The aim of the event was to introduce landlords to key contacts across the University and across the wider community, including Charnwood Borough Council and to discuss issues of mutual interest.

The event was opened by the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Robert Allison.  Other speakers included Kerry McPheeley, Accommodation Property Manager at Campus Living, who discussed how the University works alongside landlords, Wendy Dant, Team Leader at Student Advice and Support, who shared feedback from students regarding housing issues. Director of Planning, Miranda Routledge also updated the landlords in attendance about the key strategic direction of the University and the overall student experience and Rebecca Short and Clare Clark from Charnwood Borough Council gave an overview of current topical issues related to housing and planning legislation.

The forum was arranged following conversations with MP Nicky Morgan who also attended the event and took part in a short question and answer session.

To conclude, the event had one further question and answer session. Topics of interest included Council Tax, Right to Rent legislation and the potential introduction of a ‘Rate My Landlord’ style website.

Stakeholder Relations Manager at the University, Alison Barlow, said: “We were delighted with the attendance at the Landlords Forum, especially with it being the first of its kind in over five years. It’s extremely important for the University to maintain strong relationships with all key stakeholders across the community and landlords are a key group for us to engage with.

“We would like to thank Nicky Morgan and all of the speakers who took time out of their diaries to attend. Following the positive feedback we have received, there appears to be a good appetite for an ongoing programme so we are hopeful that this is something we can facilitate.”