Giving young diverse housing professionals a voice

HQN is delighted to announce the return of Housing’s Next Generation – the annual competition designed to showcase and celebrate the brightest young talent working in housing.

Entries for the 2022 competition are open from today and we’re calling on housing associations, local authorities, ALMOs and other relevant organisations to get involved.

Housing’s Next Generation is about giving young housing professionals a voice – to share their thoughts and ideas and help shape the future direction of the sector.

We’re specifically looking for people from a diverse range of backgrounds who can bring fresh thinking to the challenges faced by housing organisations, our communities, and the residents we serve.

You can enter your young housing professionals for the competition here.

The deadline for entering is 8th April 2022.

And remember, there’s nothing stopping you from entering yourself! So, if you’re under 30 and think you fit the bill, go for it.

2020 HNG winner, Kath Menzies of Fife Housing Group, said: “The whole experience has pushed me out of my comfort zone and inspired me to try and do more, with the support of Link Housing Association.

“I would encourage any young aspirational leaders to get involved – the whole experience was beneficial for me.”

Finalist Halisha Kaur of GreenSquareAccord, added: “I have genuinely been honoured to have the opportunities to share my ideas and my passion for the sector.”

Our judges for the 2022 Housing’s Next Generation competition are:

  • Tanisha Rigby, Housing Next Generation 2021 finalist
  • Sheron Carter, former housing association CEO
  • Olu Olanrewaju, Senior Consultant
  • Tony Stacey, CEO, South Yorkshire Housing Association
  • Alistair McIntosh, HQN CEO

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 and prove themselves in front of the sector

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 our Next Generation Hub, a new 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.

The stages of the competition are as follows:

If you would like to ask any questions about the competition, please email [email protected]