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Women in Housing Awards 2018 - the winners

Inside Housing reveals the winners of this year’s Women in Housing Awards and their achievements.  Photography by Mark Pinder/Guzelian

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Women from across the sector were recognised for their outstanding achievements at a glittering ceremony earlier this month.

The Women in Housing Awards 2018, held at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, highlighted the amazing work of the many women who make a major contribution to the industry.

Scroll down for an introduction from our editor and full list of winners:


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Who is being nominated for awards?Who is being nominated for awards?

Introduction

Introduction

Women have played a leading role in developing and establishing the housing sector from its inception.

From Octavia Hill pursuing ideas decades before her time, to those who broke new ground establishing the Association for Women Housing Workers in 1916 as the first professional body for housing, and precursor to the Chartered Institute of Housing, women have been at the forefront. Yet more than a century on, women remain under-represented.

For the past six years, the Women in Housing Awards have sought to celebrate the achievements of outstanding women working in public and private sector housing and construction. I am delighted that Inside Housing has been able to take the awards on for the first time this year, as part of our Inclusive Futures campaign.

Also this year we introduced new awards, including two Woman of the Year categories to honour inspirational ambassadors for women in housing, and team awards to recognise teams led by, or predominantly made up of, women.

In 2018 we received double the number of entries, meaning competition was tough. Thanks to our hard-working judges and our generous sponsors for helping make the awards possible.

Most of all, congratulations to all our winners. Your entries show commitment, dedication and excellence. We are proud to celebrate you in the following pages.

Emma Maier, editor, Inside Housing

CUSTOMER SERVICE OR SUPPORT TEAM OF THE YEAR

CUSTOMER SERVICE OR SUPPORT TEAM OF THE YEAR

MYLES COURT MANAGEMENT TEAM, HOUSING & CARE 21

  • Myles Court managers showed strong leadership and a focus on doing the best for their residents
  • The scheme is a jewel in Housing & Care 21’s crown
  • Not afraid to stand up to its employer if in its residents’ interests

Helen Judge and Wendy Darby manage Myles Court, a large retirement housing scheme of 86 flats in Dudley. They’re supported by Myles Court’s cleaners: Jane, Karen, as well as Jayne and Teresa.

During the past year, flats in the court have been remodelled and the scheme has had a communal makeover, which was immensely stressful for all involved. Helen and Wendy fought hard to minimise the impact on residents. They move well beyond what is expected of them in their role, and throughout everything they are focused on the needs of their residents.

Helen and Wendy are an absolute credit to their organisation. They put residents first. They have no qualms about standing up to the company when it hasn’t thought through how something may impact residents.

They are professional at all times, and have developed strong links not just with key local charities like Age UK but with many other outside agencies. They can be relied on to just get on with it and make the place a success. They are worthy of this award and deserve the limelight for all they do under the radar; they show what women can achieve with great heart and no little resolve.

The judges said

“This team has shown immense personal leadership to do its best for its residents. In doing so it has delivered numerous benefits, often via partnerships, creative problem solving and lobbying, as well as improved business performance.”

Highly commended

Customer service team, Homes in Sedgemoor

This category was judged by

Melanie Leech, chief executive, British Property Federation

Sarah Beale, chief executive, CITB

Sponsored by

DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE TEAM OR INITIATIVE

DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE TEAM OR INITIATIVE

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS TEAM, THIRTEEN

  • The team has transformed a failing service into a high-performing unit in just one year
  • A workforce with previously low morale is energised and delivering for its customers
  • Satisfaction rates for the repairs team’s work now stand at 98%

Thirteen’s maintenance and repairs team is predominately led by three amazing women – Stephanie Lawlor, Nik Turner and Rachel Cox – who have improved the service and earned the respect of a male-dominated workforce.

Over the past year, this team has transformed the service from one that was failing, with poor satisfaction and low morale, into a service achieving top-quartile performance, with a positive and engaged workforce and excellent levels of customer satisfaction.

The team were responsible for the introduction and implementation of a new dynamic repairs system. This has enabled the mobilisation of field-based staff, which has increased the effectiveness and efficiency of the workforce and improved customer satisfaction. This was delivered and completed within the past 12 months.

During the past two years, meanwhile, performance has improved sharply. The number of appointments kept has risen from 85% in September 2016 to 97% in March 2018. The number of jobs completed first time improved from 75% in September 2016 to 97% in February 2018.

Despite the changes and the introduction of a new repairs service, the team has remained positive, enthusiastic and committed without compromising customer service at any time. It has also maintained a satisfaction rating of 98%. The team have continued to receive positive feedback from customers for going above and beyond expectations.

The judges said

“The team has transformed its repairs and maintenance service from a bottom quartile to a consistently top quartile performance, with a highly motivated team delivering excellent customer satisfaction.”

Highly commended

Maintenance team, Broadland Housing Association

This category was judged by

Terrie Alafat, chief executive, Chartered Institute of Housing

Nicola Dibb, founder, WISH (Women In Social Housing)

Ruth Davison, executive director, National Housing Federation

FINANCE, GOVERNANCE OR COMPLIANCE TEAM OF THE YEAR

FINANCE, GOVERNANCE OR COMPLIANCE TEAM OF THE YEAR

FUNDING AND COMPLIANCE TEAM, YES ENERGY SOLUTIONS

  • A team of 18 women driven by a sense of compassion and community spirit
  • Staff prepared to work evenings and weekends to ensure works are completed on time
  • Its company estimates that the team’s fuel efficiency work will save residents £19m over their lifetime

YES Energy Solutions’ compliance team is comprised of 18 funding professionals, responsible for delivering Energy Company Obligation activities across the UK. This amazingly energetic, committed and inspiring group of women has helped a diverse range of vulnerable people rise out of fuel poverty and reduce the impact of rising energy bills.

Around 85% of the team’s work is aimed at reducing fuel poverty and supporting vulnerable customers, and around 70% of the customers it works with are in fuel poverty. The team has helped support everyone from residents on very low incomes to older householders struggling with draughty or damp homes, and those with illnesses made worse by the cold.

The team is passionate about their work and is motivated by a sense of community and the injustice of fuel poverty. Their work has delivered tangible benefits to vulnerable customers who now living in comfortable, well-insulated and dry properties for the first time in years.

Its dedication and commitment does not go unnoticed internally, but the specialism of its work and skills does not receive enough recognition more widely outside the company.

The judges said

“A really supportive and collaborative team with a good track record in making a difference to the lives of residents regardless of tenure, through bringing them out of fuel poverty.”

This category was judged by

Alison Inman OBE, president, Chartered Institute of Housing

Cym D’Souza, chief executive, Arawak Walton Housing Association

MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA

MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA

AMY NETTLETON, ASTER GROUP

  • A leader in the national debate around shared ownership
  • Amy has leveraged social media as a sales,information and relationship-building tool
  • Amy is also a Chartered Institute of Housing mentor

Amy has used the immediacy of social media to engage with potential customers, influencers and other housing professionals through a platform that is convenient and easy to use.

Social media has been consistently overlooked as a sales platform by traditional house builders. Amy saw the opportunity to take advantage of changing social habits and to create a competitive edge for Aster Group and the sales team.

She created three simple rules – be brave, be bold and be social – and encouraged not only her team but colleagues from across the business to join social media and engage with each other.

And it has worked. In the past year, the team has reached hundreds of potential customers, selling more than 90 homes this way and making a profit of £7.5m, which has been reinvested into building more affordable homes.

Amy is bold, courageous and unafraid to have a strong opinion, which makes her stand out from the crowd. She doesn’t view social media as part of her job, but instead incorporates it into her lifestyle. By sharing her whole personality she helps garner influence and build relationships.

The judges said

“Amy’s achievements show how social media can be applied to make a real difference to explain and bust the myths of shared ownership, as well as how it can be used as a means to connect with people.”

Highly commended

Hannah Thornton, South Yorkshire Housing Association, and the communications and communities team, Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust

This category was judged by

Shelagh Grant, chief executive, The Housing Forum

Gina Amoh, chief executive, Inquilab Housing Association

BOARD OR COMMITTEE MEMBER OF THE YEAR

BOARD OR COMMITTEE MEMBER OF THE YEAR

NICOLA INCHBALD, ROOFTOP HOUSING GROUP

  • Known and respected by colleagues and residents alike
  • She has a real passion for housing and for the organisation she chairs
  • Nicola’s strong leadership has prepared Rooftop for a more dynamic future

Nicola joined Rooftop Housing Group’s board in 2012 and became chair in 2013. She is that rare thing: a chair that everyone in the organisation knows, not only because of her involvement in staff events or her senior role, but because of her real interest in their lives, their jobs and the results the organisation achieves.

The past year has been a time of rapid change for the group. As chair, Nicola oversaw the recruitment of a new chief executive to replace the highly respected Ian Hughes, who had been in post for 22 years. Ian provided a great legacy to move on from, and the Rooftop board, very much led by Nicola, believed that the organisation needed to be seen as dynamic and fit for the future. She planned for the future by working with consultants to find and employ Boris Worrall – who, as chief executive, is as far removed from the previous 22 years as it is possible to be, but Nicola has made it clear that the past matters as much as the future.

She loves Rooftop, and you can see that in everything she does.

The judges said

“If you outlined what a leader needs from its chair, this entry ticks every box. She excels in the key areas of strategy and visibility… In doing so she has led the organisation to improve and blossom.”

This category was judged by

Melanie Leech, chief executive, British Property Federation

Sarah Beale, chief executive, CITB

IMPROVING THE LIVES OF WOMEN OR COMMUNITIES AWARD

IMPROVING THE LIVES OF WOMEN OR COMMUNITIES AWARD

CHILDCARE TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT PROJECT, TOWER HAMLETS HOMES

  • Took advantage of an unexpected government policy to help women into training and work
  • Over 400 women, mainly from BME backgrounds, have been assisted by the programme
  • A strong use of local partnerships has strengthened the scheme’s effectiveness

When the government announced that it was increasing the number of free childcare hours to families with children under four, Tower Hamlets Homes realised that this would provide new employment opportunities in childcare and nursery jobs. The local council estimated that this policy would create a need for at least 120 new nursery staff and childminders.

This realisation led to the creation of Tower Hamlets Homes’ childcare training and employment project, which seeks to break down barriers for women, especially those from BME backgrounds, and to support them into employment that is flexible and suitable to their specific circumstances.

The project has not only helped its clients receive valuable training and, for many, secure employment, it provides an indirect benefit of providing additional affordable childcare provisions in the area for others to get back into work.

The programme has just started its third and final year, and to-date the team has worked with 421 women. An independent evaluation carried out following the end of the second year of the project by the Foundation for Social Improvement has reported some of the following additional outcomes: 70% of women in the programme reported an improvement in their personal and communication skills; 80% reported an improvement in their confidence and team-building skills; and 62% reported feeling better prepared to enter the workforce.

The judges said

“This project showed creativity and spotted an opportunity created by a new government policy. The judges were impressed by the project’s use of partnerships to deliver for local people and its focus on women and BME communities.”

This category was judged by

Melanie Leech, chief executive, British Property Federation

Sarah Beale, chief executive, CITB

Denise Fowler, chief executive, Women’s Pioneer Housing

Debbie Green, group chief executive, Coastal Housing Group

Sponsored by

CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR

CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR

CAROLINE O’FLAHERTY, HUGH JAMES

  • A clear passion for and focus on social justice and the local community
  • Caroline has worked on multiple social housing schemes, bringing major positive social impacts
  • Helped deliver the first Welsh housing bond, which will deliver more than 1,000 new homes

Caroline is an equity partner at law firm Hugh James with more than 30 years’ experience advising the social housing sector and house builders. Caroline is passionate about the communities she helps her clients to build and takes an active role in supporting these communities on an ongoing basis after the deal is done. Her drive to carry out work with social value is infectious, and has led her to mentor 40 lawyers within the social housing team, who advise on property and construction issues as well as housing management problems.

At Hugh James, Caroline has developed a team with considerable expertise in which every member contributes towards the social value that the law firm provides.

Taking a personal approach to every client with whom she works, Caroline believes strongly in corporate social responsibility. She has marshalled her teams to get their hands dirty on several local community projects, including creating a new play area on wasteland, painting railings, landscaping a run-down area outside a sheltered accommodation scheme and building raised beds for a community in Barry.

“When appointing a team of consultants to work on our new development projects, Caroline is our first call,” says Rhianydd Jenkins, development manager at Trivallis.

The judges said

“Caroline has overcome several obstacles in her long career. She demonstrates expertise, resilience, commitment and passion, and has had a massive impact on the Welsh housing scene.”

This category was judged by

Alison Inman OBE, president, Chartered Institute of Housing

Cym D’Souza, chief executive, Arawak Walton Housing Association

Sponsored by

INCLUSION CHAMPION

INCLUSION CHAMPION

PAMELA SINNOTT, NOTTING HILL GENESIS

  • A champion for the LGBT+ community throughout the sector and beyond
  • Pamela’s commitment to HouseProud has driven huge growth in the network
  • A tireless and inspirational leader to her LGBT+ colleagues

Since joining Notting Hill Genesis in 2015, Pamela has been raising the profile of LGBT+ issues at a strategic level, as well as supporting and shaping a new LGBT+ staff network group. She has ensured the business focuses on the positive impact LGBT+ inclusion can have through hosting key events, encouraging LGBT+ staff to blog on the intranet about their experiences and encouraging the business to support London’s annual Pride parade.

Pamela is a founding member of HouseProud, the first cross-sector LGBT+ employee network group. She initially chaired its steering group, and more recently has led the design and delivery of HouseProud’s vibrant events programme.

She has used the HouseProud model to help and support colleagues to set up other employee network groups across the sector, including the BAME network UNIFY. HouseProud and UNIFY held their first joint event earlier this month. The work has inspired a model for colleagues across the sector to celebrate International Women’s Day together, creating a popular annual event attended by around 100 women and hosted by a different housing association each year.

Pamela’s contribution really stands out; she has been at the forefront of promoting LGBT+ equality, not just at her own employer but across the sector and beyond.

The judges said

“Pamela is a commercial manager with huge national reach, who goes beyond her brief to help a group facing real barriers. Her inspirational and behind-the-scenes work is highly impressive.”

Highly commended

Lucy Malarkey, Gentoo Group

This category was judged by

Sasha Deepwell, chief executive, Irwell Valley

Jenny Osbourne, chief executive, Tpas

Penni Pennington, director, ConnectIn Events

Chan Kataria OBE, group chief executive, EMH Group

Sponsored by

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR (UNDER 10,000 HOMES)

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR (UNDER 10,000 HOMES)

SAMANTHA HERELLE, MOUNT GREEN HOUSING ASSOCIATION

  • An inspirational leader who identifies and encourages similar qualities in others
  • Samantha has made a significant contribution to Mount Green’s performance
  • Altered her organisation’s operational service provision, implementing a resident-focused blueprint

Samantha joined Mount Green in September 2016, where she works as operations director. She is a committed leader within the housing industry, striving for equality and fairness in the workplace.

Samantha’s achievements are not only substantial and impressive, but more remarkable given her upbringing in local authority care. Samantha has built an incredible resilience and has maintained her self-belief in the face of adversity; she is a true inspiration to those around her.

A huge personal achievement for Samantha was securing a coveted position on the Leadership 2025 programme, designed to increase the number of BAME professionals in senior executive positions within the sector. It is well-deserved: Samantha has consistently demonstrated the skills, ability and passion to achieve leadership success.

Samantha is also skilled in identifying talent in others and supporting them to realise their potential. Samantha is open and encourages the sharing of skills and expertise between herself and her team, and she regularly works alongside junior housing staff to guide, mentor and coach them into management roles.

Samantha is a strong, extremely talented and dynamic senior leader who is an inspiration to all those around her.

The judges said

“Samantha is an inspiring leader and role model. She is also a great mentor, as evidenced by her position on the Leadership 2025 programme and record in guiding junior staff members into management positions.”

Highly commended

Louise Strongitharm, Wokingham Borough Council

This category was judged by

Terrie Alafat, chief executive, Chartered Institute of Housing

Nicola Dibb, founder, WISH (Women In Social Housing)

Ruth Davison, executive director, National Housing Federation

Denise Fowler, chief executive, Women’s Pioneer Housing

Debbie Green, group chief executive, Coastal Housing Group

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR (OVER 10,000 HOMES)

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR (OVER 10,000 HOMES)

SARAH SEEGER, CURO

  • A tireless and active campaigner for customers in financial hardship
  • Sarah’s response to the challenges presented by Universal Credit was inspirational
  • She has put thousands of pounds back into the pockets of some of Bath’s most vulnerable residents

Sarah is director of tenancy services at Bath-based housing provider Curo. Her characteristic support-led approach and commitment to empowering customers facing financial hardship, coupled with astute diplomacy and tireless campaigning, has played a key role in shaping important changes to government welfare reforms.

Sarah’s approach to supporting people who are struggling financially has transformed the lives of many of Curo’s poorest customers. She has fought hard to be their voice when they have not been listened to. As a woman in housing she stands up and fights for the rights of her customers.

When details of the Universal Credit reforms began to emerge, Sarah realised that it would be necessary to get the right financial support in place at the earliest possible stage in a customer’s tenancy journey. She designed a system called Passport to Housing to ensure customers took on tenancies they could sustain.

Despite intense political pressure locally, Sarah believed in the project and fought to prove it worked. Now, others want to replicate its success. What matters most is the impact on customers: an average of £3,445 has been put back into each participating family’s pockets, with rent arrears among Passport to Housing customers at just 0.7% compared with 2.33% for other customers.

The judges said

“Sarah has demonstrated great vision in designing Passport to Housing, ensuring customers affected by welfare reforms could take on tenancies they could sustain. Despite initial resistance, Sarah persisted with the project to demonstrate it worked.”

Highly commended

Helen Judge, Housing & Care 21

This category was judged by

Terrie Alafat, chief executive, Chartered Institute of Housing

Nicola Dibb, founder, WISH (Women In Social Housing)

Ruth Davison, executive director, National Housing Federation

Denise Fowler, chief executive, Women’s Pioneer Housing

Debbie Green, group chief executive, Coastal Housing Group

FINANCE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

FINANCE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

ZAFRIN KHAN-WHEATLEY, L&Q

  • Well-liked and respected by her peers, as multiple testimonials demonstrate
  • Helped her team through the challenges of merger and integration
  • Mentors talent within L&Q, as well as attracting talent from major external players

In her role as head of development finance at L&Q, Zafrin manages a team of 15 people, 10 of whom are women. She has an unwaveringly optimistic persona, with a can-do attitude and a highly approachable demeanour. This makes her a role model for finance staff, graduates and trainees alike within L&Q.

Having recently returned from maternity leave, Zafrin stepped back into a team that was suffering from merger fatigue; following a restructure, the team had undergone integration of two organisations’ processes and systems into one. Zafrin quickly transformed a group of staff with low morale into a team which is positive about its future and with a clear roadmap for its progression to which the staff can relate.

She is an inspirational leader of a team of dedicated finance professionals. Zafrin supports their career development by coaching and nurturing their talent, which has resulted in four staff members gaining professional qualifications under her leadership.

Zafrin is the epitome of a team player, and has a strong belief that a cohesive and engaged workforce can deliver more. She has also been instrumental in growing her team, attracting top talent from the big four accounting firms and private construction firms who want to be part of a high-performing group that makes a real difference to the business.

The judges said

“Clear evidence of great engagement with her team and the wider organisation, a real champion of the equality agenda, a great mentor and a worthy winner.”

Highly commended

Beverly Carr, South Yorkshire Housing Association

This category was judged by

Alison Inman OBE, president, Chartered Institute of Housing

Cym D’Souza, chief executive, Arawak Walton Housing Association

BEST SUPPORTING MALE

BEST SUPPORTING MALE

PAUL HACKETT, OPTIVO

  • Keenly aware of structural inequality and active in addressing it
  • Instigated a mentoring programme for young female staff at Optivo
  • Instigated group-wide targets for diversity at senior levels and beyond

Paul is a natural advocate for women. This isn’t something he does to sound good and it doesn’t come over as patronising. He expects the women he works with to do well and is unwavering in his support.

Women both inside and outside the organisation he leads feel supported by Paul, as do his female colleagues on the G15. He chairs meetings in a manner which doesn’t allow men to dominate and he ensures participation from all. He asks and doesn’t tell, and he encourages rather than dominates.

On International Women’s Day, Paul led an initiative whereby junior female staff were encouraged to shadow senior staff and receive follow-up mentoring. This was extremely successful and set the right tone for inclusive staff engagement. Paul has also overseen the use of aspirational targets to achieve diversity at both board and committee level, and has asked for organisation-wide recruitment outcomes by diversity to come to the executive team for scrutiny. These are just two examples that demonstrate how Paul understands structural inequality and actively uses process as well as words to address it.

He’s incredibly driven and successful but he’s also keen to address inequalities and allow people the same opportunities he has had himself. For these reasons, Paul is a deserving winner of this award.

The judges said

“We liked Paul’s long-standing commitment to equality and diversity. Paul also demonstrated that he understands structural inequality and is able to use processes, as well as words, to address it.”

Highly commended

John Anderson, Kier Living

This category was judged by

Shelagh Grant, chief executive, The Housing Forum

Gina Amoh, chief executive, Inquilab Housing Association

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

FORTEM

  • This employer demonstrates a real commitment to gender equality
  • It boasts impressive figures regarding pay and recruitment that underline this focus
  • Fortem has also made real efforts to attract and recruit more women into its workforce

Fortem is a family-owned contractor, employing 1,000 people and delivering property improvement services to more than 40 social housing providers.

The company is proud of its record in hiring and promoting female employees. Its achievements include a gender pay gap of 1.9%, a targeted recruitment campaign which has seen the proportion of female applicants to its apprenticeship scheme rise from 4% to 10%, while four-in-10 of Fortem’s management trainees are women.

Over the past year, Fortem has begun holding forums with female employees to identify the small, but important, changes that will better enable the company’s female employees to thrive. Fortem is already putting these in place – for example, working with its supplier to design uniforms that will be more comfortable for women working in trades.

Throughout 2017, meanwhile, Fortem’s ‘female ambassadors’ helped promote more than 23,000 work experience opportunities to pupils in local communities, giving careers talks, running workshops, and talking about work experience and career opportunities at Fortem.

“I’ve been supported by everyone at Fortem,” says 21-year-old Lucy Scales, who became a management trainee at Fortem in 2017, having joined the company around three years ago as an administration apprentice. “I was 17 years old when I started here, and I wouldn’t dare pick up the phone. Now I’m getting involved in everything – I’ve made so much progress.”

The judges said

“This employer shows tangible results based on genuine engagement with its workforce. It shows clear support for women and works to reach out to tomorrow’s employees.”

This category was judged by

Melanie Leech, chief executive, British Property Federation

Sarah Beale, chief executive, CITB

Sponsored by

BEST APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME

BEST APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME

PEOPLE AND DEVELOPMENT, YORKSHIRE HOUSING

  • This apprentice scheme is run by a hands-on, dedicated and all-female team
  • Yorkshire Housing’s first female gas and electrical engineers are graduates of this programme
  • Almost a quarter of apprentices on the scheme come from BME backgrounds

Yorkshire Housing recruited its first apprentice in 2007 and since then has seen its apprenticeship programme go from strength to strength. The scheme, which has a group of 25 apprentices at any one time, is supported by a dedicated all-female team, headed by senior people development co-ordinator Kiran Olak. This small team is always on hand to offer advice and coaching, as well as planning for the next round of apprentice recruitment.

Delivering apprenticeships is a group effort at Yorkshire Housing which depends on HR, managers and mentors working together, and to date the scheme has hosted 101 apprentices who have either completed or are working towards their apprenticeship with the organisation.

Yorkshire Housing has a ‘grow-your-own’ culture which is demonstrated by the retention rates of apprentices. More than 70% of apprentices have stayed in the business, with some teams having a strong contingent of either former or current apprentices.

The apprenticeship scheme also helps to create a more diverse workforce, with 22% of apprentices coming from BME backgrounds. Yorkshire Housing’s first female gas and electrical engineers also joined via the apprenticeship programme. Both are now fully qualified and continue to work for the business.

The judges said

“This growing apprenticeship scheme has demonstrated significant quantitative outcomes with transformations in the lives of women (and men) – who then, critically, contribute back to the association and the social housing sector.”

This category was judged by

Raj Patel, chief executive, Housing Diversity Network

Madeleine Nelson, chief executive, Plus Dane Housing

Sally Thomas, chief executive, Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

YOUNG ACHIEVER (UNDER 10,000 HOMES)

YOUNG ACHIEVER (UNDER 10,000 HOMES)

ELLIE KING, FORTEM

  • Ellie is an inspirational woman who has progressed in her career against the odds
  • She dedicates time to encourage other young women to follow in her footsteps
  • Ellie has achieved a staggering amount since joining Fortem just a few years ago

Since joining Fortem five years ago, 26-year-old Ellie King has worked her way up from apprentice plumber to Gas Safe-registered engineer – while raising a daughter on her own.

An important member of Fortem’s Birmingham team – which carries out repairs, maintenance, gas servicing and improvements on 23,000 properties – Ellie visits up to10 homes every day.

Already a role model to her nine-year-old daughter, Ellie is heavily involved in Fortem’s work with schools, where she inspires female pupils to consider careers in trades.

Ellie’s own path could have been very different. She became a mum shortly after her GCSEs, and instead of automatically carrying on to A levels, she had time to realise she wanted to do something more hands-on.

Aged 19, Ellie began an NVQ in electrical engineering. Finding it difficult to gain experience, she enrolled on a 12-week course with The Prince’s Trust, which included two weeks at Fortem. When Fortem advertised a plumbing apprenticeship, Ellie jumped at the opportunity. “I’d not done any plumbing, but they could see I wanted to be there,” she recalls.

Ellie completed her NVQ Level 2 in plumbing in 2015, and immediately began working towards her Level 3. She qualified as a gas engineer in February 2018. When asked why she keeps pushing to learn more, Ellie says: “I like to be the best I can at what I’m doing.”

The judges said

“An inspiring submission that won the hearts of the judges. Developing her career against many difficulties with a real passion to achieve and progress, Ellie is a champion for other young women. She has a great career ahead of her.”

Highly commended

Cyan Matthews, Homes in Sedgemoor

This category was judged by

Alison Inman OBE, president, Chartered Institute of Housing

Cym D’Souza, chief executive, Arawak Walton Housing Association

YOUNG ACHIEVER (OVER 10,000 HOMES)

YOUNG ACHIEVER (OVER 10,000 HOMES)

MOLLY DOWNES, KEEPMOAT HOMES

  • Molly’s housing career has been characterised by her determination and desire to succeed
  • She has achieved an incredible amount in the face of personal challenges
  • Two years after starting as a trainee, Molly is studying quantity surveying at university

Molly joined Keepmoat in 2016 after spotting an advertisement for a trainee quantity surveyor in Keepmoat’s newsletter. As a healthcare assistant at York Hospital, Molly was not a ‘typical’ candidate for the position, but she was intent on securing an opportunity to carve out a successful career and make a real difference to the community.

There was no doubting her determination and desire to succeed. Her interview performance was exceptional and convinced Keepmoat to give her a chance as a trainee.

Molly has not disappointed since, and has used this opportunity to gather as much knowledge and expertise from those around her to drive her career forward. Within 18 months, Molly was promoted to assistant quantity surveyor and now manages three housing schemes with complete professionalism.

Molly had a difficult home life so going to university was an impossibility. But her resilience and determination have driven her to enrol as a part-time student at Sheffield Hallam University, where she is studying for a BSc (Hons) in quantity surveying.

She is a hardworking and committed young woman, who is incredibly ambitious and wants to be successful in everything she does. Although relatively new to the industry, she never shies away from challenging the way things are done and striving to make things better.

The judges said

“Molly’s journey with Keepmoat is an inspiring story of overcoming hardships and challenging stereotypes of women working in the industry. The judges were also pleased with Molly’s enthusiasm to engage with and inspire other young women.”

This category was judged by

Terrie Alafat, chief executive, Chartered Institute of Housing

Nicola Dibb, founder, WISH (Women In Social Housing)

Ruth Davison, executive director, National Housing Federation

WOMAN OF THE YEAR (UNDER 10,000 HOMES)

WOMAN OF THE YEAR (UNDER 10,000 HOMES)

JO BOADEN, NORTHERN HOUSING CONSORTIUM

  • A champion both of housing and women within the sector and beyond
  • Jo is an inspiration to her colleagues and those who work with her from outside her organisation
  • A perfect role model for women seeking a career at the highest levels of leadership

Jo joined the Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) as chief executive in 2010. She is an inspiration to her colleagues and has played a big role in making the NHC the successful member-led organisation that it is today; she has been instrumental in putting in place a clear vision that puts members at the heart of what NHC does.

Born and bred in Liverpool, Jo has the same creative and can-do approach as many other Merseyside greats. Never one for the spotlight, she just gets on with the job – working tirelessly for her cause, whether as chief executive or in a voluntary capacity. When she received a CBE, Jo was genuinely overwhelmed by the well wishes and continuously brought the attention foisted on her back to the NHC.

Jo has been an inspiration to women, both within the organisation and the wider housing sector. Her incredible achievements have been the result of sheer hard work and determination.

Jo has encouraged a culture of progression within the organisation through leadership training, coaching and mentoring schemes. She is a fantastic advocate for women working to develop their careers in housing – and for her executive management team, which is all-female.

The judges said

“Jo is clearly an influencer and is seen as a real voice in housing. She has changed the purpose of housing in the North and is supportive of women leaders.”

Highly commended

Kerry Anthony, Depaul

This category was judged by

Denise Fowler, chief executive, Women’s Pioneer Housing

Debbie Green, group chief executive, Coastal Housing Group

Sponsored by

WOMAN OF THE YEAR (OVER 10,000 HOMES)

WOMAN OF THE YEAR (OVER 10,000 HOMES)

EMMA RICHMAN, GREAT PLACES HOUSING GROUP

  • Emma is seen as a vocal champion both for the housing sector and women in a male-dominated world
  • When not working for Great Places, Emma volunteers, organises, advocates and mentors
  • Winner of the Exemplary Housing Professional award at the Women in Housing Awards 2015

Emma Richman is a powerful and inspirational voice in a male-dominated world, and she uses it to great effect in support of women across the sector and elsewhere.

An award-winning professional with 22 years in the sector, Emma sits on national committees, judges national award ceremonies, mentors other women and organises conferences. She is also a mother to a teenage boy, competes in 10k runs and volunteers at the Pankhurst Centre, former home of Emmeline Pankhurst and birthplace of the suffragette movement. She is an inspiration to women everywhere.

Every day Emma is: in the office, out at sites, judging, speaking, helping, influencing, supporting, championing and inspiring others to be the best they can be.

In the words of Gail Heath, chief executive of the Pankhurst Trust: “Combine professionalism, integrity and quiet determination with an infectious ‘we can do it’ attitude and you get Emma Richman.”

Busy doesn’t cut it. Her commitment to supporting women in all areas of their lives is outstanding and unrelenting. Gail’s words don’t just echo around the housing sector of the North – they resound from the rooftops.

The judges said

“Emma is seen as an inspirational colleague and mentor, and is recognised nationally as a voice of expertise, authority and passion for women in housing.”

Highly commended

Jennifer Travassos, Westminster City Council

This category was judged by

Denise Fowler, chief executive, Women’s Pioneer Housing

Debbie Green, group chief executive, Coastal Housing Group

Sponsored by

The judges

Inside Housing recruited a panel of expert judges to ensure entries were put through their paces and only the best of the best made it on to the Inside Housing Women in Housing 2018 shortlist.

Each category was judged by a group of relevant judges, who assessed the entries and selected a shortlist of finalists, with the winners announced at an awards ceremony in Manchester on 11 October.

The judges – prestigious leaders in their field, with excellent networks – met to discuss and debate the shortlist before choosing the winners.

Terrie Alafat

Chief executive, Chartered Institute of Housing

Gina Amoh

Chief executive, Inquilab Housing Association

Sarah Beale

Chief executive, CITB

Ruth Davison

Executive director, National Housing Federation

Sasha Deepwell

Chief executive, Irwell Valley

Nicola Dibb

Founder, WISH (Women In Social Housing)

Cym D’Souza

Chief executive, Arawak Walton Housing Association

Denise Fowler

Chief executive, Women’s Pioneer Housing

Shelagh Grant

Chief executive, The Housing Forum

Debbie Green

Group chief executive, Coastal Housing Group

Alison Inman OBE

President, Chartered Institute of Housing

Chan Kataria OBE

Group chief executive, EMH Group

Melanie Leech

Chief executive, British Property Federation

Madeleine Nelson

Chief executive, Plus Dane Housing

Jenny Osbourne

Chief executive, Tpas

Raj Patel

Chief executive, Housing Diversity Network

Penni Pennington

Director, ConnectIn Events

Sally Thomas

Chief executive, Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

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