What Next?  2025
The ARCO Annual Conference  

Thank you for joining the UK's pivotal conference of the Housing-with-Care sector
Thank you to all that attended the What Next? 2025 Annual Conference.

We were thrilled to welcome over 420 experts representing over 150 leading organisations from across the Housing-with-Care sector to our 9th ARCO Annual Conference and Knowledge Exchange Day, and bring together once again relevant, insightful and varied voices to this 2-day event.

Under the title 'Leading Change: The time is now', this year's conference focused on the key components the sector will need to embrace as we navigate a changing economic, sociodemographic and political landscape.

On Wednesday 2 July, we were delighted to welcome and hear from Matt Turmaine, MP for Watford and Chair of the MP for Watford and Chair of the new ARCO IRC Parliamentary Supporters group, as well as 22 speakers that shared their knowledge and expertise. You can find the full day 1 programme below.

The Knowledge Exchange Day, on Thurday 3 July, offered the opportunity to delegates to attend and participate in a variety of workshops delivered by 17 speakers, that addressed relevant and current issues. You can find the full day 2 programme below.

We want to thank everyone that has supported and taken part on this event.

If you missed this year's conference, you can now join our mailing list and receive communications when tickets go on sale for the 2026 ARCO Conference. Please email us at [email protected]
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“An incredibly important and inciteful date in the IRC calendar. One of the MUST attends .”
What Next? 2025 Delegate
What Next? 2025
Keynote Speaker

This year's Keynote Speaker, Tara Donnelly, Founder of Digital Care,  is an authority on tech enabled home health care models, and their potential to transform care globally, having worked as Chief Digital Officer for the NHS, introducing this model of care as part of the pandemic response. She now runs Digital Care, a boutique advisory firm that supports health systems and digital health innovators scale digital care, with a particular emphasis on digital home care.

Tara has worked in senior leadership roles in healthcare for over 30 years, with a career that has spanned a range of operational roles in hospitals across London including Director of Operations at the Whittington, Managing Director roles at University College London Hospitals and Chief Executive of the West Middlesex University Hospital. Her second Chief Executive position was leading the Health Innovation Network, the academic health science network for south London. Most recently she was the Chief Digital Officer for NHS England. She is Trustee and Senior Independent Director of leading think tank, the Nuffield Trust, President of the Health CEOs' Club and spent ten years on the Board of Macmillan Cancer Support.
As well as working with leading clients in health systems and innovative companies, Tara frequently speaks and writes about digital home care in the UK and internationally and articles are collated on her website www.digital.care

Tara Donelly spoke on Day 1 of the conference, Wednesday 2 July and reflected on how virtual wards can support proactive and personalised health care that anticipates issues early and ensures more people receive more care in IRCs.
“A brilliant day of insight, learning, and celebrating IRCs. Very thought-provoking and great to hear from other operators.”
What Next? 2025 Delegate
What Next? 2025 ARCO Conference 
Full Programme Day 1

You can view this year’s Day 1 and Day 2 programmes under the title of 'Leading Change: The time is now'

A huge thank you to all our speakers not only for their time, dedication, and the expertise they shared throughout the event, but also for their ongoing support of ARCO and the Housing-with-Care sector.

Welcome
ARCO's Chief Executive will provide a welcome and introduction to the conference and the programme
The policy agenda: building momentum for Integrated Retirement Communities
Planning reform, an ambitious housing target and a commission on social care – the first 12 months of a Labour government have been busy. ARCO have been working hard to engage and educate new MPs on the benefits IRCs bring to society. This update will give an overview of our policy engagement and hear directly from Matt Turmaine, MP for Watford and Chair of the new ARCO Parliamentary Supporters group on why IRCs must be part of the social care and housing solution.
Unlocking Consumer Trust: CTSI Approval for the ARCO Consumer Code
This year, ARCO has secured a sector first - Chartered Trading Standards Institute approval for the ARCO Consumer Code, formally recognising its role in upholding customer service and consumer rights protection.  We will consider how this approval can help operators further build trust with consumers, and provide peace of mind for those looking to move into an ARCO member IRC.  
Navigating the Macro Environment: Pressures, Challenges, and Opportunities in housing, health and social care

The landscape of social care and housing is shifting rapidly. With reform of social care delayed until at least 2028, what’s the state of play in the world of care and support?

We’ll also broaden our perspective to explore trends and challenges in other property sectors and the wider housing market - will we see a sustained recovery in the housing market, and how is the wider property sector grappling with challenges of high build costs and economic uncertainty?  
Operator Spotlight 1: Rangeford Villages - driving positive presale performance

Amidst the challenges in the economy and the housing market, there are operators making remarkable strides—selling well, delivering outstanding services, and creating thriving communities for older people. This session will spotlight success stories from across the industry, featuring insights from four leading operators who are driving positive change. From innovative service models to strong sales performance, discover what’s working, what’s resonating with customers, and how these success stories can inspire the broader sector.
There’s No Place Like Home - The rise of virtual wards in the NHS
This session will cover the rise of tech-enabled home care on the NHS, often known as hospital-at-home or virtual wards. It will consider how there is an opportunity to change the way we think about hospitalisation thanks to new models of care coupled with digital tools, and that this is a global phenomenon. It will also look at what might be next and how these models can support proactive, personalised health care that anticipates issues early and ensures more people receive more care in the place that they call home – including in an IRC of course.  
IRCs with a German twist – the SCHÖNES LEBEN full-service rental model
SCHÖNES LEBEN are at the forefront of developing innovative senior living schemes for rent in Germany. Under Kip Sloane’s leadership, the company has focused on creating high-quality, service-oriented living environments tailored to the evolving needs of the ageing population, including providing comprehensive care options. The SCHÖNES LEBEN rental model has also attracted significant investment and is setting new standards in the European senior living sector. Kip will share the journey they have taken with the rental model, their successes and how customers in Germany are responding to this housing and care product.
Operator Spotlight 2: St Monica Trust - IRCs at the heart of placemaking
WiRL (Women in retirement living): Growth, successes, and the challenges ahead
Since its launch in 2023, WiRL (Women in Retirement Living) has grown from a small network of passionate professionals into a thriving community advocating for change in the UK retirement living sector. Rapidly expanding its network and attracting professionals from across the IRC and wider later living sector, WiRL has made significant strides – as we reflect on its early successes, we’ll also hear about the ongoing challenges within the industry that WiRL was created to address, as well as the plans moving forward.
Evolving the IRC model: Aligning business models with customer preferences
  • Between rental and ownership – care apartments at Middleton Hall 
  • The Extracare Charitable Trust’s buyback model
  • Operationalising tenure models for the IRC sector 
  • What do potential customers think?  
  • Q&A with speakers 

The IRC sector continues to evolve, and we will hear from operators looking at new customer propositions to make sure they continue to meet their customers’ changing needs. We’ll also share exclusive insights from research conducted with people aged 70+, as well as looking into operators’ innovations within existing leasehold structures and the potential to grow investment into the IRC sector in the UK.

In addition, we will present ARCO’s work on Project Oracle, exploring an innovative form of occupation that has transformed senior living and housing markets abroad – the move to contract-based models for IRCs. In this session, we’ll unpack how it could work, why it succeeds in other countries, and what it could mean for the UK’s housing and care landscape.
Operator Spotlight 3: Richmond Villages - driving positive resale performances
Operator Spotlight 4: Mayfield's mid-market focus
A story for today’s generation: Putting Integrated Retirement Communities on the map
Operators of Integrated Retirement Communities have long battled with low awareness of the model among the public. What is the sector doing to lift awareness and improve public understanding of the wellbeing, independence and joy that IRCs provide for the older generation?
The Wrap up 2025
The ARCO Annual Drinks Reception 
The Drinks Reception is an exclusive event to all delegates that attended on Wednesday 2 July.

This year's ARCO Annual Drinks Reception was kindly supported by Tetlow King, ARCO Affiliate.
“As always, some excellent speakers, an opportunity to network, meet old colleagues and be brought up to date on industry wide issues and developments.”
What Next? 2025 Delegate
What Next? 2025 Workshops
The Knowledge Exchange Day 
The Knowledge Exchange Day offered delegates the chance to explore in-depth topics through various interactive workshops delivered by leading sector experts.

Delegates had the option to attend up to four different workshops of their choice on the day as well as networking with peers over lunch and closing drinks reception. 

You can find below this year's sessions.
Understanding the Customer: What They Value, What Drives Their Decisions, and How to Attract and Convert the Right People
To fill communities quickly and with the right people, we must deeply understand our customers: where they’re at emotionally, what they value, and how they make decisions. In this practical workshop, we’ll explore how to align marketing, sales, and community engagement strategies with the real needs of prospective residents. From safety, security, and financial predictability to brand trust and local relevance, we’ll uncover the emotional drivers behind customer choices. Using real-life examples, including insights from residents like Jim at Hughenden—we’ll show how to create messaging, experiences and events that resonate. We’ll also cover the importance of hyper-local outreach, co-creation with residents, and building vibrant, connected communities. You’ll leave with actionable strategies to attract, engage, and convert the right prospects by meeting them exactly where they are - both geographically and emotionally.
Navigating the Planning Landscape for IRCs: Pathways to Success
Despite the ongoing challenges within the UK planning system, progress in our sector is being made — and planning consents for Integrated Retirement Communities (IRCs) are being granted. This interactive workshop will explore what’s working in the current planning environment and how leading operators are successfully navigating the system.

Join Iain Warner of Tetlow King Planning and James Lloyd, Director of Policy & Communications at ARCO, for a deep dive into recent case studies, examining the strategic approaches, evidence bases, and engagement techniques that have led to positive planning outcomes. The session will also highlight how the recommendations of the Housing for Older People Taskforce report are beginning to influence policy and decision-making at the local level, creating a more supportive environment for IRC development.

 Whether you're an operator, planner, investor, or policy professional, this session will offer practical insights, policy updates and encourage open discussion to help inform the approach to bringing forward high-quality housing for older people in the UK.
Designing Connectivity for Tomorrow’s Digital Residents
Today’s digital natives will soon be tomorrow’s residents. And their expectations for internet connectivity will shift the standard for later living communities.
In this interactive session, Wifinity’s sector experts, Luke Wilbraham and Stephanie Smith, lay out how what we mean by ‘digital inclusion’ is set to change with this new generation — and why providers will rethink their strategies. You’ll hear resident persona data and insights and understand the internet performance and availability they need shaped by a lifetime online.
The session also tackles the commercial models to transform connectivity from a cost centre to a monetisable asset at both new and retrofit developments. Guaranteed to be an entertaining, high-energy session.
Trust Through Transparency: The Power of High Standards
The ARCO Consumer Code has recently received approval from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute’s Approved Code Scheme. Hear about how membership of an Approved Code can enhance consumer trust in Integrated Retirement Communities and learn how ARCO Members have built consumer confidence in their brands through high standards for transparency and consumer protection.
The Evolving Landscape of IRC Living: ROC, Rental and Beyond
To drive growth in the IRC sector, consumer contracts must align with older people’s needs, opening new markets and enhancing investment appeal. Join ARCO and Trowers and Hamlins LLP to discuss how new rental and contract-based (ROC) offers could be transformative for Integrated Retirement Communities.
Resilient Design for Health & Wellbeing
This workshop examines design principles that prioritise health, wellbeing, and sustainability in Integrated Retirement Communities. With a focus on human-centered spaces, we will explore how architecture and landscape can enhance residents' quality of life while addressing climate challenges. Through project examples, implementation of practical strategies and interactive discussions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of sustainable and wellness-driven design solutions which are cost effective to deliver.
Global Perspectives: Innovations, Insights, and Ideas for an Ageing World
As populations around the world increase in age, the demand for innovative and sustainable later living and care solutions is rapidly intensifying. This interactive workshop explores how different countries are approaching the challenges and opportunities of ageing – touching on care insurance models in Germany, active ageing in Singapore, renegotiating long term care settlements in Australia and community-based models in Indonesia.

Through case studies and group discussion, we’ll examine what the UK is doing well in the realm of senior living and care, and where we can learn from global practices. Attendees will gain:
  • An overview of later living models and care systems outside the UK
  • Insight into what makes these models effective and adaptable
  • Critical reflections on the UK’s strengths and areas for growth
  • Collaborative ideas for designing inclusive, future-ready solutions
The next generation of IRCs : Delivering Better Project Outcomes whilst optimising construction cost
Now more than ever IRC operators expanding their portfolios require predictable, sustainable and affordable construction.  To provide investors confidence that developments can be delivered on time and at a price point that sells we must challenge the way we approach construction, as Einstein once said “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”  This workshop will explore how we build considering Design Metrics, Structural Solutions, MEP Strategies as well as Onsite Digital Processes and Offsite Construction, what we build looking at Accommodation,  Amenities, Landscaping  and Facilities and who we build with reviewing  Procurement Routes, Contracting Partners and Consultant Teams, all with an eye on delivering Better Project Outcomes whilst optimising construction cost.
“A very meanigful, informative and thought-provoking event set in a fantastic venue. State-of the Art A/V and excellent catering service made this a most pleasant and useful event.”
What Next? 2025 Delegate
 Join the mailing list
If you want to receive information about the next ARCO What Next? Conference, please contact [email protected] and request to be added to the mailing list
“As ever ARCO's latest What Next conference brought together various leading organisations in the sector to share ideas and thoughts on how we can continue to evolve and innovate to deliver enhanced experiences for residents of schemes.”
What Next? 2025 Delegate
 Thank you to our 
What Next? 2025 
Sponsors, Exhibitors & Workshop Providers
We want to thank this year's Sponsors for their support of this event and their ongoing contribution and commitment to the Integrated Retirement Community sector
.
“Thanks for the great conference you delivered over the last two days. The sessions were engaging and the networking opportunities invaluable.”

What Next? 2025  Delegate
 Sponsor & Exhibitor
 Opportunities 

Interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at the Integrated Retirement Community sector’s key conference? Contact the events team to register your interest, discuss opportunities and packages for What Next? 2026

“For the 3rd year in a row we have supported the conference through being a partner. It highlights not only our commitment in the sector but also our continued support for the great work that ARCO does to promote the benefits of the sector. It remains one of the key conferences of the year in the specialist housing sector.”

What Next? 2025 Conference Sponsor
See who attended
the What Next? 2025 Conference
“As an ARCO affiliate partner, my aim of attending this conference was to learn more about the sector. I definitely achieved this goal as the speakers and variety were excellent. It was clear to me that this is a collaborative sector with some great positivity which was infectious. I look forward to attending future events.”

What Next? 2025 Conference Sponsor
The 2025 ARCO Conference 
Photo Gallery

We will be uploading pictures from both days of the conference in the upcoming days.
"A Must for everyone working in the IRC sector! ”
What Next? 2025 Delegate
Contact us
If you have any questions regarding the conference please contact the ARCO Events Team:

Telephone: 020 3697 1204
Email: [email protected]
Associated Retirement Community Operators (ARCO)
167-169 Great Portland Street, 5th Floor, London, W1W 5PF
T: 020 3697 1204 Email: [email protected]
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