The D Group, in partnership with Tetra Tech, is delighted to be hosting a panel discussion and networking reception at the Tetra Tech Pavillion at UKREiiF.

Date: Tuesday 19 May

Timings: Panel 3.30 pm – 4.45 pm, followed by reception and interactive discussion stimulated by research undertaken by Hoare Lea, a Tetra Tech company. Event to finish at 6.30 pm.

Location: The Tetra Tech Pavillion, UKREiiF

It is widely recognised that the quality of housing to support serving military personnel and their families is critical to both retention and motivation. However, it is also known that this accommodation is sub-standard, and a variety of initiatives have already been announced to address this issue.  These include: a £9.2bn investment announced in Jan 2026 to improve over 40,000 family homes; the establishment of a new dedicated ’Defence Housing Service’ to improve management services and  around 37,000 previously leased properties being brought back under full MOD control.

This panel and discussion will explore:

• The lived experience and why it matters

• The current experience and why it needs overhaul

• Transformation and timeline – what will be happening and when

Our panel will include:

Lord Forbes of Newcastle CBE, Non-Executive Director at MHCLG and former leader of Newcastle City Council

Claire Benham, Commercial Director, Defence Infrastructure Organisation

Alex Notay, CEO, the Housing Forum and independent member of the DIO Defence Housing Strategy Review team

Gerraint Oakley, Chief Growth and Development Officer at Platform Housing, Chair of Community Housing Cymru and RAF veteran

Cat Calder, Housing Specialist from the Army Families Federation, member of Defence Housing strategy review team

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