With the 2026 Housing Executive Awards getting ever closer, we’re running through exactly what the judges will be keeping an eye out for in each category. The deadline for submissions is 30th June, and you can find all awards criteria and nomination forms on our website.
The Rising Star / Best Trainee Award shines a spotlight on the upcoming talent making waves across the social housing sector. Open to apprentices and trainees of any age, this award recognises those who have taken to a new role with little or no prior experience and made an impression that goes well beyond what anyone could reasonably expect of them.
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Nominations for the Rising Star / Best Trainee Award should show evidence of:
- Making a difference within their organisation, going above and beyond what’s expected in the early stages of their career
- A high degree of synergy with colleagues and teammates
- Being highly motivated and showing initiative when beginning their new role
- Showing promise of a bright future within their organisation.
Last year’s finalists showed the breadth of talent the category can attract. Harvey Pipe progressed from entry-level admin to a multi-skilled professional delivering impact across commercial operations and social value at Dunhams in under three years. Honey Asaf Ahmet at Caridon Property became the go-to person for maintenance and voids queries within her first year in housing, at just 19 years old. Elizabeth Thompson joined Stonewater part-time as a customer experience administrator, rapidly learned more than 50 processes, and began suggesting efficiency improvements from the earliest weeks of her career.
The award ultimately went to Chloe Sykes, Social Value Officer at Morgan Sindall Property Services, whose work mentoring women and promoting inclusion had already left a lasting mark on the sector just a year into her role. “I’m speechless – to be recognised with an award like this, and only a year into my role, it almost doesn’t feel real,” she said. Elizabeth Thompson was Highly Commended.
If you know someone who has hit the ground running in a new role and is already making their mark, head to our website and nominate them before the 30th June deadline.
