New report calls on Welsh government to invest in housing workforce as staff fill gaps left by cuts to public services

Matthew Dicks made the call yesterday at Tai 2026, CIH Cymru’s annual housing conference, as he reflected on a report, Hearing the Housing Professionals’ Voice, commissioned by Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Ahead of the Senedd elections, he is asking the next Welsh government to invest in and better support the workforce by increasing staffing levels, expanding training and education opportunities, and recognising the impact of working with increasingly complex tenant needs.

Mr Dicks said: “This report is a reminder of just how much housing professionals are being asked to deliver – and how vital it is that they are properly supported to do so. That’s why we need a workforce strategy that provides career routes, reflects the wider diversity of Wales, nurtures expertise, increases capacity and helps develop resilience.

“CIH Cymru’s manifesto calls on the next Welsh government to treat housing as a sustainable vocation – investing in training, well-being and recognition so that the people doing this vital work can continue to thrive in their roles.”

CIH Cymru has also warned that new and forthcoming legislation, including the Building Safety (Wales) Bill and changes to homelessness and allocations law, could place additional pressure on a workforce already facing high workloads and capacity challenges.

The Welsh membership body said the findings align with its new Rooted in Resilience toolkit, launched during Stress Awareness Month as part of CIH president Julie Haydon’s presidential campaign. The toolkit aims to support housing professionals in managing workplace pressures and building long-term resilience. 

Ms Haydon said at the conference: “As a profession dedicated to providing homes and services, we know that housing’s strength does not come from bricks and mortar. It comes from people – and the resilience and professionalism that sustains them.

“If we want to deliver professional, compassionate services, we must be just as serious about investing in workforce well-being, strength and leadership as we are in the upkeep of standards. 

“The voices coming through in this research from Wales reflect what we hear across the profession – housing professionals are deeply committed but need to feel that commitment is reciprocated.”