written by HDigital_Admin May 9, 2025
Demystifying AI for Social Housing (DASH) is a new initiative launched for sector leaders, intended to open the door to the practical use of the technology in social housing. Here, the organisation sets out its purpose
Social housing leaders across the UK are facing unprecedented pressure.
From rising regulatory scrutiny to tenant complaints and budget constraints, the need to do more with less has never been greater. Meanwhile, AI and digital technologies are evolving rapidly, offering powerful tools to improve services, streamline operations and deliver better outcomes for tenants.
But here lies the challenge: How can boards and executive teams make informed decisions about AI when it often feels cloaked in complexity or hype?
Enter DASH: Your no-nonsense AI guide
Demystifying AI for Social Housing (DASH) is a new initiative designed to support board members, CEOs and senior leaders as they navigate the risks and rewards of artificial intelligence. Whether your goal is to reduce complaints, stay compliant with regulations, or understand how AI can work for your organisation, DASH is here to help.
Led by a seasoned team of sector and technology experts, DASH offers practical, plain English resources tailored specifically for the housing sector. From explainers to case studies, these tools are designed to help housing leaders build confidence in AI, without the jargon.
Designed for leaders, built for housing
DASH isn’t just another tech initiative. It’s a trusted space created by and for housing professionals who understand the realities of the sector, as well as being a member of the Responsible AI Institute.
The founding team includes:
- Professor Alan Brown – AI thought leader and digital economy expert
- Liz Henderson – Data strategist and sector adviser
- Andrew Buckles – AI specialist working with housing providers
- Lee Reevell – Former innovation lead at Halton Housing and LLM implementation expert
- Tony Bryan – Social housing veteran with over 20 years in service transformation
- Peter Lunio – AI and social housing innovator
Why Now?
With new regulations like Awaab’s Law and the consumer regulation regime, boards are under pressure to demonstrate leadership on safety, service quality, and tenant engagement. AI can support these efforts – but only if applied carefully, ethically, and transparently.
Board members want assurance that AI tools are auditable, fair, and compliant. Executives are looking for practical ways to reduce complaints, modernise services and empower their teams. DASH speaks to both.
Real results, real stories
Together Housing, for example, developed an AI model to identify residents at risk of tenancy failure. The result? Over 80% accuracy, enabling earlier, more compassionate interventions and reducing crisis-led responses.
Lee Reevell, Gen AI expert and co-founder of the Healthy Homes Hub, explains: “AI can save social housing. The level of understanding around AI is still at a relatively low level, which is where DASH can help. Agents aren’t going to be taking jobs away, but will add to roles, giving housing professionals a superpower. They need time back and less burdensome admin, so they can focus on the person on the frontline.”
Tony Bryan adds: “Social landlords are data-rich, but they don’t always know how to triangulate that data. We are just scratching the surface with AI; the applications are endless. What the housing sector can do going forward is infinite. AI is a huge enabler. DASH is well placed to show the UK housing sector the art of the possible with AI and the massive difference it can make.”
What can you expect?
Joining the DASH community gives leaders access to:
- Over 59 free resources designed specifically for housing leaders
- A dedicated Case Study Bank showcasing AI in action across different housing contexts
- Practical guides and explainers tailored for board packs and executive briefings
- An AI Readiness Assessment to help evaluate your organisation’s current state and opportunities
- Regular updates on AI trends, risks, and opportunities in housing
- A peer network of leaders committed to doing AI responsibly
Most importantly, all resources are grounded in housing sector values like fairness, transparency and tenant-first thinking.
Professor Alan Brown notes: “The housing sector is a bellwether for ethical tech. Getting AI right here matters – not just for efficiency, but for people. One of the key responsibilities is fairness and equality, using technology to support everyone. That’s a key driver.”
Liz Henderson, Data Queen, adds: “Housing associations need to pick one or two problems and check if it works. Are there opportunities to use AI, and where’s the human interaction? There’s no reason why every housing association can’t do that today. AI is not a scary monster. We’re all on this AI journey together. DASH can encourage social landlords in their early steps.”
Andrew Buckles from Waterstons reflects: “As a sector, we need to come together regarding AI to solve some common problems and to get the best out of AI. What a great mission statement that is, as Lee said, ‘IT can save housing businesses and transform service delivery.’ We want to have conversations and open minds, showing what’s possible, as well as assist with the handrails. Collaboration is the way we’ll get to see the most out of AI.”
Peter Lunio offers a future-facing vision: “My vision is you give every resident and member of staff their social housing assistant which has PhD capabilities. This would be the same with executives and boards having their specific agent. There are huge upsides to AI which is changing every three weeks; the equivalent was every six months with digital. The speed of change is enormous; if you don’t get on the train you’ll be left behind!”
AI with accountability
DASH isn’t about pushing innovation for its own sake. It’s about giving housing leaders the tools they need to make better, safer, and more informed decisions.
Explore DASH
Visit dash-ai.co.uk to access resources, read the latest case studies, and join a growing community of housing leaders building a more confident, capable approach to AI.
It’s time to demystify AI. With DASH, you don’t have to do it alone.
To access the full article in Housing Digital, click here.
