Housing Executive has confirmed award-winning ITV journalist Elaine Willcox as host of this year’s Housing Executive Awards.
Willcox, one of the North West’s most recognisable broadcast journalists, will present the awards ceremony at the Toughsheet Community Stadium in Bolton on 6 October, where housing providers, local authorities and sector partners from across the UK will gather to celebrate innovation and achievement in social housing.
A BAFTA-winning journalist with almost three decades of experience, Willcox became the first regional journalist to win a BAFTA after an undercover investigation in China. She has also received two Amnesty International commendations for her reporting.
HOUSING EXECUTIVE AWARDS 2025: ENTER FOR FREE HERE
As Northern Correspondent for GMTV, Wilcox broke major stories on issues including human trafficking, child sexual exploitation and forced marriage, while her reporting has taken her around the world, from South African townships and Afghanistan to the Middle East.
Today, she is Lead Correspondent for ITV Granada and a familiar face to viewers across the North West, regularly presenting the region’s flagship evening news programme.
Willcox said: “I’m delighted to be hosting the Housing Executive Awards. Social housing organisations make an enormous difference to people’s lives and it’s important that the sector’s achievements, innovation and dedication are recognised and celebrated.”
The Housing Executive Awards recognise excellence across the social housing sector, with categories covering affordable housing delivery, decarbonisation, social value, technology, homelessness initiatives and the use of artificial intelligence.
Nick Fellows, Managing Director of Housing Executive publisher Crosby Associates Media, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Elaine as host of this year’s Housing Executive Awards.
“Elaine is one of the most respected and recognisable journalists in the North West, with an outstanding track record of reporting on some of the biggest stories of the past three decades. Her experience, professionalism and credibility make her the perfect person to host an event that celebrates excellence across the social housing sector.
“The Housing Executive Awards shine a spotlight on the organisations and individuals making a real difference to communities across the country, and having someone of Elaine’s calibre leading the evening helps underline the stature and importance of the event.
“We’re looking forward to Elaine hosting in Bolton in October and celebrating the remarkable achievements of this year’s finalists and winners.”
This year’s awards take place following the Housing Executive Conference, bringing together housing associations, local authorities, contractors and suppliers for a day focused on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
Time is ticking to enter the 2026 Housing Executive Awards. You only have until 30 June and you can enter for free here.
Categories include Housing Association of the Year, Council of the Year, Best Affordable Housing Development, Best Decarbonisation Approach, Best Use of AI and Homelessness Project of the Year.
For more information or to enter, visit the Housing Executive Awards website.
