The need to transform the country's most deprived areas does not disappear during a recession.

Delegates at the Sustainable Communities and Regeneration Masterclass which starts on 25-26 February will learn how to develop their negotiation and project management skills to get a better deal for residents despite the sluggish economy.

Regeneration leaders including Peter Housden, Permanent Secretary in Communities and Local Government, Paul Spooner, Regional Director of the Homes and Communities Agency and Jon Rouse, Chief Executive of the London Borough of Croydon, will share their vision for the sector and the need to 'keep the show on the road' during difficult economic times.


The Sustainable Communities and Regeneration Masterclass will run for the fourth time in 2009. Developed by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and the British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA) with support from the HCA Academy, the Masterclass is structured around three residential modules and attracts leading figures from the world of regeneration.

Jayne Crosse, Director of Strategy and Practice at the HCA Academy, said: "A recent poll we conducted amongst regeneration practitioners found that 100 per cent of professionals believe that leadership skills are essential for supporting businesses through the current economic downturn and to meet our future regeneration objectives. This course provides an ideal opportunity for delegates to hone their leadership skills to ensure that regeneration projects don't stall."

(CD/JM)