Members only

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 2024 competition are now open 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.

• Enter all your future stars
• No need to pre screen or shortlist as we will take care of it
• If you think they have potential, then nominate them
• You can nominate as many future stars as you would like
• Every stage of the process is a great opportunity for further development for members of your team.

The deadline for entering is Sunday 7 April 2024.

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.

Why you should enter

Former winners Kate Ratcliffe (Vivid Homes) and Tom Leon-Grimes (Orbit Group) talk to Shauna Hutchinson (Sovereign Network Group) about their housing careers to date and why young housing professionals should think about entering this year’s competition.

The prizes

• A year’s free membership of Housing Quality Network
• Access to exclusive briefings and member content
• Free places at HQN events and best practice groups
• The opportunity to be mentored by a senior housing sector figure, and much more.
  
  

What we’re looking for…

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.

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 join an 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.

Timeline of events

	Nominations open
	Closing date for nominations
	Submission deadline for nomination blogs
	Judging panel shortlists the top 20 based on the information in the nomination submissions
	Top 20 submit a written response to one of several topical questions
	Judges select 10 entrants to go forward to the semi-final
	Live semi-final and final five announced
	Final five take part in the first round of the grand final at day one of the HQN annual conference
	The finalists take part in a final live session at day two of HQN’s annual conference. Audience vote for the winner