumer protection organisation that can cover a wide range of home improvement installations carried out by one of their accredited members.

HEIS Consumer Code is a Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) approved Consumer Code, HIES is a leading consumer protection organisation covering the installation of home energy products.

Resources and useful links:

Visit the Band Of Builders website: https://bandofbuilders.org/

Visit the Andy Mans Club website: https://andysmanclub.co.uk/

Visit the Mates In Mind website: https://www.matesinmind.org/

Visit the Lighthouse website: https://www.lighthousecare.org/

Visit the StepChange website: https://www.stepchange.org/

Visit the Samaritans website: https://www.samaritans.org/

Visit the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/

Taking a holistic approach to supporting your team

“Taking a holistic approach to supporting your team” is episode four of our six-part special mental health podcast series.

We’ll be discussing the importance of training, better management, communications and having resources available to support mental health in the workplace.

In this episode, we welcome Martin Lockham from Mates in Mind and Louise Auld from HIES Consumer Code and consumer protection schemes DGCOS and HICS.

Our special metal health series of podcasts is sponsored by the Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman (DGCOS): https://www.dgcos.org.uk/ , HICS Consumer Protection: https://www.hicsscheme.org.uk/ and HIES Consumer Code: Renewable Energy Installation Protection Scheme: https://www.hiesscheme.org.uk/

Mates in Mind is a leading UK charity raising awareness and addressing the stigma of poor mental health. We promote and lead on the development of positive mental wellbeing within the workplace. Mates in Mind works across industries, focusing on construction, as well as related sectors including transport, logistics, manufacturing, and others.

The Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme is a consumer protection organisation designed to bring peace of mind to homeowners. DGCOS Ombudsman Scheme Visit our Installers Site Home About Consumer Advice - Important information about your protection Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) George Clarke Accreditation Ombudsman.

HICS is a leading consumer protection organisation that can cover a wide range of home improvement installations carried out by one of their accredited members.

HEIS Consumer Code is a Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) approved Consumer Code, HIES is a leading consumer protection organisation covering the installation of home energy products.

Resources and useful links from the episode:

Visit the Mates In Mind website: https://www.matesinmind.org/

Visit the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/

Managing Loneliness and Working Away From Home

“Managing loneliness and working away from home” is episode three of our six-part special mental health podcast series.

We’ll be discussing:

• Statistics on how much loneliness is an issue.
• Strategies to manage loneliness and working away from home.
• Hubs around the UK that can help and support.
• Drugs and alcohol and strategies for coping.

In this episode, we welcome Tony Steel from Band of Builders and Jonathon Moorhouse from HIES Consumer Code and consumer protection schemes DGCOS and HICS.

Our special metal health series of podcasts is sponsored by the Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman (DGCOS): https://www.dgcos.org.uk/ , HICS Consumer Protection: https://www.hicsscheme.org.uk/ and HIES Consumer Code: Renewable Energy Installation Protection Scheme: https://www.hiesscheme.org.uk/

Band of Builders is the National Construction Charity providing practical, financial and wellbeing support for members of the UK construction industry and their families who face adversity due to illness, injury or life-changing circumstances.

Resources and useful links from the episode:

Visit the Band Of Builders website: https://bandofbuilders.org/

Visit the Andy Mans Club website: https://andysmanclub.co.uk/

Visit the Mates In Mind website: https://www.matesinmind.org/

Visit the Lighthouse website: https://www.lighthousecare.org/

Visit the StepChange website: https://www.stepchange.org/

Visit the Samaritans website: https://www.samaritans.org/

Visit the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/

How To Achieve Work-Life Balance and Manage Demands

“How to achieve work/life balance and manage demands” is episode two of our six-part special mental health podcast series.

In this episode, we welcome Michael McGougan, Head of Membership from HIES Consumer Code and consumer protection schemes DGCOS and HICS, and George Jones from Cahill Renewables.

Top takeaways from the episode:

• Prioritise tasks to help with work/life balance
• Use lists to structure long-term, short term and immediate tasks and goals
• Structuring your day to be proactive, rather than reactive
• Understand yourself as well as your audience
• Delegation is empowering others
• Plan and give yourself time to reflect
• Prioritise mental health for yourself and your team members

Our special metal health series of podcasts is sponsored by the Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman (DGCOS): https://www.dgcos.org.uk/ , HICS Consumer Protection: https://www.hicsscheme.org.uk/ and HIES Consumer Code: Renewable Energy Installation Protection Scheme: https://www.hiesscheme.org.uk/

Resources and useful links from the episode:

Visit the Cahill Renewables website: https://www.cahillrenewables.co.uk/

Visit the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/

Mental Health Support in the Home Improvement, Renewables Sectors and for Tradespeople

“Mental Health Support in the Home Improvement, Renewables Sectors and for Tradespeople” is episode one of our six-part special mental health and well-being podcast series.

In this episode, we welcome Hannah Vickers, Chief of Staff at MACE Group and Faisal Hussain, Chief Executive of HIES Consumer Code and talk about how mental health and well-being impact productivity in the sector. 

Our special metal health series of podcasts is sponsored by the Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman (DGCOS): https://www.dgcos.org.uk/, HICS Consumer Protection: https://www.hicsscheme.org.uk/ and HIES Consumer Code: Renewable Energy Installation Protection Scheme: https://www.hiesscheme.org.uk/

Resources and useful links from the episode:

Visit the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) website: https://www.constructionleadershipcouncil.co.uk/

Visit the MACE Group website: https://www.macegroup.com/

Visit the Institute of Civil Engineers website: https://www.ice.org.uk/ 

Visit the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/

Equality, Diversity And Inclusion Within The RMI Sector, The Importance Of Skilled Workers In The Sector And Their Impact On Construction

Hello and welcome to Net Zero For Nothing, the podcast from the National Home Improvement Council connecting industry, government and householders on the pathway towards zero-carbon homes.

In this episode of Net Zero for Nothing we meet Mark Harrison from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

The CIOB are the Chartered Institute of Building, and we stand for the science, ethics and practice of built environments across the world. Everything we do is to improve the quality of life for those using and creating the built environment.

In the episode, Anna and Mark discuss the importance of those working in the RMI sector and their impact on construction as a whole.

They also discuss the crucial issues of equality, diversity and inclusion within the whole sector.

Visit the COIB website:

CIOB 5-year corporate plan: https://www.ciob.org/institute-governance/corporate-plan

Sign the charter link: https://www.ciob.org/specialreport/charter/diversityandinclusion

The podcast is kindly sponsored by NHIC Members:

Corgi Services Limited

Recticel

Envirovent

For more information on the NHIC and our members please visit the following:

https://nhic.org.uk/  and https://nhic.org.uk/nhic-members/ 

To follow us on social media please search for @TheNHIC