Housing Executive Awards 2026 – Who Will Win the Women in Social Housing Award?

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 Women in Social Housing Award is dedicated to the women who keep the wheels of the sector turning. Although progress has been made, women continue to face systemic challenges throughout their careers, and this award is a celebration of those who have pushed through regardless, raising standards for their organisations and the residents they serve.

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Nominations for the Women in Social Housing Award should show evidence of:

• A strong commitment to best practice and consistently high-quality services
• A strong work ethic and determined approach to reaching their goals
• Being a clear difference maker both to their organisation and to residents

Last year’s finalists demonstrated the breadth of talent and dedication the category attracts. Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira joined Manningham Housing Association as an Administrative Assistant in 2019 and has since risen to Head of Corporate Services, becoming a leading figure in the sector for her work on digital and AI innovation — including the MHA Portal, now used by over 1,000 tenants. Kate Elder of Accent Housing has built a career spanning more than three decades, quietly progressing through roles in policy, governance and risk before bringing that depth of experience to bear in her current post.

The award ultimately went to Sandra Costa Ferreira, whose long career in housing has been defined by trauma-informed practice, compassion and a deep commitment to safeguarding across supported housing, sheltered accommodation, homelessness services and beyond. Tanya Scott of Accent Housing was Highly Commended for her work supporting vulnerable residents in emergency and sheltered accommodation across the country.

If you know a woman in social housing who is making a real difference to her organisation and the people it serves, head to our website and nominate before the 30th June deadline.