Title

Date

Start Time

Duration

Preventing debt and homelessness this winter: impact case studies from leading organisations Record levels of temporary accommodation, rising arrears and deepening financial vulnerability are driving more people towards homelessness this winter. Many are already in debt or at risk of falling into it, yet millions of people across the UK are not receiving the support they are entitled to.

Frontline services are under immense pressure. Local authorities are working with shrinking budgets, while financial organisations are managing increased risk and exploring ways to support vulnerable customers more effectively.

The webinar will focus on how councils, third-party organisations and financial institutions such as Nationwide are using data and proactive support to prevent households from reaching crisis point.

Speakers will include:
- Glyn Ashman from the London Borough of Hackney who will discuss the council’s campaign to support residents in temporary housing who are in arrears
- Ian Cheatle from Nationwide, who is the first financial services provider to launch a free telephone benefits calculator service, helping people understand and claim the support they are entitled to while tackling digital exclusion

By acting earlier, organisations can reduce harm and deliver better outcomes for customers, residents and communities.

Join us to hear:
• How organisations are using data to identify households at risk of debt or homelessness before crisis hits
• How proactive support can help people access the financial support they’re entitled to and improve resilience
• Examples of prevention campaigns and pilots demonstrating measurable impact for both residents and customers

26/11/2025

10:30am GMT

1.3 hours

Review of 2025 in policy and practice: From data to impact As 2025 draws to a close, join us as we review the policy developments, sector wide challenges and practical successes that have shaped the past year.

From rising arrears and shrinking local budgets to major reforms to disability benefits and the continued impact of the cost of living crisis, 2025 has brought fresh pressure on low income households and the organisations that support them.

At the same time, many councils, housing providers, utilities and charities have stepped up with data-led approaches to drive targeted support, often against the odds.

We’ll revisit the key policy changes that defined the year and share insights from our work with partners across sectors.

We’ll also highlight findings from our landmark analysis of Council Tax Reduction schemes, which revealed worrying trends but also pointed the way toward more effective, fairer support for households struggling with arrears.

Through case studies, data and real world examples, we’ll celebrate the tangible impact our clients have had in their communities and look ahead to what 2026 may bring.

Join us to:

- Explore the key policy developments and sector challenges that shaped 2025
- Hear highlights from our work on Council Tax Reduction, unclaimed support and safeguarding
- Hear inspiring case studies from organisations that used data to drive impact in 2025, and what they see in store for 2026

10/12/2025

10:30am GMT

1.3 hours

Overcoming the data disconnect in safeguarding Too often, vulnerable people are only identified when it is already too late. Safeguarding professionals are forced to make decisions with only part of the picture, as crucial information is spread across disconnected services and systems. This makes it harder to spot risks, see patterns or act early, leading to delayed or inappropriate support.

In this webinar, we’ll explore how councils and safeguarding partners are tackling this challenge by improving the way data is shared and used. You’ll hear about practical approaches to using daily, structured data feeds to inform decisions, identify concerns earlier and support coordinated prevention work across teams.

We’ll also look at real life examples of how better access to safeguarding data is already helping professionals to take timely, more targeted action, and how they are beginning to evidence impact.

28/1/2026

10:30am GMT

1.3 hours

Fear Free uses the Better Off Calculator to help those facing financial abuse regain financial independence

Although my team is small, we are impressed by Policy in Practice’s tools. Features like direct claim links and helpful pop ups save time, empower clients, and make navigating benefits straightforward. Embedding the programme in our website allows clients to explore their finances independently, a key step in their recovery journey.

An ongoing housing crisis and insecure economic climate is tough to navigate for many, but even more so for people facing financial abuse. Often burdened with an abusive partner’s debt, arrears, and controlled finances, it makes it harder to leave an abusive relationship.

Fear Free, a charity working to break the cycle of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking across the Southwest, uses the Better Off Calculator to help people reclaim control of their finances. The tool shows them what financial support they’re eligible for and helps them budget effectively. By maximising income and having control of their finances, Fear Free helps those using their services to build a path toward independence and stability.

What challenge(s) have you faced this past year?

As an organisation we have recently secured lottery funding to support the clients we engage with to access help to explore education, training and employment.

We recognise the impact of trauma within the clients we support, and we want to bring this specialist knowledge to this sector.

Many of our clients experience financial abuse alongside other forms of domestic abuse, and this has a lasting legacy, with debt, arrears, loans and credit cards in their names, not used to having access to their own finances to name but a few.

The housing crisis, and lack of affordable housing is amplified within our sector, along with financial challenges within this current economic climate.

What led you to choose Policy in Practice’s product to address your challenges?

Historically I have used the Policy in Practice Better Off Calculator and recognised the additional support available around budgeting and signposting advice will really enhance the support we are providing.

What success have you had, or expect to have, as a result of using your Policy in Practice product?

Although we are relatively new to Policy in Practice, and the team is getting used to the programme, we have already identified one client who was entitled to Council Tax support and has since put in an application.

We are using it extensively to forecast support with childcare costs and showing clients the support they can get if and when they go back to work.

We are using it to forecast help with housing costs, for those individuals who are leaving harmful relationships and moving on.

We have used it to show the financial benefits of work and the ongoing support still available from Universal Credit.

We are now building up a healthy portfolio of clients who we have supported into work.

Want to know more about what Fear Free did?

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