Giving young housing professionals a voice
And that’s that – entries for 2024’s Housing’s Next Generation are now closed. Now begins the lengthy task of working through all the incredible young talent the sector has to offer in preparation for the first challenge: publishing a blog on some of the challenges facing housing.
So, keep an eye on this page for updates over the coming weeks, as we lead up to the competition’s final at the HQN annual conference in London in July.
Timeline of events
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Nominations open |
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Closing date for nominations |
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Submission deadline for nomination blogs |
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Judging panel shortlists the top 20 based on the information in the nomination submissions |
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Top 20 submit a written response to one of several topical questions |
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Judges select 10 entrants to go forward to the semi-final |
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Live semi-final and final five announced |
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Final five take part in the first round of the grand final at day one of the HQN annual conference |
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The finalists take part in a final live session at day two of HQN’s annual conference. Audience vote for the winner |
Previous winners
In our series of podcasts former winners Kate Ratcliffe (Vivid Homes) and Tom Leon-Grimes (Orbit Group) talk to Shauna Hutchinson (Sovereign Network Group) about their housing careers to date and why young housing professionals should think about entering this year’s competition.
The prizes
- A year’s free membership of Housing Quality Network
- Access to exclusive briefings and member content
- Free places at HQN events and best practice groups
- The opportunity to be mentored by a senior housing sector figure, and much more.
What we’re looking for…
We’re looking for organisations to nominate young housing professionals who:
- Show leadership potential whether through individual or team tasks
- Are passionate about delivering excellent service to residents
- Have a commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion
- Want to make improvements to the social housing sector
- Are ready to take the next step in their careers.
Why should you nominate someone for Housing’s Next Generation?
- Personal development – to help develop analytical, written and presentation skills
- Confidence – to gain the confidence to be a leader and express ideas
- Opportunity – previous winners and finalists have gone on to become directors and gain wider recognition across the sector
- Networking – to be part of a growing network of young housing professionals through our Next Generation Hub
- Exposure – to experience different aspects of housing, helping prepare for future challenges.
Anyone nominated for the competition will automatically be invited to join an exciting group of young housing professionals in the sector that meet regularly to network, hear from key speakers and benefit from peer-to-peer support. The group also get discounts on all HQN events and training.
Who is judging the competition?
We’re delighted to announce this year’s esteemed line-up of judges, featuring HQN’s chief executive, last year’s winner, and a host of social housing heavy hitters. They are:
- Alistair Mcintosh – Chief Executive – HQN
- Donna Cezair – Chief Executive – Worthing Homes
- Halisha Kaur – Chair – CIH Futures, New Business Development Manager – Bromsgrove District Housing Trust
- Tom Leon-Grimes – Service Development Manager – Orbit Group
- Shauna Hutchinson – People Advisor – Sovereign Network Group
- Nathan Ukachi-Lois – Social Housing Account Director – Totalmobile Ltd
- Kate Ratcliffe (2023 winner) – Social Value Analyst – Vivid Homes