Sam Dalton, Policy, Campaigns and External Affairs Manager, and Martin Burrows, Impact and Evaluation Manager at Emmaus, share their vision for the Supported Housing Act and the progress made so far.
What is the Supported Housing Act?
The new Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023, soon to be implemented by the Government, is set to bring major changes for both supported housing providers and residents across the country. The legislation will introduce national standards and licensing systems for supported housing – covering individuals who have experienced homelessness, older people, those with long-term physical or mental health conditions, and others requiring support.
At Emmaus, we provide not just supported housing but also on-site work opportunities and social support to individuals who have experienced homelessness. In the past year alone, more than 1,300 people have found stability and community within Emmaus. Now, we are committed to ensuring the new Act reflects the lived experiences of those directly impacted and acknowledges the realities faced by small supported housing providers.
Thanks to funding from Lloyds Bank Foundation, our influencing project is gathering insights from both residents and providers, helping to shape this significant piece of government legislation.
The Power of Lived Experience
Emma, an Emmaus resident leading our research efforts, highlights why this work is essential:
“It’s important for Emmaus UK to use the voices of people with lived experience in shaping the Supported Housing Act. Those who have directly faced homelessness or housing insecurity have valuable insights into the challenges and needs that policies must address. Their experiences bring authenticity and real-world understanding, helping to create solutions that are practical, effective, and truly supportive.”
It’s equally crucial that the Government hears from small, high-quality supported housing providers. Striking the right balance between clamping down on rogue landlords and safeguarding good-quality providers is vital. Emmaus resident David, also involved in the research, is passionate about this aspect:
“I got involved with the project so that in the future, people won’t have to deal with rogue landlords who put profit above people’s health and wellbeing.”
Turning Insights into Action
Our research findings will directly feed into government consultations and be published in an independent report. Ultimately, our goal is to influence both the national implementation of the Act – shaping the standards and licensing regimes – and the local supported housing strategies that each authority must develop. Additionally, we aim to inform and inspire best practices among other supported housing providers.
A Peer-Led Research Approach
Our research is unique in that it’s peer-led. Emmaus ‘companions’ (our term for residents) are being trained in research methods and actively engaging with fellow residents across different supported housing settings. Through surveys, interviews, and focus groups, they are gathering honest, first-hand perspectives.
By placing lived experience at the heart of the project, we hope to foster greater trust, encourage open conversations, and ultimately, generate stronger, more impactful findings. An Advisory Group – comprising staff and companions from various Emmaus communities – guides our work, ensuring it remains true to the needs of those it seeks to support.
Beyond gathering insights, we are also ensuring lived experience is central in communicating our research. Whether contributing to our final report, leading podcast episodes or blogs, or speaking at key events, those with lived experience will play an active role in shaping and sharing our message.
Contributing to Government Consultation
In February, after delays caused by the General Election, the Government announced its plans to proceed with implementing the Act. A first public consultation has been launched, outlining initial proposals for national standards, licensing arrangements, and more.
Emmaus is taking an active role in shaping this consultation, running a series of focus groups and surveys specifically designed to address key government questions. Already, we have made significant progress – conducting six focus groups with residents and six meetings with local Emmaus staff across the country. These discussions have provided invaluable insights into both the opportunities and concerns surrounding the Act.
Building Strong Partnerships
Our advocacy work extends beyond Emmaus. We have developed strong collaborations with leading organizations, including Crisis, Homeless Link, and Rethink Mental Illness, ensuring a collective effort to influence supported housing policy. Regular dialogue with government officials at the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government has also been instrumental in shaping our research approach.
Moreover, we’ve engaged key parliamentary figures, such as the Co-Chairs of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ending Homelessness – Paula Barker MP and Bob Blackman MP, the original author of the Supported Housing Act. These relationships have allowed us to push for swift implementation of the Act and now focus on ensuring it is implemented effectively.
What’s Next?
In the coming months, our Companion Researchers will be visiting different locations to gather more evidence from those with lived experience of supported housing. These findings – combined with insights from other providers and experts – will directly shape our response to the government consultation and inform the publication of our report later this year.
This is a critical moment for supported housing and the people who rely on it. By ensuring that those with lived experience have a seat at the table, we are committed to making a lasting impact – one that creates real, meaningful change for the future of supported housing.
Emmaus will continue to amplify these voices, challenge policies that don’t serve residents, and champion solutions that put people first. Together, we can help build a system that truly supports those who need it most.