Building and Social Housing Foundation

The Building and Social Housing Foundation (BSHF) is an independent research organisation that identifies innovative housing policy and practice, promotes these ideas and examples and supports the exchange and transfer of good practice. It was established in 1976 and is based in Coalville in Leicestershire in the United Kingdom, but works both in the UK and internationally and in collaboration with a wide range of organisations. In 2006 BSHF was granted Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations[1].

The BSHF vision is that everyone should have access to decent housing. This is defined as housing which:

To deliver its vision, BSHF's work focuses on three related areas of activity:

{{World Habitat Awards}}

One of the principal ways in which BSHF identifies innovative housing is through the World Habitat Awards, which were established by the organisation in 1985 as part of its contribution to the United Nations International Year of Shelter for the Homeless. Two awards are given annually to projects that provide practical and innovative solutions to current housing challenges throughout the world.

Entries are assessed by a panel of international judges. A cash award of £10,000 and a trophy are presented to each of the winners of the Award, usually at the annual UN-HABITAT global celebration of World Habitat Day.

Further details on the World Habitat Awards as well as a searchable database of innovative housing solutions can be found at www.worldhabitatawards.org

As an independent housing research organisation, BSHF carries out a range of research activities. Most of the research is carried out in-house or in collaboration with other organisations and some is externally commissioned or sponsored.

As part of BSHF’s work to promote innovation in UK housing policy and practice, BSHF holds a three-day consultation event each year at St George’s House in Windsor Castle, which brings together leading experts and practitioners to discuss a theme of current UK housing concern and produce recommendations for action. Recent themes include:

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