"Play a leading and influential role nationally within the rural housing sector"
English Rural continued to leverage its influential position this year, amplifying our voice and maintaining a central role in advocating for affordable rural housing at both local and national levels. Through targeted research, active engagement with policy makers, and strategic convening of key sector partners, we have reinforced our reputation as a trusted, authoritative voice within the rural housing sector.
Our advocacy efforts have notably increased parliamentary engagement, ensuring rural housing remains visible and relevant amidst wider policy debates. Throughout the year, we proactively briefed parliamentarians, participated in influential sector events, and ensured that rural interests were consistently represented in critical housing policy discussions. This activity proved particularly impactful around the General Election, during which we collaborated with like-minded organisations to advocate for policy improvements benefiting rural communities.
A refreshed Communications Strategy has enhanced our capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging policy developments. This rapid-response approach has strengthened our visibility, ensuring that English Rural’s insights and priorities are clearly heard whenever rural issues are under consideration.
Our research programme continued to thrive, delivering credible, evidence-based outputs. This year’s activity built upon previous successes, notably our landmark research into rural homelessness, and expanded into new areas such as rural devolution. These initiatives have reinforced English Rural’s role as a respected thought leader, widely recognised as a go-to source for policymakers, academia, and rural stakeholders.
Further bolstering our national influence, we maintained strong engagement from our Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, who supported several events highlighting the crucial role of small-scale affordable rural housing schemes in supporting sustainable communities.
Our national advocacy remains crucial in ensuring rural communities are never overlooked. Through robust research, proactive policy engagement, and strategic partnerships, we continue to highlight the unique challenges and opportunities in rural housing. By bringing rural voices to the heart of national debates, we’re successfully influencing policy to secure meaningful investment and deliver lasting solutions for our residents.
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Increased parliamentary engagement, significantly raising the profile of rural housing issues at the highest levels of government.
Expanded our research programme with influential outputs, providing credible evidence to inform and shape rural housing policy discussions.
Successful implementation of our refreshed Communications Strategy, enhancing our responsiveness and increasing our visibility across key media and sector channels.
Facilitated high-profile events and activities with sector partners, further establishing English Rural as a trusted convenor and advocate within the rural housing community.
Continued engagement and support from our Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, showcasing the valuable impact of rural affordable housing.
Launch of the Design Guide
>> Given our modest organisational scale, our advocacy impact is maximised by strategically convening like-minded partners to amplify our collective voice. Collaborative relationships remain essential to effectively influencing national policy and debate.>> Despite positive strides, rural housing needs continue to be overlooked in broader government policy considerations. Sustained, targeted advocacy remains critical to maintaining visibility and ensuring rural communities receive adequate support and investment.
>> Swift and proactive communication responses are crucial to sustaining our influence. Continuously refining our communications strategy will ensure our messages remain timely, relevant, and effective.
