Two-day housing course for student officers

For the first time, Unipol and the National, Union of Students have combined to provide a dedicated two day training seminar for students' union elected officers and staff. The seminar will allow for information, discussion and group work, in an interactive setting with all aspects of student housing centre-stage.

The two days will cover the themes of policy and practice including:

* an overview of trends and changes within student accommodation;

* the legislative framework, both in terms of the recent Housing Act 2004 (England and Wales) but also tenancy law;

* role of accreditation (including both local and national codes);

* forthcoming tenancy deposit protection legislation;

* inter tenant friction within student accommodation and how to help;

and will identify the key issues for information, advocacy and campaigning in housing over the forthcoming year.

The seminar also includes an opportunity for delegates to visit properties and use their skills in risk assessment and advocacy.

The seminar is being run at a low cost, designed to cover expenses only and will include two nights accommodation (in Unipol's Carlton Hill complex opposite from the training venue), breakfasts, lunches and refreshments. The cost of the 2 day course is £85.00 (including two nights accommodation in Leeds, breakfasts and lunches). The seminar also makes time available for networking in the evening before the seminar and on the evening of the first night.

The event will bring together those who are specifically interested in housing as an issue, to meet others with the same interest and will form the basis of a Student Housing Active Network for 2006-2007 who will be provided with speciality information on housing and who may wish to become involved in wider housing initiatives being undertaken in the next year.

Because of the nature of the event, involving discussion and active participation, numbers are limited to 30 delegates.

The agenda for the day is detailed below. Bookings for this event (and further information on all Unipol's training events) can be made via Unipol website