CDA’s CEO joins follow-up discussion on ‘Decent neighbourhood Standard’ framework
Daniel Mayes at the roundtable event
Daniel Mayes, CEO of the Church Development Agency, attended the 'Road to Decent Neighbourhoods' roundtable on Wednesday (18 June), hosted by the Centre for the New Midlands. The discussion was a follow-up to the "Decent Neighbourhood Standard (DNS)" launch led by Dr. Halima Sacranie, alongside Simeon Shtebunaev and Chris Smith. It initiated conversations for everyone involved in housing and community development.
Dan was among a group of senior leaders from the West Midlands and around the UK who contributed to discussions – led by the Centre for the New Midlands – on shaping a new Decent Neighbourhood Standard. The Centre for the New Midlands describes the DNS as an emerging framework aimed at supporting healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities.
Daniel said: “The Decent Neighbourhood Standard offers a powerful framework for us to deliver housing that promotes well-being and stability, embodying the spirit of ‘Coming Home’.
“The core questions at the roundtable were ‘How do we embed a DNS without oversimplifying complexity?’ ‘Who truly holds the power in delivering 'decent' neighbourhoods?’ and ‘how do we develop clear, actionable metrics for success?’
“What truly struck me at the roundtable were the recurring themes that align so profoundly with Church Housing's mission and the ethos of the Church of England's 'Coming Home' report. This isn't about a tick-box matrix; it's about resident-led design and operation, ensuring accountability from all parties, and creating a fair economy where deprived areas aren't left behind.”
The Church Housing partnership and the Church of England’s ‘Coming Home’ values aim to create safe, stable, sociable, satisfying, and sustainable communities, that are supported by the Church.
Dan said: “We must learn from the past, embracing shared governance and co-created regeneration.
“We were honoured to contribute to these discussions and eagerly anticipate the evolution of the Decent Neighbourhood Standard, ensuring our housing initiatives truly build "decent neighbourhoods" from the ground up.”