The ultimate aim of this research is to strengthen the case for increased delivery of high-quality social housing to enable more families to move out of unsuitable temporary accommodation.

By listening to the stories and reflections of families that have experienced the move from temporary accommodation into settled homes in the last five years (since Jan 2018), we hope to understand what changes families experience, and which changes are most important or beneficial.

The aim of this study is to paint as broad and as realistic a picture as possible of all the impacts (good and bad), to help us better understand what, where and how value is created by the delivery of new social homes.

This research study will combine survey responses, individual experiences, testimonies and reflections (primary data), as well as reported numerical and financial data, to produce a broad picture of all the changes and benefits associated with new social housing.

BoKlok UK | Commissioned the research

BoKlok UK is a partnership between homeware brand IKEA and engineering consultancy Skanska. BoKlok UK has built almost 13,000 homes across Sweden, Norway, and Finland. They were established in the UK in 2019, building their first home in South Bristol. They place sustainability at the core of all their developments and their vision is to deliver homes giving everyone the same opportunity to live well.

Bristol Housing Festival | Conducting the research

The Bristol Housing Festival is think- and do-tank hosting an ongoing conversation to incubate and pilot new housing ideas and technologies, champion best practice and showcase better homes and city community living across Bristol.

Akerlof | Conducting the research

Akerlof helps organisations in the built environment to deliver betters. As a verified BCorp, they care about the built environment and how it shapes society. From guiding clients to define their purpose and values, to embedding environmental and social outcomes with good governance, their people bring energy and clarity to drive organisations and projects forward. To deliver betters, not just goods.

Either complete our online impact survey, and/or If you agree to take part in the 1-to-1 interviews, you (or you and a partner as representatives of your family/household) will be invited to chat for 15-30minutes, with one of the research team about your own/your family’s experience.

Specifically, we would like to hear about what has changed for you, and the difference these changes have made to you and your family. This conversation could be via phone or video call, at a time agreed in advance as being mutually convenient.

Alternatively, this conversation could be face-to-face (by arrangement), where you (or you and a partner as representatives of your family/household), would prefer to meet in a convenient and accessible public space (e.g. a café local to you).

Whether this chat is online or in person, you are welcome to invite another adult to join the conversation, perhaps someone who has had a similar experience with their own accommodation, or a friend (or support worker) who is familiar with your housing situation and who you’d feel comfortable talking about your family’s experiences with.

The researchers are all experienced in the subject matter and are sensitive to issues it may raised.

No. It is entirely up to you to decide whether or not you want to be involved. If you do decide to take part, you are also able to withdraw from the research without giving a reason and without any penalty.

If you do decide you want to withdraw from the study, all you’d need to do is email Ellen Grist, Research and Evaluation Lead for the Bristol Housing Festival.

ellen.grist@bristolhousingfestival.co.uk

Being able to quantify the wider social value of moving families out of temporary accommodation and into stable housing is hugely beneficial in strengthening the investment case for the supply of high-quality social homes at pace. Currently, there is little or no published analysis capturing the greatest areas of beneficial impact to families, and the holistic social and economic benefits. By taking part, you’d be helping us fill this knowledge gap.

This socio-economic investment case will in turn help unlock the delivery of new houses, helping further families benefit from stable homes.

In recognition of your time and to thank you for taking part, we would offer all those chatting to us about their experiences and answering questions this raises for us, a £20 IKEA store voucher (donated by IKEA Bristol).

Those who complete our survey will be in with a chance of winning £100 of IKEA store vouchers and a hamper, kindly donated by IKEA Bristol.

We do not foresee or anticipate any significant risk to you in taking part in this study. If, however, you feel uncomfortable at any time you can ask for any conversation to stop. If you need any support during or after the interview sessions, then the researchers will be able to put you in touch with suitable support agencies. The research team are experienced in research interviews and are sensitive to the subject area.

This research will be completed in Q4 of 2022 and published in late 2022 or early 2023.

A Report will be written containing our research findings. This Report will be for BoKlok UK who have commissioned the study. BoKlok’s intention is to make the report publicly available to support learning and industry best-practice, for the benefit of wider society.

This report may include direct quotes, but they will be anonymous.