Circle was proud to attend and present at the Supporting Communities Tenant Conference, joining housing partners, tenants, and community leaders from across the sector.
The conference was a fantastic opportunity to share learning, celebrate progress, and showcase tenant involvement at the heart of housing practice. Across five sessions, Circle presented alongside partners from across Ireland and Northern Ireland, highlighting the power of collaboration in delivering better homes, stronger communities, and meaningful engagement.
Three Approaches to Tackling ASB – Circle, Clanmil & Apex
Aoife O Fearghail (Housing Performance Coordinator) and Gerry Fleming (Tenant Advisory Group & ASB Working Group member) presented on Circle’s collaborative approach to re-writing our Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Policy & Procedure.
This work focused on involving tenants with lived experience of ASB, learning directly from their insights to shape more effective and compassionate responses.
Both Clanmil and Apex shared similar approaches, reinforcing a shared belief that tenant involvement is essential in developing policies that reflect real community needs.
Quality in Our Diversity – Circle, Clúid & Respond
Marie Corr (Project Coordinator) and Adam Gannon (Customer Experience Manager) presented alongside partners Clúid and Respond, describing the journey of our jointly funded ‘Quality in Our Diversity’ initiative.
This project aims to enhance services and supports for tenants from migrant and minority ethnic backgrounds, ensuring that inclusion and equality remain at the centre of social housing practice.
Together, the three organisations are working to establish a Q Mark accreditation in integration and anti-racism best practice, a groundbreaking step for the sector.
Social Impact Measurement Framework – A Toolkit for the Sector
Aoife O Fearghail also presented on the Social Impact Measurement Framework, developed in partnership with Clúid, Respond, and Just Economics.
This toolkit enables housing associations to measure and demonstrate their social impact – showing how affordable housing contributes to wellbeing, stability, and stronger communities.
Designed for use across the wider Approved Housing Body (AHB) sector, the framework helps build a robust evidence base to inform future policy, investment, and practice.
Recognising Excellence: Tenant Engagement Awards
We were delighted that Circle received a Highly Commended Award in the Working in Partnership category at this year’s conference.
This recognition celebrates the development of our Tenant Communication and Engagement Strategy 2025–2027, a strategy co-designed by tenants, for tenants.
Read the strategy here: Tenant Communication and Engagement Strategy 2025–2027
We were also proud to see Ken Cullen, our Tenant Engagement Coordinator, recognised for his innovative approach to tenant engagement. Since joining Circle in 2024, Ken’s “boots on the ground” approach has strengthened relationships, encouraged participation, and ensured that every tenant voice is heard.
Tenants Get the Last Word! Personal Stories and Group Discussion
The conference closed with tenants taking the stage to share their stories and Circle tenant Lorraine Gorman was among those invited to speak.
Lorraine reflected on her journey with Circle, from speaking at last year’s conference to taking an active role in several key initiatives, including the Tenant Advisory Group, Tenant First Link Committee, and the Tenant Communication and Engagement Strategy.
Her story highlighted the impact of genuine tenant participation proving that when tenants are empowered to contribute, their lived experiences create better outcomes for everyone.
Reflecting on a Shared Journey
The Supporting Communities Tenant Conference showcased what can be achieved when housing providers and tenants work together with respect, openness, and shared purpose.
At Circle, we’re proud to collaborate with partners like Clúid, Respond, Clanmil and Apex and most importantly, with our tenants, to shape housing that reflects the voices and experiences of the people who live in our homes.
Together, we’re continuing to build stronger, safer, and more inclusive communities across Ireland.
