Housing Executive has revealed the first members of the judging panel for the second annual Housing Executive Awards 2026, bringing together some of the most experienced and respected figures from across the social housing sector.
Taking place at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, home of Bolton Wanderers FC, in October, the awards will celebrate the organisations, projects and individuals making a difference across affordable housing.
With the deadline for entries fast approaching on 30 June, the awards offer housing providers, councils, contractors, suppliers and sector partners the opportunity to showcase innovation, excellence and impact across a wide range of categories.
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This year’s judging panel combines expertise spanning governance, leadership, technology, data, operations, digital transformation and customer experience.
Among those confirmed is Stewart Davison, founder of Elehan Consulting and a passionate advocate for technology transformation in housing. With more than 25 years’ experience spanning frontline housing management, software development and strategic leadership, Stewart has built a reputation for helping housing providers embrace innovation while keeping residents at the heart of decision-making.
Stewart said: “For me, awards like these matter because so much of the good work in housing happens quietly, behind the scenes, and rarely gets much of a fanfare, so having a proper moment to recognise it is worth protecting. As a judge I’m looking forward to digging into this year’s entries, especially from some of the smaller teams who don’t always get noticed for the difference they’re making, and as it’s my first time on the panel I’m curious to see what the calibre is like across the board.”
The judging panel also includes Colin Sales, CEO and founder of 3C Consultants. He is recognised across the sector for his expertise in compliance, data governance and technology strategy, helping housing providers and local authorities maximise the value of their data and digital systems.
Colin said: “The Housing Executive Awards play an important role in celebrating the people and organisations making a real difference across the housing sector. Housing is about much more than bricks and mortar – it’s about creating communities, improving lives and supporting people to thrive.
“Recognising excellence helps shine a light on innovation, dedication and best practice, while also giving well-deserved recognition to those who often work tirelessly behind the scenes. By sharing success stories, the awards help raise standards across the sector and inspire others to continue delivering outstanding services.”
Also on the panel is Hony Premlal, a widely respected housing leader with almost three decades of experience in the sector. Having progressed from frontline roles to senior leadership and chief executive positions, she brings extensive expertise in governance, leadership, consultancy and organisational development.
Joining her is Dave Loudon, one of the sector’s best-known advocates for digital innovation. Founder of Digital Bark and Housing Lead for Triple Value Impact, Loudon has become a leading voice on how technology and proptech can improve services and outcomes for residents. His experience as both a housing professional and social housing resident gives him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
Completing the panel is Ben Virgo, Strategic Partnerships & Operations Director at M3 and Secretary of the National Housing Maintenance Forum (NHMF). Virgo brings significant experience in operational delivery, housing maintenance and strategic partnerships, providing valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing housing organisations today.
The Housing Executive Awards are the UK’s dedicated social housing awards programme, designed to shine a spotlight on the people, organisations and projects helping to tackle housing challenges and improve lives across communities.
This year’s ceremony forms part of a landmark day for the sector. Before the awards take place, housing professionals from across the UK will gather at Bolton Wanderers’ Toughsheet Community Stadium for the inaugural Future Foundations Conference.
The new Housing Executive event will bring together industry leaders, experts and practitioners for a day of discussion and debate focused on the key priorities shaping the future of social housing, from technology and decarbonisation to housing delivery, resident engagement and operational excellence.
Together, Future Foundations and the Housing Executive Awards will create a full day dedicated to sharing best practice, celebrating achievement and exploring the future direction of the sector.
With the nomination deadline now less than three weeks away, organisations are being encouraged to submit their entries before 30 June.
This year’s categories include:
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Council of the Year
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Housing Association of the Year
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Best Retrofit Initiative
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Best Decarbonisation Approach
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Rising Star / Best Trainee Award
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Best Social Value Project
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Best Affordable Housing Development
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Best Use of Data & Technology
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Best Repairs & Maintenance Team
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Partnership of the Year
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Women in Social Housing Award
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Best Use of AI
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Homelessness Project of the Year
The winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony on Tuesday 6 October 2026 at Bolton Wanderers FC’s Toughsheet Community Stadium.
How to enter
Entries are now open and can be submitted online.
Entry deadline: Tuesday 30 June 2026
Awards ceremony: Tuesday 6 October 2026
To submit an entry, visit: https://www.housingexecutiveawards.co.uk/NOMINATE/
For sponsorship and event enquiries, contact Darren Hayes, Head of Partnerships, on darren.hayes@crosbyassociates.co.uk or 07702 744 783.
