After a series of increasingly difficult challenges, we’ve reached the final stages of HQN’s Housing’s Next Generation competition for 2023. Ahead of the grand finale at the HQN annual conference, here is the lowdown on our five finalists.

It started with more than 50 nominated candidates back in April and now there are just five still standing.

This year’s Housing’s Next Generation competition has seen young housing professionals put through their paces with a range of tasks, from writing a blog addressing some of the sector’s big issues to creating an idea for a TikTok video to informing the wider world about the vital role social housing plays in society.

At this year’s semi-final day at the MRI offices in central London, ten shortlisted candidates were asked to collaborate on a challenge to open a refurbished hotel – easier said than done with a strict timeframe, limited budget, no staff and some tough decisions standing in their way.

Speaking at the semi-final event, Alistair Mcintosh, HQN chief executive, said: “It’s our belief that not enough attention is given to developing the great talent that comes into the sector and this competition aims to draw out the best of that talent to see how they work individually and collectively.

“The caliber of this year’s candidates has been very strong and it’s been a challenging exercise for the judges to whittle it down to just five finalists.

“We’re looking forward to putting them through their paces at the final and I’m sure they’ll charm and impress the audience of senior housing professionals on the day.”

The judging panel

• Alistair McIntosh, Chief Executive, HQN
• Gina Amoh, Chief Executive, Inquilab
• Shauna Hutchinson, Resident Engagement Manager, Network Homes
• Tom Leon-Grimes, Customer Resilience Lead, Orbit Group
• Geeta Chahal, Senior Marketing Manager, MRI Software
• Nathan Ukachi-Lois, Social Housing Account Director, TotalMobile
• Mark Lawrence, Communications Manager, Housing Ombudsman Service

The Final Five

Michael Farbrace: Housing Management Assistant, Porchlight

“Michael is passionate about ensuring everybody has access to quality housing and safe environments. He works closely with those who have recently been homeless or at homeless risk and so understands the significance that housing can bring to people’s lives. He works to ensure Porchlight properties are at the best possible standard, always hitting compliance targets and pushing housing associations to deliver the same.

“Michael seeks a career in reducing the inequality currently seen in the housing sector. Long term, he wants to ensure that everyone has the right to affordable and good-quality housing and make it more accessible for young people to become homeowners.”

What the judges said: “Michael has taken a thoughtful and methodical approach to the challenges. Very much a team player, he was an unsung hero in the hotel task, preferring to stay in the background, but his ability shone through.”

Kate Ratcliffe: Social Value Analyst, VIVID

“Kate has worked hard to incorporate social value into tenancy support, procurement, and development processes and is a ‘go-to’ person for any queries about social value from colleagues within VIVID and from external partners.

“Kate provides invaluable support to VIVID Plus (our charitable arm) by identifying hotspots and need, managing budgets, producing monitoring tools, tracking outcomes, and writing and presenting board papers.

“She’s one of the most impressive people I’ve worked with in my 13 years in housing, especially as she’s only 25!”

What the judges said: “Kate has shown great leadership potential all the way through. She obviously has great ability and a passion for the sector. Definitely, one to watch in the future.”

Juwairiah Mussa: Marketing and Communications Officer, Poplar HARCA

“As a BAME female in housing comms, I’m a minority within my field. I’m also fairly new to housing and would like to explore and learn more about the industry whilst also sharing my insight and knowledge. I believe I’ll be able to gain confidence in my own voice, and rather than seeing my difference as something that holds me back, see it as a means to push me forward.

“I believe I have a lot to offer the housing industry, especially within communications as I believe representation is key to making sure that we’re authentic in how we show up, communicate, and better improve our services for our residents.

“I have a keen interest in making sure our communication in housing is more authentic, and diverse. I’d love to gain more insight on how to show up, and better communicate the needs of the community we serve.”

What the judges said: “A relative newcomer to the housing sector, Juwairiah has held her own throughout the competition. She isn’t afraid of speaking up and has shown leadership, particularly in the communication elements of the tasks.”

Sabrina Long: Development Graduate, The Guinness Partnership Limited

“Sabrina hasn’t only excelled in her own role, but recently in the absence of her manager ‘stepped up’ to undertake an additional workload and tasks. With less than a year of development experience, she’s already jointly leading two separate schemes which will deliver over 100 new affordable homes.

“Sabrina is already excelling within her role and, alongside her studies toward an HNC in construction, will demonstrate the practical and technical skills to become a professional. With her customer service expertise, she brings a renewed focus on service delivery, recognising the importance of better serving our customers and supporting our local communities.”

What the judges said: “Sabrina has performed well throughout the competition. Never afraid to have an opinion, she’s demonstrated quiet confidence and assertiveness when required.”

Rhapsody Yells: Project Officer, Poplar HARCA

“Rhapsody has shown an ability to come up with innovative approaches to address housing challenges. She’s an outside-the-box thinker and a keen researcher, who’s helped develop the organisations chatbot tool from scratch.

“Rhapsody has made a big impact through her methodical approaches and research-driven ideas. She’s taken the time to understand our residents’ needs and used these to formulate her ideas in all projects we undertake.

“As the housing industry continues to face new challenges and opportunities, Rhapsody’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances and leverage emerging technologies and strategies will be key to her future success.”

What the judges said: “A big personality, Rhapsody has good knowledge and understanding of the housing sector and is confident in getting her views across. She’s been an outstanding performer so far.”

Thanks to our competition partners:

It’s never too early to get involved in next year’s competition. Nominations officially open early next year but if you have someone in mind, let us know by contacting [email protected]