Truth About Public Sector & NHPA Podcast

The Procurement Act 2023 has officially moved beyond implementation mode and so has the conversation. In this special forward‑looking episode, From Burden to Brilliance: Making PA23 Work, the Truth About Public Sector welcomes two of the sector’s most influential procurement leaders to explore what comes next for social housing.

Joining host Hannah Quinn‑Hill, we’re delighted to feature:

• Alan Heron, Director of Procurement, Places for People

A sector heavyweight leading procurement at one of the UK’s largest and most complex housing groups. Alan brings a national perspective on capability, commercial transformation, and how PA23 is reshaping the behaviours and expectations of modern procurement teams. Known for championing commerciality, innovation, and strategic value, Alan offers a clear-eyed view of what future‑proofing really looks like at scale.

• John Wallace, Director of Procurement, Clarion Housing Group & NHPA Representative

Recognised for his work in strengthening governance and elevating procurement maturity across the sector, John brings both an organisational and national lens. As a representative of the National Housing Procurement Association (NHPA), he shares insight into evolving talent expectations, sector readiness, and the role NHPA must now play in driving capability and consistency under the new regime.

In this episode, we move past early impressions of PA23 and dig into the future-facing truths that matter:

✅ The long‑term risks and opportunities emerging from PA23

✅ What “organisational fitness” now means; capability, skills, and commercial behaviours

✅ Whether PA23 is already creating a recruitment divide

✅ The pressure points facing social landlords across compliance, regulation, and cost

✅ How suppliers must evolve and whether innovation is really materialising

✅ The influence and expectations on the NHPA in shaping the next chapter

This conversation is for leaders, procurement professionals, suppliers, and anyone who needs to understand what PA23 really means for the next era of social housing.

If the sector is going to shift from compliance to real strategic value, this is the conversation that shows how we get there.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Parul Singh, Founder of Parallel Minds, a neurodiversity consultancy shaping a more inclusive future for people working in tech and digital roles. Parul brings a rare combination of professional expertise, lived experience, and deep sector insight, challenging organisations to rethink how they support neurodivergent talent and to build environments where every mind can thrive.

Together, we explore how employers can better navigate and balance the conflicting needs that sometimes arise within neurodivergent teams. At a time when legislation, expectations, and understanding of neurodivergence are evolving at pace, Parul highlights the importance of reflection, curiosity, and confident leadership.

This conversation is a practical guide for employers and line managers who want to create workplaces where neurodivergent colleagues feel safe, supported, and able to do their best work, not just in theory, but in everyday practice.

Is PA23 the housing sector’s biggest headache or was it long‑overdue catalyst for change? In this fast‑paced episode, Hannah Quinn‑Hill sits down with sector leaders Alan Heron (Places for People), John Wallace (Clarion), and Emma Briggs (MTVH) to unpick the reality of Public Procurement Notice 23.

Together they explore the full journey: First reactions to PA23’s arrival, What PA23 actually means for housing associations, Burden vs brilliance and where the panel really stands Practical impacts on teams, suppliers, and procurement operations. Skills, capability, and culture shifts driven by the new requirements. What needs to change next and where the sector is heading over the next 18 months

Expect honest debate, lived experience, and sharp insights from leaders who are navigating PA23 on the ground every day.

Whether you're in procurement, governance, or executive leadership, this episode cuts through the noise and helps you understand what PA23 really means for the sector today and tomorrow.